By Roshan Lobo
Dubai, Sep 22: Ferarites UAE celebrated the Nativity Feast of our Blessed Virgin Mary (Monthi Fest) on Friday, September at Winny’s restaurant in Karama, Dubai. The master of the ceremony Clara Fernandes gave a brief introduction about the importance of Monthi Fest to the gathering.The programme started with prayer session conducted by Roshan Lobo and Leslie Pinto.
President Norbert Sequeira welcomed the guests and requested all Ferar Parishioners, those who are living in the UAE, to come together as one family and participate in all the activities conducted by the Association, and requested the new parishioners to register their names as the members of Ferarites UAE.
Guest of honor Fr Robert Lasrado, Assistant Priest at St Mary’s Church, Dubai and Spiritual Director for Mangalurean community, appreciated the efforts of Ferarites UAE, to bring all the parishioners under one umbrella and requested the whole Konkan community to keep up the traditions alive and highlighted the importance of Konkani language and urged to teach Konkani to young children. Ex Parishioner and well-wisher Joseph Mathias in his speech briefly explained how Monthi Fest originated, continued and how it is binding everyone as one family.
The traditional celebration commenced with a procession, followed by showering of flowers in front of Grotto of Mother Mary. Young and elders joined the singing of hymns 'Sakkad Sangatha Mellyam' and 'Moriyek Hogolsiam'. Blessed Novem mixed with milk was served to all. Leslie Fernandes conducted the prayer ceremony before Novem Jevan. A traditional vegetarian meal and sweet dish "Vorn" was served to all on banana leaves. Various cultural activities delighted the gathering.
Up-and-coming stars Renzil Tauro, Alvira Saldanha, Kenisha Sequeira and Rydell Tauro danced to Bollywood mix numbers.
Compere Clara Fernandes conducted various spot games and throughout the programme she kept the celebration spirit on. Exciting prizes were distributed to the winners. Soon after lunch, Housie Housie and raffle draw was conducted by Leslie Pinto and Roshan Lobo. Prizes were distributed to the winners. Also honored children who entertained the crowd. President Norbert Sequeira thanked each and every one for making this feast a memorable one.