Report: Ronald Fernandes, Shirthady
Dammam, Sep 23: The Saudi Konkan Youngsters (SKY) Dammam, Saudi Arabia celebrated the feast of nativity on Friday, September 18 at a Farm House, Al Khobar.
The programme started at 10 am with a warm welcome by SKY President Ronald Fernandes Shirthady, followed by the prayer service led by uncle Jobi. The statue of Mother Mary and the paddy was brought in a procession singing the Konkani hymn 'Sakkad Sangatha Melyan' and little children came following the procession carrying fresh flowers to offer Mother Mary. Melodious Konkani choir was led by JCCF Group Dammam, which was supported by wonderful playing of the keyboard by Sharon and Shalom Fernandes.
After the prayer service, the blessed Novem (new corn) mixed in milk was distributed to everyone. The delicious homemade vegetarian food consisting of eleven varieties of vegetables including sanna, rice and vorn was served to the crowd on banana leaves, which was appreciated by every one for its unique taste with typical Mangalurean flavor. At the end of lunch session the traditional song, 'Lau-da-te' was sung. A cake cutting ceremony was held for all the members who were celebrating their birthday in the month of September and cake was served to all.
Ajith Peter D'Souza’s 4th Konkani Album 'Tem Yevnchea Vella' was released by Patric D’Almeida, George Fernandes, Wilfred Crasta, Eric D’Sa, Stany Mathias and Royston Rodrigues.
There were a row of entertainment programmes like dance, games, spot games, lucky draw etc.The Prizes were distributed to the winners by SKY Committee members. The biggest prize of the day was Samsung Smart TV 40 - UHD won by Walter Lobo.
At the end of the programme sugarcane (Kobu) was distributed to all the children. They were overwhelmed with rarely seen sugarcane which gave complete enjoyment and excitement of feast.
The entire programme was compered by Ronald Fernandes and vote of thanks was proposed by Steevan Rodrigues.
The program concluded at 4.30 pm and the support from the gathered people renewed the spirit of happiness and inspired to carry on this feast in a true Mangalurean culture, customs and tradition. More than 300 Konkani speaking people enjoyed it to the full and expressed their satisfaction and gave positive reviews.
SKY Executive committee members take this opportunity to thank all the volunteers who helped and contributed in different ways to make this program yet another successful one.