from Sophia Rodrigues     
Auckland

Auckland, Sep 12: Mangalore came alive in New Zealand on Saturday September 8  That's what it seemed like when the first-ever celebration of the feast of the Nativity of our Blessed Mother took place in Auckland.

The celebration was the brainchild of a few families who decided that they should celebrate the feast with a get-together and a traditional Mangalorean "Noven" lunch served on banana leaves and the delicious "Warn"

Getting banana leaves proved to be the most difficult task because banana plants are rare in Auckland and the leaves tear apart in the strong winds here. A persistent effort led by Jeana and supported by Danny, Stany and Raoul ensured each of the nearly 75 members at the celebration got a banana leaf to eat on.

Calling the event a success is a modest term! It was one of the most beautiful events ever organized and every guest was reminded of our Mangalorean culture.

Being the first time, the invitees were limited to a few families but for the next year there is already a huge list of families lined up.

Watch Nativity Feast Celebration Photo Albums: From Mangalore, Bangalore, Mumbai, Middle East, UK, USA, Canada.... Click Here