Pics: Rons Bantwal
Daijiworld Media Network-Mumbai

Mumbai, Sep 18: Nostalgia was in the air, for the Konkani Catholic Community of St John The Evangelist Church, Marol on September, 2016.  St John Konkani Samudai & Couples for Christ (CFC) jointly celebrated ‘Monthi Fest’, feast of the Nativity of Mother Mary.

Festivities began at 5.00 pm with the celebration of the Holy Eucharist in Konkani, by Fr Abraham D’Souza followed by a procession by the flower bearing children to the school Auditorium. Flowers were showered on infant Mary, to the accompaniment of hymns.   

Stage was set for the presentation of the cultural program. Ida Pinto welcomed the guests. Claudy Monteiro and Veena Monteiro offered the traditional PAAN-POD-GOD-UDHAK (Beetle Leaves & Beetle Nuts, Jaggery & Water) to the guests. Cultural extravaganza included a Prayer dance by Miss Riona Pinto, Jenifer Pais and Sara D’Souza, action song by a group of small children, followed by a group song by the St. John Konkani Choir Group. Three comedy skits were presented by Mr. Walter Lasrado, Mr. Augustine Soares, Mr. Thomas Pereira, Mrs. Hilda Pereira, Mrs. Sunita Soares and Mrs. Rita D’souza sending peels of laughter among the audience. Eighteen children performed a beautiful group dance and a team of four Konkani Youth Miss Andrea Soares, Asmita Soares, Hezita Pereira and Annarel D’silva had the audience sway to the tune of Aaz Mhozo Ugdas Patim Patim Veta (Down the Memory Lane).  

Fr Abraham D’Souza SVD, Guest of Honor, explained the importance of Monthi Fest, Konkani Culture and Traditions in his speech and Fr. Clement D’ilima, Parish Priest appreciated the community spirit of the Konkani Catholic community of the Parish.  Fr. Glen blessed the food with the prayer of “Grace Before Meals”. Mr. Augustine Soares,   CFC head and President of St. John Konkani Samudai proposed the Vote of Thanks. Mr. Wilson Pinto was the anchor. Fr. Alban D’souza was present for the programme.
The program was a grand success with the active support of the members. The contingent included Mr. Augustine & Sunita Soares, Mr. James & Telma D’sa, Mr. Thomas & Hilda Pereira, Walter & Leena Lasrado, Claudy & Veera Monteiro,  Gretta & Dennis D’silva,  Ida & Wilson Pinto,. Mary Fernandes, Jessy Fernandes, Clifford D’souza, Rita D’souza, Alice D’souza, Pramila S.D Almeda, Rosy D’souza, Violet Lobo,  Regina D’silva and many more.