Media Release by Dinesh Correa
Dubai, September 24: Famad Pernal came together at Richmond Hotel Apartments party hall on Thursday, September 17 and celebrated Monthi Fest in a simple but traditional manner.
Members of the Executive Committee were in traditional dress with 'Kurtaum', 'Kaas', 'Urmal'. children looked bright and brilliant in the procession to offer flowers to the statue of Maria Bambina to the choir singing of 'Sokkod Sangatam Mellyam' followed by 'Moryek Hogollsiyam'. Earlier, Rita Lewis recited prayers to begin the celebrations with a hymn 'Ie tum Fatimache Saibhinni'.
The blessed new corn or 'Novem' was brought to the hall in a unique and traditional way. The newest addition as daughter-in-law to Pernal parish family, Reshma D'Souza (wife of Roshan D'Souza, Taddemar) ceremoniously brought the Blessed corn to the hall and in return was given the honour of a 'Kapod' (the saree) from one of the senior members of Famad Pernal, Leena Pinto. The Blessed corn was then mixed with milk and distributed to all gathered and was consumed with reverence and spirit of unity.
The annual award to a parishioner for his outstanding contribution to the parish and the association, 'Vinchnaar Pernalgar (Outstanding Pernalite of the year)', was bestowed in a ceremonious manner. This year's award went to Lawrence D'Souza (fondly known as "Anna"). Dony Correa conducted this part of the programme and read a detailed outline on Lawrence D'Souza’s personal life and contribution towards the organizaton. Anna was given a memento, a citation, shawl and flowers.
The day was also the annual general body meeting where general elections for the forthcoming executive committee posts were held.
A tasty vegetarian dinner served on 'Xirotti' or the banana leaf. There were fifteen dishes with the specialities like 'Potrade', 'Vorn', 'Puli Koddel' and 'Allum Dento'. The food was prepared by members themselves and had a typical 'Gaonti' taste, but more importantly their commitment and hard work to organize such a grand dinner was noteworthy.
Lawrence Correa, Charles Mathias, Dony Correa, Vincent Lobo and Dinesh Correa compered various parts of the event.