Nottingham: Joyous Monti Fest Celebrations by MUKA
News: John Peter Fernandes
Daijiworld Media Network – Nottingham (VA)
Nottingham, Sep 12: Mangalorean United Konkani Association, (MUKA) here celebrated Monti Fest (Nativity of Blessed Virgin Mary) at St Theresa Church on Saturday September 11.
The Holy Mass concelebrated by Fr Michael Gallagher was held at 10.30 am. The ceremony commenced with the blessing of the new corn and honoring of the Blessed Mother was held with the children gathering around the statue of Mother Mary at the church.
As the choir sang the Konkani hymn, 'Moriyek hogolshiyam', the little angels showered beautiful flowers on ‘Mother Mary’. The readings were read by Deena D’Souza and Ricky Rasquinha. The melodies choir was led by Deepak Alvares and his team which added special devotion and meaning for the celebration.
Followed by the Holy Mass sweets and sugarcane were distributed to children. Later MUKA members gathered in Aspley hall for the day-long programme. The president Jeevan Menezes welcomed the gathering. MUKA members presented some entertaining skits such as ‘Konkani Mantri’ by John and Vincent shared jokes to keep the audience engaged.
The cultural programmes included songs by Pius Rasquinha, Conrad Aranha and Julian Noronha, group song by MUKA team and dance by Melvia and Jessica Aranha. Milk flavored with the blessed new kernels of rice was served and later all enjoyed a traditional vegetarian food served on banana leaves.
Games were conducted for children such as lucky birthday and painting competition. Prizes and certificates were handed over to the winners. Housie-Housie was conducted by Stany Sequeira and Vincy Dsouza. Joyce Aranha thanked the gathering for making the day a very special one and gratefully acknowledged the efforts of all who dedicated their precious time to prepare the traditional novem jevan. Jessica Aranha was the main host of the programm