Monthi Fest - Mangalorean Association of the East Coast, New Jersey
News & Pics: MCA-EC Board
Daijiworld Media Network - New Jersey
New Jersey, Sep 15: September 11 marked the day of the Monthi festh celebration by the Mangalorean association of the East Coast (MCA-EC). It was a fitting day to honour the 'Queen of Heaven' with the sun shinning brightly as people drove to New Jersey from all over the East coast of America.
With a gathering of about 230 people, the evening began with a warm, yet captivating welcome speech by the president, Mark Mendonca. Through a combination of personal anecdotes, humour and quotes, Mark emphasized the need for fellow Mangaloreans to be connected to promote their culture and help each other.
The Mass was celebrated by Fr Leo Lasrado. His sermon was most enlightening as he explained Mary’s role in the church and why it is dutiful to honour her. St Cecelia’s parish hall, Edison, resounded with the sound of the melodious choir and music conducted by Vijai Furtado. The kids then lined up in procession as they stood in awe and excitement to offer flowers to Baby Mary with the hymn 'Sakkad Sangatha Melyan' being sung with due reverence.
After the holy mass, Manesh Aranha, the compere, took over and invited everyone for a round of appetizers. He was joined by Dilip Lewis wearing a 'Mundoo' and churning out some hilarious 'Konklish'. The cultural program encompassed a multitude of talents from singing to dancing and drama. The kids took the lead by showing off their Konkani singing skills. There were one liners by the comedy couple, Anita and Harry Pinto, who had the crowd laughing in splits and asking for more. The folk dance performances by the children and a fusion dance by the adults won a hearty applause. The skit put up by 13 year old Clayton Monis and 10 year old Meldon Mendonca won the hearts of people and showed that Konkani language still reigns strong in many households in the US.
The baila echoed the enthusiasm of adults for the Mangalorean culture. “Dhole Dhanpun kazaar zalon” scripted by Dilip Lewis was superb and brought back memories of the renowned late Wilfy Rebimbus. Vanitha Furtado, Merlin Mendonca and Bernie D’Souza displayed their singing talents while singing “Suknim Ubon Ghelin” which was composed by the gifted Vijai Furtado.
Bernie and Mark kept the audience on their toes during their fun filled-skit “Kiss”. Thanks to the thrilling performances by all the talented individuals, the hour-long cultural programme had the crowd totally entertained.
The dinner was a traditional vegetarian spread to keep up with the Monthi Fest theme, the icing on the cake being the delicious “Vorn”. The “Novem” was blessed by Fr Leo, mixed with the “Vorn” and given to the head of each family to share with its members. After dinner, the dance floor was packed with people, young and old, shaking to the peppy tunes played by the DJ Vijai.
The event had sparked a lot of creativity and it was evident from the first 'MCA-EC Newsletter' brought out by two teenagers, Clayton and Wenola, who did a commendable job. Clayton Monis was unanimously declared winner of the MCA-EC logo contest and was awarded the prize by Fr.Leo.
It was also an occasion to launch the first audio CD of the event compiled by Vijai. The CD is already a hit with over 30 copies sold in just one day. Copies can be obtained for $ 5, and requests may be made to contactus@mca-ec.org
The event concluded with a heart warming vote of thanks delivered by Anita Pinto, the event chair.