Kuwait Brahmavar Welfare Association Celebrates Monti Fest
Daijiworld Media Network – Kuwait (RD)
Kuwait, Sep 24: The traditional Monti Feast was celebrated at Indian Public School hall, Salmiya, here by Kuwait Brahmavar Welfare Association (KBWA) on Friday September 17.
The festal Holy Mass was concelebrated by Fr Alban D’Souza, director and parish priest of St Jude Shrine and parish, Pakshikare, Dakshina Kannada and Fr John Harry D’Souza at Our Lady of Arabia church, Ahmadi, here.
Fr David Crasta, vicar general of St Mary’s Orthodox Cathedral, Brahmavar celebrated the mass at NECK (National Evangelical Church). In his homily, he highlighted the importance of Mother Mary and appreciated KBWA for organizing the Monti Fest celebrations to unite the natives of Brahmavar working in the State of Kuwait.
Fr Harry laid emphasis on the links forged by Brahmavar parish and Capuchin friars and elaborated on the message behind the showering of flowers in honour of Infant Mary.
The children including tiny tots honored Mother Mary with showering of flowers while singing the hymn ‘Moriek Hogolsyam’.
The new paddy-sheaves were blessed by visiting priest Fr David Crasta and followed by lighting the lamp by all the priests present.
Fr Kevin Daniel, member of Saba managing committee, Kerala and resident priests from Kuwait Fr Jose Mathew, vicar of St George Gregarious Orthodox Church, Kuwait, Fr George Varghese of St George Gregarious Orthodox Church, Kuwait, Fr John Harry D’Souza, assistant parish priest of Our Lady Of Arabia Church, Ahmadi and Saji Abraham, secretary of Malankara Gregarious Maha Edavaka, Kuwait were present at the dais.
Theme song of KBWA was sung by Gladys D'Silva, Juliet D'Silva, Chetana Menezes, Gretta D'Souza, Gretta Fernandes, Raina D'Mello, Louis D'Silva, Walter Fernandes, Patrick Lewis, James Paul and the music by Joe D'Souza.
Alfred Lewis, Leslie Mendonca and Aurangzeb Zed of Abraj Al Adal Engineering Works were honored for their generous contributions to sponsor the celebration of Monti Fest.
The delicious drink of richly flavored milk mixed with ‘Noven’ was distributed to the gathering. It was prepared by Lawrence D’Souza and Alfred Lewis.
Gladys D’ Silva spoke about the activities and motto of KBWA during the occasion of cultural programmes. Variety entertainment programmes were held at the occasion which was appreciated by the audience.
Renwick Lewis and group Sania Fernandes, Angel Fernandes, Shanal Fernandes, and Valence Fernandes performed bollywood and Konkani fusion dance. Dilshi and Alia, Volita and Jewel danced their feet to the bollywood music.
School children dance Chandamama was performed by Patrick Lewis, Roshan Rodrigues, Jaison D’Souza, Ronnie D’Souza and Gretta D’Souza was mind blowing.
To make it unique – a tribal dance was performed by Johnson D’Souza, Johnson Olivera, Patrick Lewis, Roshan Rodrigues, Davin D’Souza and Johnson Olivera and was enjoyed by all.
A hand painting of Mother Mary made by Trevor was auctioned.
Two members of KBWA Wilma Roche and Valentine D’Silva celebrated their Birthday and shared the joy and sweet.
Fr David said graces over the fellowship meal - Novem Jevann.
The highlight of the day was the traditional Novem Jevann served on plantain leaves as it’s an age old custom in the erstwhile South Canara. The food was prepared by Ambrose D’Souza and group. The meal consisted of traditional boiled rice; veggies and was completed with delicious sweet dish ‘Vorn’.
Lucky dip hamper draw and housie housie games were played at the end and the prizes were distributed to the winners.
KBWA office bearers expressed their gratitude to all those who contributed and actively took part in the celebration. On the whole, the Monti Fest was celebrated by KBWA, in a very grand and traditional way, with the support of all the sponsors, members, friends and their relatives.
KBWA president Walter Fernandes compered the programme. Cyril D’Souza proposed vote of thanks.