Media Release

Dubai, Sep 24: Vamanjooreans UAE, a profound community residing in Dubai, celebrated the birthday of the Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ on the occasion of the feast of the family ‘Monthi fest’.

As a family, the community members gathered on September 17 at Biryani 2020 restaurant, Oud Metha here.

On this memorable day, Vamanjooreans celebrated the occasion honouring Mother Mary by praying, praising, singing hymns, offering flowers and there after consuming Novem (blessed new corn) in a traditional way. It was a fantastic opportunity for all, to meet with our fellow parishioners. The program was initiated by praising Mother Mary with the traditional hymn “Sakkad Sangatha Melyan” along with the offering of flowers in a procession.

The Prayer service was started by Sr. Hildaguard and led by Joyline Pinto and team members Lavita, Preema, Elvira, Renisha.

Emcee Joel Pinto made a fantastic job keeping the audience engaged in various games and other cultural activities.

Chief guest of the event, Sr. Hildaguard who came all the way from India to be a part of the event made the occasion more special. Many of her students were asked to speak few words about her, which made her overwhelmed with joy amidst tears of happiness. She gave an inspirational speech which brought joy amongst the crowd gathered. Sr Hildaguard was felicitated on the occasion along with James Mendonca by our president Johnson Monteiro, Joseph Mathias, Ronald Martis, Manoj Vas & Jacintha Mendonca (on behalf of Lawrence Mendonca).

All were fascinated by a solo dance performance from Rea Sequeira. Multiple Songs sung by Joel Pinto, Sheethal D’Souza, Monica Walder smoothened the minds with their euphonious voices to listeners’ ears. Few jokes cracked by Lynal, Elvira, Joel ad Rathan made the crowd laugh out loud.

DJ AshKing and Errol on the key board filled all the gaps without keeping the room quiet.

The occasion dates to the culture of having lunch with variety of food on a banana leaf. Vamanjooreans UAE had this wonderful lunch served on banana leaves and the food was prepared by Das Prakash Restaurant Karama, Dubai.

The best traditional outfit award was claimed by Joel Pinto in the male category and Eveline Monteiro in the female category.

A quiz on the topic of Vamanjoor and history was conducted. The winner was David.

Popular game Housie Housie was conducted at the end of the programme and prizes were distributed for the winners.

Finally, the baila dance session was held for all the crowd gathered, to cherish the beautiful memories. The whole event was captured by Rohil.

The entire event was formulated under the leadership of Johnson Monteiro and Stephan Menezes and other committee members.

The event was a splendid success as many Vamanjooreans were present and they left the venue with memories to last a lifetime.