Daijiworld Media Network - Abu Dhabi Bureau (ODS)
Abu Dhabi – Sep 06: – Konkani Community in Abu Dhabi celebrated the Feast of Nativity (Monthi fest) with solemnity and traditional fervour at St. Joseph’s Cathedral in Abu Dhabi on Thursday September 6th evening.
The evening’s ceremony commenced with the colourful floral offering by children and teenagers. Little kids thronging around the graceful statue of Mother Mary enthusiastically participating in the beautiful ceremony singing the traditional “Sakkad Sangatha Melyam” and “Mariyek Hogolsiam”, hymns, which echoed the church premises, the rhythm filling the air creating a holy ambience.
The new corn which was specially flown in from Mangalore, was blessed and a short procession was taken around the Church compound, carrying the statue of Mother Mary bedecked with flowers and candles.
The Holy Mass in Konkanni was offered by Rev. Fr. Anthony Lopez of Bishops’s House, Abu Dhabi. The outdoor church premises was filled with large number of devotees braving the humid weather.
Earlier Rev. Fr. Savari Muthu, Parish Priest of Abu Dhabi, commended the excellent cooperation and services of Konkani Community towards the church in Abu Dhabi. In his homily, Fr. Lopez explained the origin of Montifest in Mangalore the great festival, specially close to the heart of the Konkanni speaking community of Mangalore and Goa.
As the symbol of new harvest, fresh fruits and vegetables were offered during the Mass by young children.
The Konkanni Choir, with soothing hymns specially arranged and conducted under the leadership of Mrs. Leena Fernandes for this occasion was praiseworthy and elevated the spirit and solemnity of the occasion.
The new crop (Novem) was distributed to all devotees after the Mass.
The whole proceedings brought back the memories of the age old tradition of Mangalore, wherein the feast of Mother Mary is celebrated with gaiety, and the feeling of oneness was felt among the Konkanni speaking people of Mangalore, Karwar, Goa and the Konkan Belt residing in Abu Dhabi.
The Konkanni Cultural Organization (K.C.O.) as per their tradition, distributed light refreshment and drinks to all the participants after the wonderful ceremony.
Dolphy Vaz – President of KCO thanked the community for their excellent cooperation specially the ushers and the choir members who had put in lots of effort in organizing the days proceedings. He also thanked the donors who had contributed towards the festival.
The whole ceremony was conducted under the leadership of Konkani Cultural Organization (KCO) Abu Dhabi, who have been taking the lead since several years along with other church groups.
The initiative and effort taken by KCO to keep up the Mangalorean tradition and culture is praiseworthy.