Media Release
Chicago, Dec 16: It was a "White Christmas" for the celebrants who came for the Nathal Fest celebration of Mangalorean Konkan Christians Association of Chicago. All day it started snowing and at the end of the day there was more than 8" of snow on the ground. Roads were slippery, and hundreds of flights were canceled and yet a good number of Mangaloreans gathered to celebrate Nathal Fest 2007. It was a wonderful Christmas celebration with all its festivities at Courtland Square Community Hall, Des Plaines, Illinois.
Nathal Fest-2007 commemced with Holy Mass celebrated by Rev. Fr. Henry Sequeira. The Mass was wonderfully conducted in interactive style in Konkani. In his homily Fr. Sequeira reaffirmed that the culture plays a predominant role in one's character and in all round progress. "We have to rejoice together and preserve and promote our prosperous cultural heritage" said Fr. Sequeira. The MKCA Choir organized by Dorothy Rego and lead by Denzil Concesso sang hymns in Konkani, English and Kannada.
The formal program was started by Austin Prabhu, inviting the current Executive Committee to the dais. The committee consists of Stany D'Souza, President; Lawrence Mascarenhas, vice President; Mark Rodrigues, General Secretary and Godwin Rego, Treasurer. In his remarks Stany D'Souza presented the significance of cultural heritage to individual member who has migrated from India. He gave brief history of programs conducted by MKCA and the upcoming new venture of Christmas Carols group, which is poised to go house-to-house to spread Christmas spirit during the December 21-23, 2007. He thanked the Executive Committee, Board of Directors and members for their unconditional support in the success of the Associations programs.
The newly elected office bearers of the Executive Committee were introduced to the audience. The committee consists of Lawrence Mascarenhas, President; Mark Rodrigues, Vice President; Vissia D'Souza, General Secretary; Dorothy Rego, Associate Secretary and Mercy Concesso, Treasurer. In his acceptance speech Lawrence Mascarenhas praised countless efforts laid out by the past presidents Austin Prabhu and Stany D'Souza in the success of the Association. He commended the great efforts of active members of the association in their staunch support in organizing the programs and myriad of other activities of the Association. He also requested everyone for their support in uniting Managaloreans scattered in and around Chicago.
This was followed by Happy Hour, where the participants enjoyed tasting the Mangalorean style appetizers consisting of Grilled Chicken and Ambades. There was open bar for adults who savored the drinks of their choice.
There was impromptu singing of solo and group songs in Konkani, English, Hindi and Tulu by the participants present. The attendees were all amazed to hear and see the adults singing old as well as new hit songs of the time. They encouraged each one of them with thunderous applause as a mark of their appreciation.
Children of all age group and young adults enjoyed the games arranged. Becky G.K. won first place in passing the bear under 13 years category and Nichole D'Souza won second place. Angel D'Souza won first place in popping the balloon in age group 13 to 25 years category. There was lucky ticket for adults and Alphonse Mascarenhas was the winner. All winners received the gift certificate courtesy - India House, Viceroy of India, Gaylords and Brown Cow Ice cream. There was wonderful dance performance presented by Crystal Rodrigues with Aisha and a solo dance by Angel D'Souza. These hit songs of Hindi movies and the magnificent dances performed by the dancers were very well appreciated by the audience.
The Mangalorean style dinner consisting of several main and side dishes along with dukra maas and sannam , which well served the participants appetite. The desserts were consisted of delicious vorn and carrot halva. The participants relished the taste of authentic Mangalorean menu, prepared by the organizing committee members.
There was group singing of Christmas Carols by the children, which mesmerized the audience and the sweet Christmas spirit. When the children began to sing 'Jingle Bells' song the spirited Santa came out dancing, singing and ringing his bells with his famous 'Ho, ho, ho' laughter and all the children's sparkling eyes greeted him with broad smiles and giggles. It was awesome to see the children's amazement and joy to see the real Santa with his Christmas presents. The children overjoyed to get a unique gift from Santa. Santa was presented by Austin Prabhu.
All the participants were moved with delight to receive a box of mouth watering 'Kuswar' consisting of chaklio, rice laadu, kideo, kokkisan, cake, chips, nankuts, tukdio, khazur , nevrio, kaarakaddi and coconut burfi. These were also home made by the organizing committee members, which were presented to all participants of this program in a beautiful plastic box.
As concluding remark the Secretary of the Association Mark Rodrigues thanked all the committee members, members, guests and well wishers for their great support and generous help in success of this program. As usual the participants rushed to the floor to dance to the tunes of Konkani, Hindi, Spanish and English songs presented by D.J. Nil, Anil D'Souza. This program was effectively compeered by Austin Prabhu with his dynamic speech and recurrent good natured humor. The program was great success under the leadership of Queenie Mendonca, Chairperson, Nathal Fest Committee.
The Executive Committee announced that they have arranged an unique fund raising activity of Christmas Carols Traveling Group, who will go house-to-house to sing Christmas Carols, accompanied by house blessing by Fr. Richard Vaz. This will be held during December 21-23, 2007 from 4 pm – 12 midnight. The committee anticipates everyones support in the success of this program. For further details, contact Queenie Mendonca at 708-837-0223.
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