Media Release

Mumbai, Sep 9: St Joseph’s Konkani Welfare Association Mira Road celebrated Monthi Fest (Nativity of Mother Mary) in a very grand style on September 8. The festivity began with a Konkani Mass. The main celebrant was Fr Archiebald Gonsalves, ex-provincial Carmelites along with Fr Melvin D Cunha, parish priest, and assistant parish priest.

Same day in the evening, they celebrated both ‘Konkani Manyata Divas’ and ‘Novem Jevann’ in the church hall. The programme began with a welcome dance, followed by welcoming the guests traditionally with ‘Paanpod Udaak’ by Alex Fernandes. Digo Rodrigues, president, welcomed the guests with flower bouquets.

On the dais eminent personalities, such as chief guest Fr Archiebald Gonsalves, parish priest and spiritual director Fr Melvynn D’Cunha, Maan Monis (poet and writer) Neri Melvin Nazareth, Sister Superiors from Holy Cross, Ankur and Sneha Sadan Homes, along with president Digo Rodrigues, assistant secretary Jerald D’Souza, treasurer, Lawrence Mathias, cultural secretary, Jossy Gonsalves and erstwhile president John Crasta were present.

The programme was inaugurated by pouring the Rice in the ‘Kollshi’ to prepare a ‘Mudo’. The Mudo was then auctioned and the proceedings of the same donated to Kerala flood victims. This meaningful act took everyone back to village farming days.

Maan Monis Neri Nazareth was felicitated with flowers, fruits, shawl and Maan Patr. He expressed his gratitude towards the Konkani speaking people and the Konkani Association Mira Road. ‘Taan’ the Konkani poetry book from ‘Prasann Niddodi’ was opened on the occasion. Fr Archiebald in his speech highlighted the history of Konkani language how it originated and how it is being strongly routed in Goa and Mangaluru today. He also emphasized that in Mumbai one should use Romi script as today’s youth is using English language more prominently here as it is easier for them to learn Konkani. Fr. Melvynn spoke on the need to teach and develop interest in children mother tongue Konkani. All guests and donors present were felicitated with flower bouquets.

The Konkani cultural programme by the children and association members with rib tickling comedy skits, songs and dance turned all present in a laughing mood. Jerald offered the vote of thanks.

‘Noven Jevann’ followed immediately for around 500 people, with seven types of vegetable delicacies and ‘Vorn’, which reminded everyone of their nostalgic years in Mangaluru. The programme culminated by singing ‘Laudate’ from all the association members. The entire programme was compered by Henry Sequeira with his eloquent and emblazon style.