News and Pics by Rons Bantwal
Daijiworld Media Network—Mumbai (RD/CN)
 
Mumbai, Sep 8: The feast of Nativity of Mary is celebrated across the world by Christians on Tuesday September 8.  It’s called ‘Monti Fest’ among the Konkans in the west coast of India.  It’s also an occasion to celebrate the new crop by sharing with family and brethren. 
 
Historically, the feast of Nativity of Mary was first introduced at Mount Mary Cathedral, Bandra (West), here in 1566 while the devotion to Infant Mary spread across the Goa and west coast of India. The feast of Nativity of Mary got its local flavour in undivided DK with the celebrating of new crop, as the Catholics in the region hailed from agrarian communities. 

Meanwhile, the celebration of the feast and new crop spread to Catholics all over the country in its traditional form which involved gathering at the table to share the delicacies of the new crop, thereby promoting brotherhood and bonding among the family members. 
 
It’s also an occasion to thank God for all the graces showered including abundant rainfall and food grains. 
 
Irrespective of where the family members resided, they would all unite during the feast at their ancestral homes as was the practice followed over many generations.  The ancestral family sends the new paddy sheaves by post to their family members residing in far away towns and countries abroad if they cannot make it to the celebrations at their homes back in India. 
 
Nine-day novenas are usually held ahead of the feast of Nativity of Mary by children offering flowers to Infant Mary at various churches.
 
The feast of Nativity of Mary is celebrated with much fervour at the Our Lady of Vailankanni parish, Irla, Andheri (West) as the parish is dedicated to Infant Mary.  The devotion to Infant Mary begins at Mount Mary Chapel, Bandra (West), a week ahead of the grand feast which is popularly called as ‘Bandra Fair’ where innumerable devotees from across the metro throng.