By Colin Fernandes

Victoria, Sep 13: Subject: The Mangalorean Catholic Association of Victoria, Inc (MCAV) celebrates Monti Fest

Somewhere along its evolution in Mangalore and the surrounds, the feast of nativity of Mary absorbed the rituals of celebrating the first seasonal harvest of rice and the showering of flowers. The Mangalorean Catholics were predominantly rice farmers and vegetable growers. It was just proper that the vegetables too took their place in the feast. A meal with a variety of vegetable preparations is an important part of the celebration of Monti fest.

The Mangalorean Catholic Association of Victoria brought together a large number of members and non-members to this special celebration on Sunday, Sep 13, at the St Mary’s Hall in East Malvern.
 
The celebration included several attractions. There was, of course, the mandatory 'Sokkod Sangatha Mellyam' and 'Moriyek Hogolsiyam'. Children lined up with flowers in hand to greet Mary. A grand choir was led by Elias Mascarenhas MCAV's ever active Senior Member. Then followed the Konkani Mass celebrated by Father Gilbert Carlo who in his homily stressed on strong family values drawing inspiration from Mother Mary as our Divine Mother.

 
Allen Mendonsa MCAV’s Secretary delivered the welcome speech by emphasising the significance of Monthi Fest and its ever growing importance among the Mangaloreon Catholics. In addition, all the guests tried their luck in bingo with cash prizes awarded to winners. The Celebration was hosted by another active member Reginald Kamath Pereira. Janet D’mello MCAV’s member was actively involved in the kitchen and food department.

The highlight of the event, ‘Novem Jevan’ (traditional Mangalorean vegetarian meal) which consisted of various vegetarian dishes including the highly sought after Pothrade and the Vorn for dessert. Guests were delighted with the colourful array and mouth-watering flavours of the home-cooked dishes prepared by members of the group. Some went for more helping of the delicious food as if they were delicacies tasted after many years.

Bert Naik MCAV’s President was unfortunately not present for the event due to personal commitments. Fevin Mascarenhas MCAV’s Treasurer made sure that all the activities in the celebration were in order. Colin Fernandes MCAV’s Vice President in the concluding speech thanked everybody present there for gracing and supporting the celebration and made a special mention of more activities to be organised by MCAV in the coming months namely the New Year Celebration.

The event turned out to be a grand success jam-packed with a mixture of tradition, fun and excitement. It was an excellent opportunity for Mangaloreans to come together to celebrate the Nativity as well as mingle amongst one other.

• Nativity Feast Around the World : Click Here