Monthi Fest 2024

The UK Konkans and Konkani Kutam London (KKL) came together to celebrate Monti Fest, a cherished event that highlights the faith and culture of our community.

Monthi Fest, also known as the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, is observed on September 8th and holds great significance for the Konkani-speaking Catholic community. This family-oriented festivity focuses on the birthday of Mother Mary and embraces our traditional customs, particularly celebrating the new harvest.

The celebrations commenced with a procession led by Fr. Ryan Pais, accompanied by Mr. Richard and Mrs. Christine Lobo, who carried the statue of Infant Mary. Participants sang “Sakkad Sangata Mellyam” (Let us join together) as children showered flowers on the statue of Infant Mary. Father Ryan blessed the new corn (paddy) from Mangalore, symbolizing our gratitude for the harvest on behalf of the assembled faithful. The Konkani Eucharistic celebration, rich in spiritual reflections, was presided over by Fr. Ryan, with the support of altar servers Cony and Jenita. The spiritual experience was further enriched by a harmonious Konkani choir featuring Shanti, Matilda, Beena, Zeena, Eric, Tom, Gratian, Harry, Sandya, Precilla Fernandes, and Precilla Lobo. Hymn booklets in both Konkani and English were distributed to encourage full participation in this sacred occasion. Over 300 devotees gathered to partake in the solemn celebration.

The venue was beautifully adorned in shades of white and blue, representing the colors of our Mother. The ladies’ team, comprising Beena, Mabel, Shanti, Margaret and Mini, crafted a stunning grotto that served as the centerpiece of the event.

Following the mass, Novem (blessed milk and paddy) was distributed to all attendees. Guests enjoyed a grand vegetarian feast of home-cooked Mangalorean delicacies, prepared by cooking teams led by Melvin, Santosh, and Beena. The highlight of the meal was the sweet “vorn,” a token of gratitude for the new harvest. Thanks are extended to all who helped prepare and serve the food. The festive meal was complemented by delightful music and spirited singing led by Gratian and Eric. All children, along with those celebrating their birthdays on September 8th, participated in cutting Mother Mary’s birthday cake.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our main sponsors for the event:

  • Mr. Rohan & Mrs. Farita Pais
  • Mr. Richard & Mrs. Christine Lobo
  • Mr. George & Mrs. Jacintha Quadros
  • Mr. Glen D’Souza

We also thank the many families who sponsored the event:

  • Mr. Vincent & Mrs. Shanti Menezes
  • Mr. Peter & Mrs. Leena Desa
  • Mrs. Precilla Fernandes
  • Mr. Vincent & Mrs. Geeta Lobo
  • Mr. Herald & Mrs. Gretta D’Souza
  • Mr. Melvin & Mrs. Juliet Rodrigues
  • Mr. Innocent & Julie Fernandes
  • Mr. Ignatius & Mrs. Mabel Rebello
  • Mr. Santhosh & Mrs. Lavita D’Souza
  • Mr. Gerald & Mrs. Gracy Mendonca
  • Mr. Nicholas & Mrs. Olympia D’Sa
  • Mr. Ceaser & Mrs. Reena Fernandes
  • Mrs. Matilda D’Souza
  • Mr. Anil & Mrs. Renita Pinto
  • Mr. Jeevan & Mrs. Caroline Lobo
  • Miss Sandhya D’Souza
  • Mr. Glenn Pinto & Mrs. Zeena D’Souza
  • Mrs. Juliana Sequeira
  • Mrs. Leena Lewis
  • Mr. Raphael & Mrs. Margaret D’Souza
  • Mr. William & Mrs. Matilda Lobo
  • Mr. Sylvester & Mrs. Sunita D’Costa
  • Mr. Santhan & Mrs. Flossy Fernandes
  • Mrs. Flora Farida Fernandes

Thank you to all volunteers for their incredible efforts.

All sponsors received appreciation certificates and gifts. Continuing the tradition initiated by Mr. Lobo, students who excelled academically were honored with Certificates of Appreciation.

Guests were entertained by delightful dance performances from Anastasia, Annalisa, Melanie, Renisha, Derrick, Rolton, Crino, Clarence, Flossy, Lavina, Savina, and Jenita, who brought excitement to the stage with Konkani and Bollywood songs. This was followed by a humorous skit featuring Tom, Harry, and Eric that had the audience laughing heartily. Attendees also participated enthusiastically, winning numerous spot prizes.

All blessed vegetables, fruits, rice, and flowers from the celebrations were auctioned to help cover our expenses, garnering generous bids from attendees. The winning bids were placed by Rohan Pais and Margaret/Matty/Alice D’Souza.

The event was conceptualized and organized by the UK Konkans / KKL Committee Members, volunteers, and ushers, who selflessly contributed to the success of Monti Fest. A vote of thanks delivered by Kevin and Matilda expressed gratitude to everyone involved in making the celebrations successful. DJ Kenn provided lively music, ensuring a fun atmosphere while photographers captured every cherished moment. The event was expertly managed by the MCs, Tom and Zeena, creating a wonderful ambiance for this cultural celebration.

Monti Fest by UK Konkans and KKL was a vibrant celebration of faith and culture, rekindling fond memories of our customs and traditions.

Mark Your Calendars:

  • UK Konkans Christmas Celebrations – December 15, 2024
  • KKL New Year Celebrations – December 31, 2024
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