Awali Konkani Community Bahrain celebrated the Monthi Fest with Fervour and Joy on September 13, 2024, at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Arabia at 05:15 PM and celebrated the Eucharistic celebration. All Konkani community members will remember the celebration!
The essence of the novenas was harmonized and blessed by the Awali Konkani Choir group with the guidance of Mr.Ivan Sequiera and the support of the keyboardist Mr.Gavian Fernandes. Special thanks to Mrs. Roopa D’Souza for preparing the slides for the 9-day Novena and Mass & thanks to Mr. Avin Miranda for helping with IT Support. On the feast day and during the 9 days’ novenas Lector ministry – under the supervision of Mrs. Jennifer Miranda engaged “spiritual enthusiasm” among the congregation.
For this auspicious day to be witnessed, Mr. Ruben Dsouza set up the Photography and Videography. Special thanks to Ushers and Eucharist Ministers who gave their support for the 9Days Novena and Monthi Fest. Everything needed for this solemn day was planned by the Awali Konkani Community. New corn (paddy) was blessed on the occasion, along with sponsors. Murdom families were honored with a blessed candle. New corn was specially bought from Mangalore by Mr.Naveen Mendonca.
A short stage cultural program was held after the mass, which was compered by Mrs.Adline and Mrs.Dilian who welcomed the audience. A short felicitation was made to His Excellency Bishop, Priests, and chief guests who were presented with a bouquet of flowers as a token of love and appreciation by A.K.C President Mr. Ronald Mathias and the office bearers of the Awali Konkani community. The Awali Konkani Community was then addressed by H. E. Bishop Aldo Berardi Apostolic Vicar of Northern Arabia, The Rector of COLA Rev. Fr. Saji Thomas, Bahrain Konkani Community Spiritual Director Rev.Fr. Darrel Fernandes, Bahrain Konkani Community Assistant Spiritual Director Rev.Fr. Marcus Fernandes and visiting priest Rev. Fr Ivan Pinto & Rev. Fr. Xavier Dsouza. They conveyed their festival wishes and thanked the community for actively taking part in the feast celebration. A short felicitation was made to the Altar Servers Co-ordinator Mrs. Laveena Martis and Mr. Prakash Dsouza by the Bishop, Priests and President of AKC & felicitation was made to the Awali Konkans Cricket Team Captain Mr. Richard Lobo and Team Wining the Runners Up Trophy in Monthi Fest Cricket Tournament 2024 in Indian Club.
In a heartwarming display of unity, kids and adults from the community came together to celebrate Monti Fest, showcasing their talents in a vibrant cultural program. The event featured a captivating dance and skit performed in Konkani, highlighting the rich cultural heritage of the community.
A nostalgic moment was created as children donned Mother Mary’s costume and entered the church & auditorium, beautifully coordinated by Mrs. Sushmita Low, Mrs. Renita Lobo, and Mrs. Roopa D’Souza. The tiny tots performed a prayer dance choreographed by Mrs. Sushmita Low, followed by an impressive performance by Jolina Dias and Austina Fernandes, which left everyone in awe.
The evening also saw a humorous comedy skit titled "Golmaal Clinic," written by Mr.Naveen Mendonca from Pambur, Bahrain, and directed by Mr.Sujay Pinto, which brought laughter and joy to the audience. The Monti Fest Song “Monthi Fest Kutma Fest” was penned by Mr.Naveen Mendonca and was performed by Mrs.Asha Moras & her team to honor the occasion.
The highlight of the cultural program was a Fusion dance with "Retro Vibes," choreographed by Mrs. Roopa D’Souza, which captured everyone's attention.
In a stunning display of musical talent, Jerola Lobo and Preetham D’Souza delivered a mind-blowing performance of Konkani songs that left the audience spellbound. This celebration was not just a showcase of talent but a reminder of the community’s strong bonds and shared traditions. A vote of thanks was delivered by Mrs.Alfreeda- Vice President of the Awali Konkani Community, who thanked everyone who supported making this event a memorable one. This was followed by a sumptuous vegetarian “Novem Jevan” prepared in classic Mangalorean style.
And so Concluded “Monthi Fest” in the blessed Cathedral at Our Lady of Arabia, Bahrain premises with joyful and right spirit along with family members and well-wishers.
If you want to check out our Function and Mass videos, Pls visit our YouTube Channel: https://youtube.com/@awalikonkanicommunity?si=mROI4e8heEuqHy1.
