Monti Fest Celebrated in Manchester
Manchester: KCA-UK, celebrated the Monti-Fest on September 10, 2016, at the Gandhi Hall in Manchester- UK. The Konkani speaking families from different parts of UK gathered on time as one family to fete this joy. Gathering of around 200 people renewed the spirit of happiness to this feast and inspired to carry on this feast in a typical Mangalorean Konkani Culture, Custom and Tradition.
Stany Rodrigues from Manchester gave the introduction to the celebration. This was soon followed by the showers of flowers by the children and the adults as an offering to Infant Mary to commemorate her birthday; whilst the choir simultaneously sang the hymn “Morieak Hogolxieam”.
Fr Reginald Mascarenhas from London offered the Holy Mass. The first reading was read by Kenny D’sa from Birmingham and the second by Diana Lobo from Manchester. In his homily Fr Mascarenhas stressed on family values and explained that woman’s role in building an ideal Christian family. The choir uplifted the spirit by melodious singing, led by Stan Mendonca Manchester along with Sujith Rodrigues and Mukesh Kannan from Manchester.
Prior to the end of the mass Ronal Lobo – Manchester offered thanks to Fr Mascarenhas, the Choir Team and all the people for their devotional participation during the holy mass. At the end of the mass elderly people who were amongst the assemblage were invited to the dais to actively participate in mixing the blessed corn with the milk which was later shared with all the guests.
Liza Barboza-Liverpool arranged and served the soft drink to all the guests. Vinod Barboza Manchester along with Joseph Sequeira-Warrington and Sonal Mendonca – Manchester, hosts the event and brilliantly channelize the events for the rest of the day. The President of KCA-UK Santhosh Pinto Manchester extended his warm welcome to all the guests.
Cultural activities commenced with a traditional Indian classical dance followed by some amazing dances, singing, comedy and fashion show. There was increased participation from kids, which is one of the highlights of the show. Adults and kids from Manchester, Warrington, Preston, Leicester, London, Nottingham, Sunderland, Carlisle and Middlesbrough came together as one team and entertain the audience with great unity and perfection.
In the traditional meal there were seven different types of delicious vegetables, including Sanna, Aluo Detto, Rice and Vorn, which were prepared by KCA UK members, later served to the KCA-UK guests. KCA-UK specially thanked Martin Saldanha, Richard D’Silva, Kenny D’sa, Cyril Pinto and Shailesh Rego for their dedicated work and also for their planning and co-ordination in arranging the food for all guests in time.
Raj Francis Pereira Carlisle dedicated himself to cover the entire day’s photography, whereas Vinjoy Rego captured the day on his video camera.
Benson Moras from was the DJ for the event also responsible for the Sounds Systems for the day.
Ronald Lobo Manchester carried out a fundraising event for the Association in the form of auctions of items specially brought from Mangalore. The fund collected from this auction will be used towards the day’s expenses.
Joseph Sequeira Warrington conducted the Bingo where the prizes were awarded to the winners.
The vote of thanks was given by Stan Mendonca Manchester; he expressed her gratitude and thanked everyone who directly or indirectly supported to make the event a grand success. He also gratefully expressed special thanks to the people who worked behind the screen for days to make the event a very success.
Sincere thanks go to Members of MUKA – Nottingham for their unconditional support during the event.
The event was concluded with a tea followed by lau-da-te and the floor bail dance.