Saudi Konkan Youngsters Dammam Celebrates Monti Fest
Dammam, Saudi Arabia: The Saudi Konkan Youngsters (SKY) Dammam, Saudi Arabia, Celebrated the Nativity of Our Blessed Virgin Mary, also known as the ‘Monti Fest’ on Friday, September 06, 2019 at a Farm House in Dammam.
The programme started at 10 am with a warm welcome by SKY President Ronald Fernandes Shirthady, followed by the prayer service led by uncle Salu. The statue of Mother Mary and the ‘paddy’ specially flown in, from Mangalore was brought in a procession singing the hymn “Sakkad sangatha Melyan” with children carrying flowers to offer Mother Mary. Melodious Konkani choir was led by JCCF Group Dammam, which was supported by wonderful playing of the keyboard by Sharell Lewis, Alwisha Tauro & Rachel D’souza.
After the prayer service, the blessed Novem – new corn mixed in milk was distributed to everyone. The delicious homemade vegetarian food consisting of eleven varieties of vegetables including sanna, rice and vorn was served to the crowd on banana leaves, which was appreciated by every one for its unique taste with typical Mangalorean flavor. At the end of lunch session the traditional song, “Lau-da-te” was sung.
There were a row of entertainment programmes like games for all age groups, spot games, Housy game, Lucky dip draw etc. The Prizes were distributed to the winners. The biggest prize of the day was “Impex Trolley Speaker” with multiple features won by Reemal D’Souza.
The entire programme was compered by Ronald Fernandes and the games were conducted by Steevan Rodrigues. The vote of thanks was delivered by Linda Sandeep Crasta. She expressed her gratitude and thanked all the sponsors and everyone who directly or indirectly supported to make this event a grand success.
The program concluded at 5.00 pm and the support from the gathered people renewed the spirit of happiness and inspired to carry on this feast in a true Mangalorean culture, customs and tradition. The audience enjoyed it to the full and expressed their satisfaction and gave positive reviews.
