Pics: Sunil Bantwal
Canada, Sep 11: Konkani Catholics of Brampton (KCOB) celebrated its 6th annual Monti fest on Saturday September 8 at Queen of Peace Church, Brampton, Canada and was overwhelmed by the response and support of the Konkani community.
The event started with a welcome speech by Meghan Pereira at the church, followed by a grand eucharistic celebration in Konkani by Fr Ranjan D’Sa and Fr Andrew Lewis. The liturgical service was complemented by the melodious Konkani choir led by Priya Fernandez with her group members, Benedicta D’Souza, Clara D’Souza, Colette and Stan Goveas, Ingrid Pereira, Josephine Soosay, Juliet D’Souza, Lara and Paul Rebello, Nancy and Walter Lobo, Nancy and Max Mendes, VeenaD’Costa, Viyona and Wilson D’Souza accompanied by Johnny D’Souza the guitarist and pianist Joshua Leung. Soon after mass the children went in procession followed by elders to offer flowers to Mother Mary (Fula Udonche) while singing Sakkad Sangatha Melyan and Moriyek Hogolsiya. The children were treated with goodie bags for their offerings and love to Mama Mary, these were sponsored by Ingrid and Mavy Pereira. It was indeed very touching and heartwarming to watch this religious tradition andculture being passed onto the new generation.
After thanking the gathering for their participation at the church by Anita Bantwal, the community was asked to gather at the hall for the cultural activities, organized by the committee members.
The cultural programme commenced with the Welcome and a vote of thanks delivered by Naveen D’Souza.
Fr Ranjanand, Fr Andrew, then blessed the new grains (Novemn) which was then distributed to all. This authentic Novemn was prepared by Colette Goveas, this traditional drink is a concoction of coconut milk and jaggery.
The evening’s festivities and programme were superbly emceed by Nancy Mendes and co-emceed by Priya Fernandez. The guests were enthralled and livened with a medley of songs, dance and comedy skits put up by Flavian Pinto, Nancy Lobo, Max Mendes, Nancy Mendes and Wilson D’Souza. The highlight of the entertainment was the performance of a comedy skit by prominent Goan theatre personalities Jr Menezes and Marshall Fernandes. The dances were a Bollywood dance performance by Varun Bantwal and Meryl Pinto and a Zumba fusion dance by Nancy Mendes, Vinisha D’Souza and Clarissa D’Souza. The guests came onto the floor to dance when Wilson sang the famous song Lavina and a duet Ye Ye Cathrina by Wilson and Clara. The song 'Ye Rathey Ye Mausam' sung by Lara Rebello brought nostalgic memories of the yester years. Kids too were entertained with games and riddles.
As always there were gifts galore with spot prizes, door prizes, 50/50 draw prize and much more.
This year KCOB recognized the unsung hero of the community Paul Mathias for his selfless dedication and service to the community and bestowed upon him the 'Community Champion' Award.
The guests enjoyed the traditional authentic Novenm dinner catered by Konkan Delite and served by the ever helping volunteers. The aroma and taste of Mangalurean food brought back sweet memories home and the delicious Vorn sealed the dinner with a great Mangalurean experience.
Post dinner, DJ Donald’s foot tapping music made it hard for the guests to resist the dance floor and witnessed some energetic dance moves by all. All these beautiful moments were captured by Sunil Bantwal on his camera lens.
It goes without saying that to organize such a grand event and still keep it affordable to the community, the support of the sponsors is of paramount importance. Generous sponsorships were received from:
Brampton Monuments - Stan and Collette Goveas
Royal Lepage Terrequity Realty - Max and Nancy Mendes
Ipro Realty - Vikas Hamroll
Flavian Pinto - Sun Life Financials
Right Fit Blinds - Felix Serrao
Martin Menezes - Red Crest Mortgages
Nelson D’Costa – Nelson D’Costa Financial Corporation,
Priya Fernandez- The Mustard Niche
Wilson D’Souza - Sonwil Mortgages
Best compliments from:
Albert and Josphine Soosay
Arun and Jennifer Mendes
Jack and Ophelia Barbosa
Peter and Werrel Lobo
Mavy and Ingrid Pereira
Nancy and Walter Lobo
Asian Foods
Iris Castelino
Kudos to the KCOB organizing committee and their families who toiled selflessly and have successfully organized Monti fest for the last 6 years, presenting top notch programme year over year. A big thank you to the committee members: Anita and Sunil Bantwal, Colette and Stan Goveas, Ingrid and Mavy Pereira, Nancy and Walter Lobo, Nancy and Max Mendes and Priya and Naveen D’Souza.