Media Release

Houston, Sep 16: Houston Konkan Catholic Association (HKCA) celebrated Monthi Fest on Saturday, September 13 at Holy Family Catholic Church in Missouri City, Texas, USA.

The event began with Andrea Pereira and Juanita Cardoza beautifully decorating the statue of Infant Mary with rose petals and candles, as well as the altar with fresh flowers in vibrant blue and white colours.

The solemn Holy Mass, honouring Mother Mary’s birth, was celebrated by Fr Sunny Joseph assisted by Deacon Cuong Nguyen. Fr Sunny blessed the ‘Novem’ and explained the significance of Monthi Fest to the congregation. The first reading was by Darel D’Souza. The Responsorial Psalm was performed by Ria Periera-Monteiro. Second reading was by Roschelle D’Souza. The offertory was made by Michael Valdar, Shobha Valdar and Prafulla D’Cruz. Sarah Valdar and Annie Menezes were the Altar Servers.

After mass, Aden Mathias carrying the Bambina led the community in a joyous procession to the parish hall while singing “Sokkodd Sangata Melleam”. The excited children, as well as all present sang “Moriek Hogollsiam” and showered flowers on the infant Mother Mary.

The community then enjoyed steaming masala chai and tang with delicious chutney sandwiches, bajjiyas and jackfruit hapol.

Fr Joy led the gathering in prayer and invoked the Lord’s Blessings on all those present. Thereafter “Novem” arranged by Ronald Crasta and prepared by Amit and Ovita Fernandes was served by HKCA youngsters to everyone present.

The evening continued with a spirited introduction by Emcee, Darrell D’Souza who elaborated on the deep cultural significance of the harvest festival celebrated by Konkan Catholics worldwide and then proceeded to energize guests with innovative spot prizes and games.

President, Leslie Mathias extended a warm welcome to all attendees, introduced new members of HKCA, gave the audience a preview of HKCA’s 10-year anniversary celebration next year, and thanked Platinum Sponsors, Shekar and Stella Naik, as well as venue sponsors, Florine and Augustine Pinto and Henry and Juliana Miranda for their very generous contributions. He also thanked and commended all volunteers for their hard work and efforts in putting the event together.

Matthew D’Souza briefed guests on the upcoming election for the new core committee (2026-2028) and emphasized the importance of members contributing their skills and talent to the Houston Konkan community by joining the core committee.

The cultural programme of the evening splendidly organized by events director, Chris Pinto commenced with a bollyrhythmn dance choreographed by the multi-talented HKCA member, Mariet Coutinho who presented the diversity of the Indian Sub-Continent through a mesmerizing blend of popular songs representing some of the states in India.

Our talented youngsters, narrators: Roma Quadros, Aden Mathias, Ava D’Souza and Aiden D’Souza;

script writer: Anessa Mathias and performers: youngsters, Kien Pattani, Trinity Fernandes, Nicole Pinto, Anessa Mathias, Ayana Quadros, Elyssa Farias and children, Zara Monteiro, Leah Monteiro, Shanaya D’Souza, Serena D’Souza, Laura Pinto, Evan Farias, Sofia Sequeira, and Caelan D’cruz delighted the audience with thrilling dance performances to the tracks of Konkani Song “Ye Mangalore Amchen”, Punjabi song “Mundiya Tu Bachke Rahi”, Marathi song “Gulabi Saadi”, Gujarati song “Boom Padi”, Malayalam song “Illuminati”, Sri Lankan song “Kandi Lamissi” with the Bollywood hit number “Zinqaat” as the Finale number. The audience erupted in thundering applause as the youngsters and children took their celebratory bows.

The dance floor then came alive with a spellbinding dance performance choreographed by the versatile Jennifer D’Souza and performed by members, Leslie Mathias, Matt D’Souza, Dinesh Vaz and Allwyn Furtado to the tunes of “Yaad aa raha hai Tera Pyaar”, “Dus Bahane”, “Dil Mein Baji Guitar” and “Oh ho ho ho” by Sukhbir. Their dance moves had the audience on their feet cheering and swaying to the beat.

Fr Joy led the “Grace before Meals” after which it was time for the grand Monthi Fest meal. The dishes were all lovingly prepared by members of the Food Committee coordinated by Mariet Cutinho. Operations Director, Basil Kenny worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure that all food and beverages were kept ready for guests to enjoy. There was a sumptuous array of vegetarian dishes such as rice, pappad, pickle, karathen, tendli cashew sukke, sone sukke, kuvalo and sprouted moong curry, paneer makhani, vegetable noodles, and beetroot salad. Guests also enjoyed vorn, a traditional Mangalorean sweet dish, and the very popular “Sheera”.

On this occasion, HKCA had the privilege of welcoming Norbert (Nobby) Pereira, a renowned Konkani singer and composer, and his wife Nancy Pereira to our Houston Community. Nobby has created a niche for himself in Konkani music through his creative and melodious compositions. He captivated guests at this event with a blend of English and Konkani songs such “Can’t help falling in love”, “Tum ani Havn”, “Room at the top of the stairs”, “Mogacho Uzo”, “Dream Lover”, “Mira Mira”, “Sangath Tuzo” and ending with the Baila Mix Medley which had the audience dancing the evening away on the dance floor.

After the performance, the entire community sang “Laudate Dominum” led by Andy and Meryl Pinto.

Thereafter, guests tested their luck in the crowd favourite “Housie Housie” conducted by Frank Saldanha and the effervescent Eric Saldanha who delighted guests with his play on words. Cash prizes were handed out to some very happy winners.

Photographers Roshan and Nisha D’Souza beautifully captured the event with candid shots including the final photograph of the day, the Group Photograph.

Sugarcane provided by Maxim Pereira and Haldi Kole (Turmeric leaves) provided by Ivan and Sandra D’Souza were handed to those craving the traditional Mangalorean favourites.

Monthi Fest in Houston continues to be a nostalgic reminder of age-old Konkan traditions, family, and communal spirit proving that even while being miles away from Mangalore, the spirit of the Feast continues to endure throughout generations bringing joy and togetherness to our community.

Konkani Catholics interested in joining Houston Konkan Catholic Association may contact: https://www.hkcaus.org/houston-konkan-catholic-contact-us/