Media Release
Doha, Sep 17: Mangalore Cultural Association celebrated the annual MCA family Monthi Fest with traditional fervour and devotion, at the ICC-Asoka Hall, here on Monday, September 8, 2025.
The evening began with the MCA anthem which was followed by a traditional jaggery-water welcome by the MCA Executive Committee led by president Gladson Almeida, before the cultural programmes began.
It was the little children of MCA family Jonathan Dsouza, Abigail Dsouza, Joanna Dsouza, Swedel Castelino, Sheryl Castelino, Reuben Castelino, Ariston Dsouza, Francia, Keith, Chris, Prenia Pinto, Claressa, Ciana, Jayden Cletus, Raynel Dsouza, Keith Fernandes, Karen Fernandes, Raizel Wilona Lasrado, Sanuel Jayden Dsouza, ?Eshal Niya DCunha and Eshaan Neev Dcunha, who gave a kickstart to the cultural event with the melodious rendition of Konkani hymn, composed by Fr Mathias Dias, Capuchin, dedicated to Infant Mary.
A scintillating dance by Doha Step Shakers comprising of Elaine Fernandes, Maverick Norbert Mascarenhas, Nicole Crasta, Renessa Banz, Roshnel Shaina Gonsalves, Siona Angel D'Silva, Vivel Deon Sequeira, Pearl D'Lima and Derick Crasta. The dance was choreographed by Derick Crasta.
Doha’s well-acclaimed singers Praveen Pinto and Pramila Monteiro as well as Christle Pinto and Viola Monteiro entertained the audience with their stupendous duet singing.
The highlight of the evening was the Konkani comedy skit ‘Kuttmacho Ters’ written by the late CGS Taccode. The skit directed by Aloysius Dsouza, was the much-awaited programme of the evening and it did not disappoint the audience even a bit. Qatar’s well-known actors George Menezes, Merlyn Patricia Dsouza, Agnel Ullas Dsouza, Aloysius Dsouza, Pramila Sequeira and Shiny Dsouza, entertained the festive audience with their rib-tickling comedy and cris acting. They were ably supported by Variston Crasta and Savious Crasta, who provided music and technical expertise to the skit.
A short official programme was held during which MCA Family students who have excelled in their academics were felicitated. The official programme began after the MCA president Gladson Almeida and general secretary Carol Dsouza escorted the chief guest of the evening Fr Manohar Mervin Dsouza, OFC Cap, to the stage along with the MCA advisory members Felix Lobo and Wilfred Fernandes.
Gladson Almeida in his keynote address spoke about the tradition of celebrating Monthi Fest among the Mangalorean Catholic community and its significance, before highlighting MCA’s efforts in preserving, promoting and practicing such traditions which are inherently connected with our Konkani language too.
Fr Manohar Dsouza, the chief guest of the evening, expressed his happiness of being part of such a traditional celebration of Monthi Fest, abroad and advised the gathering to keep up these traditions which are close to our identity. MCA founding member and advisor Felix Lobo, in his address provided a short glimpse of this traditional Marian celebration which has become unique feature of Mangalorean Catholic diaspora across the globe.
The MCA family also took the opportunity to felicitate its children who have done exceptionally well in their academics. Following students were presented with the MCA Academic Excellence Award for the year 2024-25:
The cultural programme was compered in Konkani by young and talented Princia Anne Pinto, much to the applause and appreciation of the gathering. It was her first attempt in compering in Konkani and she provided ample glimpse of her immense talent. The official programme was compered by Doha’s well-known compere and MCA PRO Sandeep Noronha. Carol Dsouza conducted the spot games.
MCA honorary members Arthur Pais, Veena Rebimbus Pais and Aloysius Dsouza were also present on the occasion.
The evening came to an end with the delicious, traditional Mangalorean, vegetarian novem jevonn, served on shirothis.