Media Release

Bantwal, Jan 2: The 'Bye 2025, Welcome 2026' New Year celebration was held on December 31, 2025 by the Catholic Sabha Mangalore Pradesh, Nirkan unit, immediately after the year-end Holy Mass at St Thomas the Apostle Church, Nirkan.

The event was graced by Fr Anil Roshan Lobo, parish priest of Nirkan, as the spiritual director; Fr Arun Bennis; Vincent Bennis, vice president of the parish pastoral council, Nirkan; and the office bearers of the Catholic Sabha Nirkan Unit — Melwin D’Souza, president; Issac D’Souza, secretary; and Alphonse Fernandes, treasurer.

Melwin D’Souza, president of the Catholic Sabha Nirkan Unit, warmly welcomed the gathering.

The celebration featured the cutting of the New Year cake, marking the joyous occasion.

The programme highlights included an auction featuring the saree of Velankani Mai, the New Year cake, rooster, etc; spot games with prizes, dance & comedy skit, distribution of prizes for the elocution competition, and felicitation of the highest scorers of the parish in the final examinations.

The programme was compered by Austin Lobo, IPP of the Catholic Sabha Nirkan Unit, who also conveyed the vote of thanks.

At the conclusion of the programme, the lucky draw of Bokdechi Pilan was announced by Fr Anil Roshan Lobo. The lucky winner was Royson Ostin Culaco (Ticket No. 61).