Media Release

Mumbai, Sep 17: The Mangalorean Catholic Association of Pune celebrated its 'Monthi Fest 2026' with great devotion and gaiety on Sunday, September 13 at St Arnolds School, Pune.

The programme commenced with the blessing of the newly harvested paddy corn (Novem) led by Fr Naveen Rebello SVD. All the young and old together, offered flowers to Mother Mary to the joyful singing of the classic hymns ‘Sakkad Sangatha Melya’ and ‘Moriyek Hogolsiyam’. Following this, the congregation proceeded in a solemn procession for the Eucharistic celebration.

Fr Edwin Vas, SVD, the main celebrant alongwith Fr Sunil Menezes, SVD. Fr Dixson D’Souza, SVD, Fr Henry D’Almeida, SJ, Fr Claudius Tauro, SJ, Fr Francis D’Souza, SJ, Fr Rayan Lobo, SJ, Fr Royston Lobo, OP, Fr Prashant Pinto, Fr Lohith Mascarenhas concelebrated the sacred liturgy.

Fr Vishal Monis, OCD who delivered the homily during the celebration recounted the historical roots of Monti Fest. He traced the origin back to its 18th century roots at Monte Mariano in Farangipet, near Mangaluru. He also reflected on the vital role of three mothers in our life.

"Our Heavenly Mother Mary who, through her intercession, leads us to Jesus. Our biological mother is the main pillar of our homes, reminding the community the need to respect and stand up for women and last but not the least our Mother Earth; a call to protect, preserve and be responsible guardians of God's creation," he said/

The Eucharistic celebration was further enhanced with the melodious singing of the choir.

All the concelebrants and the religious Nuns were felicitated at the end of the Liturgy celebration.

Subsequent to the holy Mass, the cultural programme commenced with a traditional welcome with Panpod (Beetel) and Udak followed by a prayer dance.

MCA felicitated the donors, the children who excelled in their academics and the new life members. The Eucharistic celebration was further enhanced with the melodious singing of the choir. All the concelebrants, the religious nuns and brothers were felicitated at the end of the Liturgy celebration.

Subsequent to the holy Mass, the cultural programme commenced with a traditional welcome with Panpod (Beetel) and Udak followed by a prayer dance.

MCA felicitated the donors, the children who excelled in their academics and the new life members.

The event progressed into an afternoon of lively dance and singing performances by the children and adults. A rib tickling comedy skit was a perfect entertainment of Konkani humor for the gathering.

Dynamic comperes Steven and Veena kept the audience engaged throughout. Fr Henry Almeida SJ blessed the Novem Jevann. The programme ended with the 'Novem Jevan’, the fellowship meal consisting of various traditional vegetarian dishes and Vorn (the traditional sweet payasam) containing the blessed grain (Novem) symbolising one big family.

MCA Pune has been keeping this Mangalurean tradition alive for more than 30 years now, by beautifully bringing the community together every year and making this event into a memorable celebration.