Doha: MCC, Qatar Celebrates Nativity Feast
Media Release
Pics: Sunil Crasto and Melwin Fernandes
Doha, Sep 19: The Nativity of the Mother Mary is a day close to the heart of all Mangaloreans, especially for the people of Mangalorean origin who are now scattered in different parts of the world. It is a day which evokes memories of days goneby, of our childhood when we would clamber to collect the best flowers from the neighbourhood to take to church for the nativity novena and eagerly await the sugarcane that was distributed after the feast mass on the 8th of September. It is a day when we would partake in a vegetarian family meal and drink the roce with the blessed grains in it.
Mangalore Cricket Club, Qatar endeavours to retain and nurture the rich traditions of our hometown and initiates various events to make its members feel at home and the celebration of the nativity feast is one such event.
This year, the traditional Noven Jevan was held on Friday, September 16, 2011 at Al Ghazal Club, Qatar. The celebration was attended by over 600 Mangaloreans. The chief guest for the evening was Gurkaar of Mandd Sobhann, famous Konkani artist, Eric Ozario and the guest of honor was Fr Anand Castelino, Assistant parish priest and the Spiritual Director of the Konkani Speaking Community at the Lady of Rosary parish here in Qatar.
The evening began with a rendition of a beautiful Konkani hymn in honour of Mother Mary by the children’s choir group. This was followed by a group dance by tiny tots and some solo, duet and group songs and dance performances.
The stage was predominantly used for two events – the cultural program, where the winners of the talent shows held in April/May performed and the stage program, where the chief guest and the guest of honour were called on stage.
The main emcees for the cultural program of the evening were Rita Andrade and Gladson Almeida, who with their fluent Konkani and enthusiasm kept the audience engaged in the activities that happened on stage.
The stage program was emceed by Hema Fernandes. President Richard in his welcome address, briefed the audience on how MCC is living true to its motto “Yeya Ek Kutaamb Bandhiyan” and thanked everyone for all their efforts in putting up the program and in preparing the traditional novem jevaan, He also briefed on the forth coming programs such as ‘Sangon Mugdana” Konkani comedy drama of Pradeep Barboza on 30th September, 10th Annual Throwball Tournament, Blood Campaign, Mangalorean Day, Eid Picnic, etc..
The two semi-finalists and members of MCC, Rupert Lobo and Preema Pinto , who represented the Gulf Voice of Mangalore 2010 were honoured. The chief guest Eric Ozario handed over flowers and a plaque of appreciation to Rupert and Preema. This part of the stage program was emceed by Sandeep Noronha. Later Preema and Rupert entertained the audience with a melodious duet song.
The Mangalorean ushers who work tirelessly in the church were honoured by Fr. Anand Castelino and this part was handled by Glany Fernandes.
MCC’s General Secretary Riana Pinto had the privilege of reading the names of the Academic Achievers of the community. The awards were handed over by the President Richard Dsouza and Vice President Sunil Dsilva.
The winners of the various competitions held as part of the talent show also received their prizes. The competitions included cookery contest, Mad Ads, Drawing, Singing, Fancy Dress, Dance, Quiz, Best of Waste, Konkani Elocution and Pick-n-speak. Shalini Monteiro, the Joint secretary called out the names of the winners and the prizes were distributed by Jovita Pereira, President of Konkan Toastmasters, noted Mangalorean Felix Pereira, Auditor at the State Audit Bureau, Joyce Mascarenhas, a noted Mangalorean singer and judge of Singing competitions, Dony Lobo, prominent musician and choir master, Eddie Sequeira, prominent Konkani writer, artist and activist for different genre.
Roce was blessed by Fr Anand and distributed to the audience who had gathered together as one big Mangalorean family.
The evening continued with some solo and lively group songs as well as colourful dances were presented by the first place winners of the talent competitions. . Some spot games were conducted and fun filled jokes by Bonaventure D’Souza, Alwyn D’Souza and Della Rego were acted out to lighten the mood.
Eric Ozario along with his old college mate Dony Lobo surprised the audience by singing the most popular track “Rozalin Mojea Mogachem” and was well appreciated by all.
The program culminated with the traditional sumptuos Noven Jevan with the recitation of "Laudate Domino'.
Earlier during the day, around 60 volunteers gathered at the residence of Jerry and Leena Dmello and Ivy and Valentine Rosario to cook a traditional meal. While Vivian D’Souza handled the Roce, Jossy D’Souza took charge of Vorn, sannas were prepared by Michael and all other 9 dishes were managed by Ivy and Leena D’Mello with the help of other volunteers. The efforts of the volunteers paid off and the delicious home-cooked food was appreciated by one and all.
MCC is indebted to the generosity of Jerry and Leena D’Mello and Ivy and Valentine Rosario who, every year, throw open wide the doors of their hearts and their residence and enable MCC to host this traditional meal. MCC is also grateful to the volunteers and sponsors, who with their time, efforts and funds, contribute immensely towards the success of the Novem Jevaan.
The President and the Executive Committee Members of Mangalore Cricket Club take this opportunity to express their gratitude to every member for their participation and support.