Report: Vinod Lewis
Pics: Prem Crasto, Kuwait
Kuwait, Sep 20: The feast of The Nativity of Our Lady, 'Monthi Fest' was celebrated with devotion, passion and a lot of enthusiasm by the Kuwait Brahmavar Welfare association (KBWA) community with their family and friends on September 16.
KBWA upheld the roots of Konkani culture consecutively for the third time by celebrating the birthday of Mother Mary at Carmel School auditorium, Khaitan. The observance began at 1:00pm. MC Rilson D'Souza opened the celebration by welcoming chief guests - the visiting priest G M Skariah Ramban (vicar General St Mary's Orthodox Syrian Cathedral Brahmavar), Fr Jose Mathew (vicar St Gregorios Indian Orthodox Church, Kuwait), Fr George C Varghese (Associate vicar St Gregorios Indian Orthodox Church, Kuwait), Fr Noel Almeida (AsSt Parish Priest our Lady of Arabia Church, Ahmadi, Kuwait) and all the families and friends gathered.
Chethana Menezes had the privilege of introducing the guests to the crowd while little masters Davine and Delita, Ashwyn and Anushka complimented with a prayer song and dance. The theme song beautifully delivered by the KBWA members as a mark of their unity.
Fr G.M Skariah Ramban led the prayer followed by procession of reverencing Mother Mary the Hymns "Sakkad Sangata Melieam" and "Morieak Hogolsieam" was sung as one family and with one voice by the entire congregation. As a part of customary rites the apportioning of the new corn meal continued with the prayer by serving the milk flavored with the blessed new corn.
The special guests of honor Shaji Abraham, Malankara Sabha Managing Committee, John George, Secretary, Koshy Mammen, secretary along with main sponsor's Alfred Lewis, Fredrick Rodrigues, Leslie Mendonca, Vilas, were felicitated with flowers by little blossoms of KBWA.
The Priests and President Cyril D'Souza joined in lighting the lamp. Words of aspiration and wisdom were delivered by guest priests explaining the history and background of the feast and the relevance of Mother Mary in the context of Christianity.
L J D'Souza's talent was encourage and appreciated by releasing his new books to the community “Athmik Vadaval” and “Sukh Dukh” released by Fr Noel Almeida and Shaan Bondel.
The audiences were kept engrossed to the stage by series of entertainment such as variety of dance items, songs, several skits, spot games, lucky draw, quiz and other cultural activities.
The participants Ashwil, Chetana, Delita, Dilshi, Gladys, Gretta D'Souza, Gretta Fernandes, Jacintha, Juliet, Shalet, Vinitha, Vrinda, Wilma, Zahara, Rojjane, Leroy, Aaron, Paricia, Placado, Renwick, Arnold, Jaison, Roshan, Anol, Talen, Valence, Ethan, Sanya, Shanelle, Angel, Johnson Paul D'Souza, Johnson D'Souza, Alwyn, Patrick, UMK etc. mesmerized the crowd with their unique talents in different ways. KBWA is feeling proud to have them in their family.
The mind-blowing and sensational music was provided by DJ Sudhi.
The entire function was brilliantly compeered by Rilson D'Souza.
To make the celebration unique - Koraga dance and fashion show were performed by our spirited and enthusiastic youngsters.
As the clock ticked by it was the time to have the family meal together. Varieties of traditional vegetable dishes of seven types- Alu dhento, Chonem, Thendlim, Alsando, gosale, bhendi, Kuwalo bafat, were cooked along with most delicious fish curry and vorn. To everyone's astonish, the dear ones who shared the family meal crossed 700 in numbers. It is an added feather in KBWA cap!!
Sugar cane was distributed to all present as a sweet gift of Mary.
Ajit, Asif, Ashpak, Alwyn, Pius, Shukur, Prem and Oveen carried out superb photography and videography of the event.
Vote of thanks proposed by vice-president L J D'Souza. He thanked the guest priests and all the sponsors and team members for all their support in kind. First Gulf Engineering Works, Munther Salim General trading Group co. Alfred Lewis, Fredrick Rodrigius and Fly., Leslie Mendonca, Vilas, Cyril D'Souza, Lawrence D'Souza, L J D'Souza, Maxim Suvares, Jerome D'Silva, Juliana D'Silva, Arnold Roche and fly, Johnson Paul D'Souza, Chethana Menezes, Wilfred D'Silva and Fly., Victoria D'Silva, Gretta Fernades, Mathew Kurikose, James Paul, Oveen Lewis and Vinod Lewis.
He also thanked one and all for their time and effort in putting up the whole program starting from mass celebration in the church, to decorating the stage, food arrangements, volunteers, and each and every member who have rendered their helping hand in making this function a grand success. He also thanked the gathering for their time and for the travel they have made from distant places. The success of this and the joyous celebration was concluded by non stop dance sessions and the baila dance where everyone participated. The programme concluded with the “laudate”.