Pics: Joachim D'Souza

Oman, Sep 13: The feast of Nativity of Mother Mary was recently celebrated at Holy Spirit Church Ghala, here by the Ghala Mangalurean Catholic Community with great pomp and joy.

The feast preparations took place with 9 days novena preceded by Konkani masses by Fr Roshan Rosario who had specially come to Oman to lead the faithful into a meaningful celebration of the Monti fest. His teachings had greatly moved the Konkani community to imbibe the virtues of Mother Mary in their life.

The feast day celebration on commenced with a Rosary followed by flower showering on the statue of infant Mother Mary and a high mass celebrated by Fr Roshan Rosario and the mass was concelebrated by Fr Marian Miranda assistant parish priest of the Ruwi parish and Ghala church parish priest Fr George Vadakutt.

The nine day novena mass and Nativity feast mass choir was led by the Mangalurean choir 'Gloria'. The choir members were - keyboard by: Avil Cutinha (during Novena), Trivan Goveas (feast day).

Singers: Charlotte Cutinha, Ashwini Martin, Lavisha Dsouza, Renita Dsouza, Anna Rebello, Canan Dsouza, Cavin Dsouza, Joel Mendonca, Joyal Dsouza, Naveen Mathias, Rony Lobo.

The children who showered flowers were given goody bags.

The cultural programme which commenced at the basketball court was accompanied by the traditional Nove Jevan- a traditional meal of the new harvest for the Kanara Konkans.

The comperes of the event were Charlotte Cutinha and Joel Mendonca who conducted the programme with great eloquence.

A tableau on Mother Mary’s birth was conducted with the help of the following actors and supporters: Hansel Barboza, Cynthia D'Souza, Roshwin Lobo, Terence D'Souza, Allen D'Souza, Francis D'Souza, Suman Mathais, Joel Mendonca, Prem Colaco, Tressy Goveas, Naveen Mathias, Aslita D'Souza, Siona Saldanha Tanya Saldanha, Delishya D'Souza, Ashwitha Coutinho.

Script: Violet D'Costa

Direction: Tressy Goveas, Violet D'Costa

Choreographer: Priyanka Edna Mendonca

The president of the Ghala Mangalurean Catholic community Edward Mendonca welcomed the audience. He was grateful to all the sponsors for their valuable support and thanked the volunteers who had helped in organizing the festivities.

Fr Roshan Rosario and Fr Marian Miranda were escorted to the stage by the executive committee which comprised of Edward Mendonca- president, Sunil Furtado, Tressy Goveas, Helen Sequiera, Prem Colaco, Teril Saldanha, Charlotte Dsouza, Gracy Barboza, Aslita Dsouza, Alwin Fernandes and Joel Mendonca along with priests who lit the traditional lamp.

The food cooked by various teams at their houses to be served for dinner was blessed by Fr Roshan. The gurkar of the event Vijai Dcunha presented the Pan pod Udak to the audience symbolizing an invitation to the Nove Jevan.

The various families who prepared the Nove Jevan were:

Kuvalo-Polov and Pickle- Henry and Gracy Castelino and team
Channa and Vorn- Ignatius and Celine Lobo and family Bhenda- John and Joyce Gonsalves Ivan, Nancy Gonsalves, Mervin Veena Lewis, Sunil Sunita Furtado, Lancy Cynthia Saldanha and team 
Alsande- Joel and team
Korombh- Evegine and Helen Sequeira and team
Karathe- Lancy Gracy Barboza and family, Vinitha Lawrence D'Souza, Sunil D'Souza, Maxim D'Souza, Jeevan Fernandes, Walter Fernandes
Moong- Latha D'Sa, Jane D'Cunha and Zeelia D'Souza
Rice sponsored by Wilbur D’Souza
Nove- Julie, Sabrina and team
Water- Adolf Vaz and family

A scintillating dance by the sparkling dance crew in Bollyfolk style was performed by Anisha D'Costa, Siona Saldanha, Ashwitha Coutinho, Delishya D'Souza and Tanya Saldanha. It was choreographed by Priyanka Edna Mendonca.A skit Vodlimai Velankanni Geli was staged by Terence D'Souza, Helen Sequeira, Edward Mendonca Tressy Goveas and Priyanka Rodrigues.Script: Fr Derick D'Souza and Helen Sequeira and directed by Helen Sequiera.Liza D’Sa rendered her melodious voice to a song 'Xoli' by Melwin Peris and she was accompanied on the guitar by Canan D’Souza.Another beautifully choreographed dance by Priyanka Edna Mendonsa was staged by Black Illusion consisting of- Priyanka Mendonca, Rinet Menezes, Linda D'Souza, Jane D'Cunha and Sunita Furtado. It was co-ordinated by Philomena Mendonca.
A rib tickling comedy was enacted by Peter Fernandes and Jeevan Fernandes. It was scripted and directed by Peter Fernandes.A bonanza draw and dinner raffle draw were conducted thereby giving a lucky few to walk away with some attractive prizes. The supporters of the programme were felicitated by Edward Mendonca.A wonderful comedy act was staged by Peter Fernandes, Sam Sunil Menezes and Rinet Menezes. It was scripted and directed by Peter Fernandes.DJ: Loveline Rego took control of the music of the programme while Joachim Dsouza captured the events of the day through his camera.The programme drew its curtains down with a Baila Vhalo that was presented by and sung by Venessa, Preetham, Peter, Richard, Shaun, Vivian, Prakash, Rony, Nestor and Lavisha.

Over a 1000 participated in the celebrations of the Monti Fest and had a sumptuous traditional meal of the new harvest– Nove Jevan.