Pics: Menino Fernandes
Dubai, Sep 24: Ferarites family celebrated the feast of the nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary on September 14 at Bangalore Empire Restaurant, Al Karama with great devotion and enthusiasm. Over 115 adults and children from Ferar parish and guests took part in the celebration and enjoyed the whole programme.
The traditional celebration commenced with prayer by Vijay, welcome dance by Vidisha and Viola (Pangalites) and gospel reading by core committee member Clara Fernandes. The statue of Infant Mary was venerated with flowers amidst the singing of the traditional Konkani hymn “Sakkad Sangata Melyam” and “Moriyyek Hogolsiyan’. Vijay Lawrence Cutinha, an ace compere and vice president of Ferarites compered the programme and kept the audience fully engaged with his wit and humour.
Honorary president Vincent Pereira welcomed the guests of honor Joseph Mathias, MD of Meritt Freight & Group of Co’s and patron of Ferarites, Navin D’Souza, head of admin and HR from Liali Jewellers and Lancy Madtha, MD of Integrated Freight & Logistics & Group of Co’s and all the people who had gathered. Joseph Mathias and Lancy Madtha were also speakers of the day and they spoke about how Monti Fest is being celebrated all over the world and urged everyone to continue the tradition as the occasion brings unity and love among friends and relatives. Addressing the gathering, the president thanked the sponsors and well wishers and appreciated and acknowledged their support for the last 11 years and sought their support for the future events.
Well-known singers of the community Joseph Mathias, Lancy Madtha, Lancy Noronha, Nisha D’Souza (music teacher at Dubai Gem school), Reena Loren and Joyson D’Souza entertained the crowd with melodious hit numbers with continuous whistling from the crowd.
Thrilling dances to the tunes of Bollywood songs by Vidisha and Viola and Andrea Fernandes kept the crowd foot tapping and enchanted. Menino Fernandes, a freelance photographer rendered photography service. DJ and freelance music teacher Joyson Dsouza played some memorable Konkani and Hindi songs including hymns keeping the crowd glued all time. A 15 minute magic show was conducted by well known magician Anthony Mascarenhas and the show was enjoyed by everyone especially children.
Raffle draw was conducted with several attractive prizes like gold chain and pendant (Liali Jewellers), mobile phone, micro oven, kettle and iron box.
Norbert Sequeira, former president and core committee member read Noven prayer and Flavia D’Mello of Al Munasib Building Materials blessed the Noven Jevan and as per ritual. ‘Novem’ followed by a traditional vegetarian meal and ‘vorn’ was served to all.
The programme concluded with Baila dance with the participation of the entire gathering.