NZ Mangalorean Inc. celebrates Monthi Fest in Auckland

Report by: The team at NZ Mangalorean Inc.
Pics by: Gyanendra Prakash

Auckland, Sep 14: NZ Mangalorean Inc.celebrated the Monthi Fest in Auckland on 11th September 2010 at the Mt Eden War Memorial Hall in traditional Mangalorean style!  This year, a warm welcome was extended to other communities as well.The basic idea was to share our Mangalorean culture with people from other communities. ‘Dev boren korun’ to all our guests (around 350 people) from different walks of life who graced this occasion.   We also had a few dignitaries who joined us in the celebration.    It was a classic opportunity wherein we demonstrated our core values as one family (‘Ek Kutaamb’) as we all got together to venerate our Blessed Mother.

The ambience was just right- the Mount Eden War Memorial Hall was bedecked with kobu (sugarcane) and palm leaves to symbolise the harvest festival...coincidently it is the beginning of spring in NZ!! The kurpons, dois, thodpe, chembu,saalne, thondors, kanthne,nivne, batti, marble soda batlyos and kolsos  added to the decor, giving it a true Mangalorean feel! Thanks to everyone who helped decorate the hall.

An introduction about the significance of Monthi Fest was conveyed both in Konkani and English.

The celebration commenced with a mass in Konkani con-celebrated by Fr. Ephraim, Fr. Raphael and Fr. Sebastian Fernandes, being the main celebrant. The homily given by Fr. Sebastian conveyed a very clear message of the importance of “Family”. Fr Sebastian also stressed on the importance of parents spending time with their children, especially in this busy world!  The mass was graced with our melodious Konkani choir.

After the Eucharistic celebration, a delicious drink of richly flavoured milk mixed with noven was distributed to all.

The festivities began with our President welcoming the gathering. He introduced NZ Mangalorean Inc. and its objective as a community establishment, it’s ideals and values and the necessity to keep our Mangalorean traditions alive.

The Konkani songs, traditional Mangalorean dance by the young ones, the magic show, various Konkani skits and housie kept our guests entertained.

The highlight of the day was the traditional noven jevann served on shirothis. The spread on offer was red boiled rice, sprouted moong, french beans, channa tendli, jackfruit, cabbage, pumpkin, guvar, karamb and mixed vegetable curry along with pickle and salt! The meal was complete with delicious vorn .

The programme concluded by a vote of thanks by our Vice-President who thanked all the volunteers who assisted in making this event a roaring success. He reiterated the importance of not forgetting our traditions and roots, and the importance of integrating into the society that we live in.

Special thanks to the Mt. Roskill and Avondale Community Boards (Auckland City Council) for partly sponsoring the event.