Nativity Feast : Pamboorians UAE
Media Release
Dubai, Sep 18: Pamboor Welfare Association, an association of Pamboorians in UAE, celebrated Nativity Feast "Monti Fest" in a traditional way together as one family at Winny's Restaurant, Karama, Dubai on Thursday, 9th September from 8.00 PM onwards. The celebration started with a short procession by little children and teenagers carrying the statue of “Maria Bambina’ (Infant Mary) with colorful flowers singing the traditional hymn‘’Sokkad Sangata Melyam’’ and gathered around the bambina. Prayer session was led by Daniel Saldanha & after the novena prayer, children joyfully showered flower petals on Infant Mary as the gathering sang the hymn ‘Moriyek Hogolshiyam”. ‘’Novem’’ with milk was served to all and sweets/gifts were distributed to all children.
President Veronica Alva welcomed the gathering. Agnel D’Souza gave a brief message on the significance of this Feast and importance of Mother Mary in our life.
It was joyful moment for all, especially for president Veronica Alva as she celebrated her birthday by cutting cake along with her family members as all gathered sang “Happy Birthday”.
The evening was filled with lots of entertainment as Agnel Prakash D’Souza conducted varieties of games for children and adults. Scintillating filmy dances by little children, Dwayne, Hayden, Shawn, Reeve, Keith & Melanie attracted the audience. Special attractions of the evening were the hilarious Konkani skits by Comedy Trio “VAS” (Valerian, Avil & Sunita) and were well appreciated by all. Talented singers Ashok Menezes, Diana Pinto & Diany D’Souza presented some of the best entertaining and melodious Konkani numbers. Well-known musician and keyboard player James Fernandes provided the background music. Kishore Noronha conducted Housie Housie game.
A traditional vegetarian meal "Novem Jevan" was prepared by Winny's Restaurant served on "shiratyo" (planton leaves) and was enjoyed by the gathering of around 130 people.
The programme was concluded by distribution of prizes and vote of thanks by Secretary Lester Alva. Ashok Menezes took charge of the evening and compered the entire programme.