from Michael Machado

Texas, Oct 7: Mangaloreans in Houston, Texas celebrated Monthi Fest with fervor and gaiety at the residence of Vigil Fernandes on Saturday October 4.  After a long wait, the 'Novem 'arrived late from Mangalore. The recent hurricane Ike and its devastation did not dampen the spirits of the Houston Mangaloreans. The festivities started with the singing of hymns "Sokkad Sangata Melleam" and "Moreak Hogollsiyam" and showering of flowers at the idol of Mother Mary.

Maureen Fernandes lead the gathering into prayer and the recitation of the Rosary followed.  Charles Pinto and Ivan Menezes recited prayers to invoke Mother Mary's blessings.

Each family had prepared a vegetarian dish. Everybody took 'Novem mixed with milk' followed by the delicious home-made Mangalorean dishes.   Alu-dento, sango, kuvalo, chane, moog, karathe, karamb, muska sango, sannas etc were some of the mouth-watering dishes served. Vorn was served at the last to the delight of all those gathered.

After the meal, all danced to the tune of popular Konkani numbers. In the end there was an interesting and close contest of 'Antaskshari" between all the gentlemen on one side and all the ladies on the other side.