Media Release
Kuwait, Sep 29: Kuwait Pangalites under the banner of Kuwait Pangla Association (KPA) celebrated the Feast of Nativity with members and friends at Indian Public School, recently.
The programme began with seeking blessings from Mother Mary by singing the Konkani hymn “ Aicha Disa Moriye Bov Sabith…”. Master of ceremony Walter welcomed the gathering and the guests guests Fr John Harry D’Souza, Fr Alban D’Souza and KPA president Stevan D’Costa.
KPA president in his speech requested all the new members to come forward to serve the association and that they should try to be a part of the new working committee which will get elected end of next month. He wished everybody a happy feast.
It was a great honour for Panglaites to have one of their parishioners Fr Alban present among them. Pangalites wanted to show their love and gratitude to Fr Alban. On behalf of all Pangalites Mr. Fredrick Quadras presented a memento to Fr Alban. The honorable guests Fr Alban and Fr Harry in their speech expressed their happiness for being a part of the celebration and talked about the significance of the nativity feast for the people of costal Karnataka as it with it brings double joy, firstly it is a birthday of our blessed mother as well as we are eating new harvest with family. They wished KPA more success in the years to come.
The "Novem" was served to all. Ignatius Quadras then lead the gathering for a prayer. It was followed by singing the hymns to our blessed mother ‘Sakkad Sangatha Melyan and Moriyek Hogosieam’. All the children present were given flowers to offer to the infant Mary. The children were delighted to take part in the solemn ceremony.
As our tradition on the day of the feast of nativity the newly wedded couple, especially the bride takes the new harvest of rice “Konshi” from her in-law's house to her parent's house. Vincent Mendonca couple took the “Konshi” and gave it to a senior member from Pangla Ivy Martis.
Albert Quadras a founder member of KPA took the opportunity to give a brief history of the association and the new initiatives. The new initiatives include twice a year newsletter of KPA, interest free financial support for members up to 3 months, lucky member of the year (cash prize) and allotting permanent membership number to all members in the form of ID cards.
The feast had special attraction for kids and adults, there were games like ring throw, throwing ball in old man's mouth and car racing among others organized by Rashmi, Canute and Kishore. Also there were various other games for kids and adults.
It was a moment of pride for all to showcase the talent of our own Panglaites in the areas of singing, dance and playing musical instruments. We had Cornelio brothers Royston and Robin along with their team playing excellent music and singing. Julian D’mello sang some excellent Konkani songs. Makita Mendonca, Stallon Lobo & his guest partner entertained everyone with their dance.
Fr Alban said the grace before Meals. A lunch was served on traditional banana leaf with lots of delicious variety of vegetables and vorn. The food was prepared by Udupi Restaurant, Salmiya, Kuwait.
Albert D’Souza conducted the prize distribution for the various games held for kids and adults. Also he announced the lucky winner for the day who won a bumper prize.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Lavina D’Mello. The feat was attended over 150 people.