(Photo / Report: Rons Bantwal)

Mumbai, Sep 9: Konkan Association Charitable Trust (Maharashtra Konkan Association) celebrated its 27th annual Monthi Fest celebration at Vincent Pallotti Church auditorium in Marol, suburban Andheri East on Thursday evening.

Henry Lobo, the former president of Christian Chamber of Commerce and Industries, was the chief guest on the feast day program and said that Monthi Fest is a festival that unites family members through Mother Mary’s birthday. He said that new harvest is considered as a gift of prosperity to mankind by saluting Mother Nature and the festival will be meaningful only if all the family members come together to celebrate.

Divo Weekly editor Suzhan L Coelho, entrepreneurs Anita Walter D'Souza, Lilly Leo Fernandes, Veena Sequeira, Jacinta Tara Bantwal and senior member of the trust, retired teacher Benedicta B Rebello were seated on the dais. Saint Jude Church Jerimari is its head priest Fr Avin Franklin commemorated Mother Nature and led the devotees to worship Mother Mary and bless the new Rice Peddys.

President of the Trust Leo Fernandes Jerimary welcomed and explained the specialness of the festival. Vice president Walter D'Souza Kalmadi, general secretary Peter Rebello, treasurer Preethesh Castelino, co-treasurer Manuel P Fernandes, trustees Dr Joy DSouza, Gregory Monis and Stany Dais, Vencita Fernandez, Melini Cordero, Messin Miranda, Sevrin D'Souza, Ashwini D'Souza honored the guests with flowers. Cyril Castelino compared the programme.

Manuel Fernandez, Levin Fernandez, Gregory Moniz, Dolphy Menezes and Ruth Vas presented comedy, Konkani songs. In the beginning, children and devotees bowed down to the decorated statue of Mother Mary by showering flowers and offering devotional prayers. At the end, Monthi feast concluded with a traditional pure vegetarian new rice dinner for the assembled crowd.