Monthi Fest celebrations at Queen of Peace Church, Brampton, Canada

By Warren D’Souza
Bellevision Media Network

Brampton, Canada, 10 Sep 2016: Konkani Catholics of Brampton (KCOB) celebrated their Fourth Annual Monthi Fest on Sunday, September 4th 2016 at Queen of Peace Church, Brampton, Canada and was overwhelmed by the response and support of the Konkani community.

 

The event started with a grand Eucharistic celebration in Konkani by Rev Fr. Henry Alva and Rev Fr. Andrew Lewis accompanied by a melodious Konkani choir conducted by Wilson D’Souza and singing by Clara D’Souza, Bennie & Rony D’Souza, Juliet & Gemma D’Souza, Naveen D’Souza, Viyona & Wilson D’Souza, Veena D’Costa, Collette & Stan Goveas, Nancy & Walty Lobo, Louis Lobo, Nancy & Max Mendes, Ingrid Pereira and Josephine Soosay, complemented by Johnny the guitarist and Josh the pianist. The children with their flower offering and the elders then went in a procession to offer flowers to our dear Mother Mary (Fula Udonche) while everyone followed singing Sakkad Sangatha Melyan and Moriyek Hogolsiya. The children were treated with goodie bags. It was heartwarming to watch the culture being passed on to the next generation.

 

This year’s KCOB’s Monthi Fest celebration became extra special as among its attendees were eminent personalities such as Editor and Chief of Daijiworld - Walter Nandalike, Founder member of Daiji Dubai - Dayan D’Souza and Lion’s Club International Member and a strong supporter of Konkani Dr. Austin Prabhu from USA who shared in the celebrations.

 

 

Nancy Mendes welcomed and thanked the gathering and opened the floor to her co-emcee, Santosh D’Souza, They both, entertained the guests with their panache and humor. The program flowed flawlessly with the curtain raiser Bharatnatyam dance by Seneca Rego, Singing by Vanessa D’Souza, Bollywood dance by Samantha & Savanna Goveas, Standup comedy by Wilson D’Souza and hilarious skits performed by Santosh D’Souza, Wilson D’Souza, Naveen D’Souza, Nancy & Max Mendes. The evening was made meaningful with the priests blessing the Novemn drink which was authentically prepared with coconut milk and Jaggery. There were gifts galore with spot prizes, door prizes, 50/50 draw prize and much more.

 

Dinner was served on time and guests were once again thrilled to enjoy the traditional authentic Novenm Jevaan catered by Konkan Delite. The aroma and taste of the Mangalorean food brought back nostalgic memories of back home and serving of delicious Vorn sealed the dinner with a great Mangalorean experience.

 

The post dinner entertainment was par excellence as DJ Conrad, provided foot tapping music, which made it hard for the guests to resist the dance floor.

 

The event was made affordable to the community because of the generous contribution of the sponsors and a big thank you to all of them for their generosity. Main Sponsor: Janet D’Souza of Trillium Physio & Rehab, other sponsors of the evening were: Canadian Canara Vision, Oasis Fruit Drink, Royal India Sweets, Flavian Pinto of Sunlife Financials, Collette & Stan Goveas of Brampton Monuments, Max & Nancy Mendes of Royal Lepage Terrequity. Anita & Sunil Bantwal, Naveen D’Souza, Nancy & Walty Lobo and Ingrid & Mavy Pereira.

 

An amazing evening of tradition, foot tapping dance, fun and frolic was all possible because of the support and dedication of KCOB organizers and their families.

 

Once again, we from the Konkani Catholics of Brampton and on behalf of all the Canadian Konkani Catholics, wish you and your family a Happy Monthi Fest. May our Mother bring Prosperity, Joy and Peace to one and all.