Bellevision USA celebrates Monthi Fest

By Victor Sequeira
Bellevision Media Network

Connecticut, 07 Sept 2011:The feast of Blessed Virgin Mary  (Monti Fest) also known as the Harvesting Feast and above all “Family Feast” holds a primary importance in the lives of Konkan people."Belle Vision" in USA celebrated the Feast of the Nativity of Our Lady, Monti Feast on Monday 5th of September 2011 (Labor Day in USA) along with the members, friends and  well wishers .The celebration took place at  beautiful premises of Mr. Francis D’ Mello in Middletown, Connecticut at 11.30 a.m.

Large number of Konkani speaking families and friends from New England, New York, New Jersey, Philadelphia and far off places, assembled to participate in the celebration. Mr. Fredrick Fernandes welcomed the gathering. The celebration commenced with a procession and the children offered flowers to Infant Mary and expressed their gratitude and love on behalf of the group that gathered to sing one voice “Sakkad Sangatha Melya”and "Moriyek Hogolsiam". This was followed by the blessing of the new corn. The Holy Mass was celebrated by Rev. Fr. Maurice D’Souza, CSC from Cleveland, Ohio who is also a native of Moodubelle. During the Mass, Fr. Maurice emphasized on the significance of Monthi Feast, how traditionally Mangaloreans celebrated the birth of Mother Mary as a Family Feast where all members join as a family in sharing the joy and happiness, this event brings. The choir which sang traditional konkani hymns was well orchestrated by Harman Mathias.

 

Following the mass, cultural events and games were organized. Kids played several games to win prizes. Soon after the mass, we had delicious snacks like idli, vada, potatovada, sambaar, chutney etc. Everyone enjoyed the fellowship meal (Novem Jevan) which included several types of vegetables along with Sannas, Pothrovde and Vorn which was prepared by all the families gathered for this occasion. Novem, the new blessed harvest of the year was distributed to all the families.

Mr. Thomas Menezes President of Belle Vision USA thanked the gathering for making the day a very special one and gratefully acknowledged the efforts of all who dedicated their precious time preparing the traditional ’Novem Jevan’.