Dubai, Sep 15: Konkani community of St. Mary's Church, Dubai splendidly celebrated Monthi Fest, the feast of Nativity of Mother Mary September 7.

Enormous amount of children gathered in front of the Grotto. The corn was blessed by Fr Robert Lasrado and thereafter children carried out flower strewing to honour Mother Mary.

The statue of Mother Mary (Bambino) and blessed paddy was brought to altar in a procession by SMMC coordinator Jerina Lewis and vice-coordinator Joseph Mathias along with altar servers, SMMC core members and priests.

A beautiful homily was narrated by the guest priest Fr Anil D'Costa who came from India specially to celebrate nine days novena and feast.

Melodious singing by 'Melodia Choir' elevated the festive spirit. Donors were honoured with blessed candles at the end of the mass. A scrumptious 'Novem Jevann', traditional dinner by Canara Restaurant was served to more than 5000 attendees by the well organized Konkani community volunteers and church ushers sodality members. On the occasion, a variety entertainment programme 'Monti Sobann' was arranged by St Mary's Church Dubai's Mangalorean Konkan organization - St Mary's Mangalorean Community (SMMC) Dubai on September 8 evening in the church's main hall.

Dubai's popular compere Roshan D'Silva initiated the event with brief introduction and welcomed on the stage the SMMC spiritual director Fr Robert Lasrado, the visiting guest priest from Mangaluru Fr. Anil D'Costa, St. Mary's Church assistant priest Fr Olmes Milani accompanied by SMMC coordinators.

Joseph Mathias welcomed the attendees. Fr Anil D'Costa stressed on the unity in the families and motivation of family feast for such accord and appreciated SMMC's effort to organize traditional feast in a great manner. Fr Robert Lasrdo invited the Konkani parishioners of St Mary's Church to be actively involved in spiritual activities, especially attending Konkani masses. All the guests on the stage were honoured with flower bouquets. SMMC core member Rudolf Sanctis rendered the vote of thanks.

Lanita Noronha, SMMC's assistant programme coordinator announced the winners of various competitions which were organized earlier by SMMC for Monthi Fest and academic excellence to whom the awards and certificates were distributed.

Three CDs were released on this auspicious occasion - 'Nasha' Konkani songs CD by Anil and Lavina Pais, Kuwait represented by Joseph Mathias; 'Jezu Sangi' Konkani devotional hymnal CD by Joyson and Nisha Sequeira and 'Tuja Nivasant' a Konkani devotional hymns CD by Joseph Moras, Melodia Choir Dubai.

For the cultural event, renowned organizations like Arun Lobo's Feet Beat Dance and Art Centre, Ocean Kids Institute of Music, Dance and Art and ABCD Dance Studio added zest to the entertainment programmes with their well-choreographed fusion dances.

The highlight of the event, the traditional 'Gumta' by Dony Correa and team, was thoroughly enjoyed by the excited audience.

Well known dramatists groups Konkan Tara and Melwyn Kalakul and team, exhibited excellent comedy skills with their few amusing skits. 

All the artists and choreographers of dance teams were honoured with flower bouquets and certificates by SMMC core committee members.

The two-hour grand entertainment programme with packed audience was a well organized event, appreciated by all.