By Naveen D’Souza
Pic courtesy: Sunil Bantwal

HAPPY FEAST TO ONE AND ALL

Konkani Catholics of Brampton (KCOB) celebrated their 6th Annual Monthi Fest on Saturday, September 8th 2018 at Queen of Peace Church, Brampton, Canada and was overwhelmed by the response and support of the Konkani community.

The event started with a welcome speech by Meghan Pereira at the church, followed by the grand Eucharistic celebration in Konkani by Rev Fr. Ranjan D’Sa and Rev Fr. Andrew Lewis. The liturgical service was complemented by the melodious Konkani choir led by Priya Fernandez with her group members, Benedicta D’Souza, Clara D’Souza, Colette & Stan Goveas, Ingrid Pereira, Josephine Soosay, Juliet D’Souza, Lara & Paul Rebello, Nancy & Walter Lobo, Nancy & Max Mendes,Veena D’Costa, Viyona & Wilson D’Souza accompanied Johnny D’Souza the guitarist and pianist Joshua Leung. Soon after mass the children went in a procession followed by elders to offer flowers to our dear Mother Mary (Fula Udonche) while singing Sakkad Sangatha Melyan and Moriyek Hogolsiya. The children were treated with goodie bags for their offerings and love to Mama Mary, these were sponsored by Ingrid and Mavy Pereira. It was indeed very touching and heartwarming to watch this religious tradition and culture being passed on to the new generation.

After thanking the gathering for their participation at the church by Anita Bantwal, the community was asked to gather at the hall for the cultural activities, organized by the committee members.

The cultural program commenced with the Welcome and a vote of thanks delivered by Naveen D’Souza.

Fr. Ranjan and Fr. Andrew, then blessed the new grains (Novemn) which was then distributed to all. This authentic Novemn was prepared by Colette Goveas, this traditional drink is a concoction of coconut milk and jaggery.

The evening’s festivities and program were superbly emceed by Nancy Mendes and Co-Emceed Priya Fernandez. The guests were enthralled and livened with a medley of songs, dance and comedy skits put up by Flavian Pinto, Nancy Lobo, Max Mendes, Nancy Mendes & Wilson D’Souza. The highlight of the entertainment was the performance of a comedy skit by prominent Goan theatre personalities Jr. Menezes and Marshall Fernandes. The dances were a bollywood dance performance by Varun Bantwal and Meryl Pinto, and a Zumba fusion dance by Nancy Mendes, Vinisha D’Souza and Clarissa D’Souza. The guests came on to the floor to dance when Wilson sang the famous song Lavina and a duet Ye Ye Cathrina by Wilson & Clara. The song “Ye Rathey Ye Mausam” sung by Lara Rebello brought nostalgic memories of the yester years. Kids too were entertained with games and riddles.

As always there were gifts galore with spot prizes, door prizes, 50/50 draw prize and much more.

This year KCOB recognized the unsung hero of the community Mr. Paul Mathias for his selfless dedication and service to the community and bestowed upon him the “Community Champion” Award.

The guests enjoyed the traditional authentic Novenm Dinner catered by Konkan Delite and served by the ever so helping volunteers. The aroma and the taste of the Mangalorean food brought back sweet memories of back home and serving of delicious Vorn sealed the dinner with a great Mangalorean experience.

Post dinner, DJ Donald’s foot tapping music made it hard for the guests to resist the dance floor and witnessed some energetic dance moves by all. All these beautiful moments were captured by our very own Sunil Bantwal with his camera lens.

It goes without saying that to organize such a grand event and still keep it affordable to the community, the support of our sponsors are of paramount importance.

Generous sponsorships were received from:

Brampton Monuments - Stan & Collette Goveas
Royal Lepage Terrequity Realty - Max & Nancy Mendes
Ipro Realty - Vikas Hamroll
Flavian Pinto - Sun Life Financials
Right Fit Blinds - Felix Serrao
Martin Menezes - Red Crest Mortgages
Nelson D’Costa – Nelson D’Costa Financial Corporation,
Priya Fernandez- The Mustard Niche
Wilson D’Souza - Sonwil Mortgages

Best Compliments From:

Albert & Josphine Soosay
Arun & Jennifer Mendes
Jack & Ophelia Barbosa
Peter & Werrel Lobo
Mavy & Ingrid Pereira
Nancy & Walter Lobo
Asian Foods
Iris Castelino

Kudos to the KCOB organizing committee and their families who have toiled selflessly and have successfully organized the Monthi Fest for the last 6 years, presenting top notch program year over year. A big thank you to the committee members: Anita & Sunil Bantwal, Colette & Stan Goveas, Ingrid & Mavy Pereira, Nancy & Walter Lobo, Nancy & Max Mendes and Priya & Naveen D’Souza.

The managing committee members of Konkani Catholics of Brampton wishes you and your family a Happy Monthi Fest.

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