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Doha Qatar, Sept 09: The Konkani Speaking Community of the Our Lady of Rosary Church joined to celebrate the Monthi fest (Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary) on Tuesday September 8 evening. In fact Monthi Fest is one of the most awaited celebrations by the KSC of Doha which mostly comprises of Konkani Speaking people from Goa, Mangalore and Mumbai.It is one of the most awaited days among the Mangalorean expats working and living in the oil-rich country of Qatar. The members of the Konkani Speaking Community come together in unison and celebrate the nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

The nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, popularly celebrated as Monthi Fest by Mangaloreans all over the world, makes one feel nostalgic bringing back the childhood memories. While in the earlier years Mangaloreans overseas waited eagerly for the arrival of new corns sent by their family members back home, the situation has changed drastically in the last few years. The Mangaloreans spread across the globe specially in the Middle East today celebrates Monthi Fest traditionally wherever they are in typical Mangalorean style by sharing the new corns and then joining together for ‘novem jevann.’

The Konkani Speaking Community of Qatar is perhaps one of the most vibrant and devoted communities of the region. The unity and devotion of KSC was on full display as the community joined together and celebrated the Monthi Fest with Novem Jevan on Tuesday September 8 here.
Earlier nine-day novenas beginning from August 30 were held as preparation to the Nativity. Fr. Anil D’costa, Capuchin Principal Trinity Central School Perampally, Udupi took the devotees on a spiritual journey during these nine days with his powerful and touching reflections on the Word of God.

The solemn feast mass was celebrated by Fr. Anil D’costa Capuchin who had specially been flown in from Udupi for the Monthi Fest. Fr Anand Castelino, the spiritual director of the Konkani Speaking Community was the concelebrant on the occasion.

In his festal homily Fr. Anil D’costa stressed on the importance of family and family life and exhorted the devotees to put in their best efforts in preserving and nourishing family bonds. He also stressed upon the need to respect Mother Nature by using her gifts judiciously.

Parish priest Fr Selvaraj joined the celebrations after the Eucharist and delivered his message to the Konkani Speaking Community.William Aranha and family was the ‘pirjent’ for the KSC Monthi Fest 2015 celebrations. New corn was blessed and distributed to the devotees after the Eucharistic celebration. The new corn grown in the fields of Herbert D’Souza were sent to Doha by Dolla Mangalore.

KSC president Mathew delivered wishes to all members, KSC committee member Clara Dsouza proposed the vote of thanks.Earlier the ‘pirjent’ as well as sponsors of each day of the novena and those who contributed their mite in making this a meaningful celebration were presented with ‘manachivaat’ (Honour Candle).

A well-trained, melodious Mangalroean choir by St Cecelia’s Choir was surely the highlight of the celebration.

The grand festal celebration came to an end with a pure vegetarian family dinner .

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