Bangalore 20, 2024: The Konkani Catholic Sangh of Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore, celebrated the Monthi Feast with deep devotion and enthusiasm on September 8, 2024, at Christ the King Church, Malleshwaram. As part of the spiritual preparation, a nine-day Novena prayer and Holy Mass were organized from August 30 to September 7. Each day, the faithful gathered to recite the rosary in procession and offer flowers to Infant Mary. The insightful sermons delivered by Rev. Fr. Prem Cutinha and Rev. Fr. Richard Fernandez throughout the Novena days spiritually prepared the congregation for the grand feast day.

On the day of the feast, George Mascarenhas, Treasurer, welcomed the gathered faithful and introduced the day's program. This was followed by the Novena and a beautiful rosary procession, where children and devotees joyfully showered flowers on Infant Mary. At the grotto, the congregation, led by children and accompanied by elders, sang the traditional hymn "Moriek Hogolsian" before moving to the church for the Holy Eucharistic celebration.

Rev. Fr. Rakesh Mathias presided over the Holy Mass, which was co-celebrated by Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Jude Santhosh Kumar, Rev. Fr. Vijay Anand, Rev. Fr. Dilip, and Rev. Fr. McEnroe. During the offertory, children presented a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, symbolizing the community's gratitude for the harvest.

The choir, led by Manil Rego, infused the celebration with a sense of reverence and joy through their uplifting hymns. The new paddy, known as "Novem," which symbolizes the first fruits of the harvest, was blessed by Rev. Fr. Rakesh Mathias. Following the Mass, President Robert Cutinha expressed heartfelt thanks to everyone for their unwavering support, which contributed to the grand success of the celebration.

The blessed "Novem" mixed with coconut milk was distributed to all attendees before they enjoyed a traditional vegetarian feast, including the sweet dish "Vorn." Approximately 500 people participated in the festivities, which concluded with the distribution of "Kobu" (sugarcane) to families. The joyous atmosphere was filled with laughter and the exchanging of greetings, as members celebrated the rich Konkani Christian culture of coastal Karnataka. The celebration was a resounding success, bringing together the community in a shared expression of faith and tradition, leaving all participants with cherished memories of the Monthi Feast.