Shankerpura/Pangala: Monti Fest celebrated in great devotion and sports event

By John Rodrigues, Pangla
Bellevision Media Network

Pangla/Shankerpura, 09 Sep 2012: A grand Monti Fest was celebrated at St. John’s Evangelist Parish Shankerpura with a great devotion.  A large number of faithful gathered at the community hall this time at 7,0am instead of usual grotto due to expected rains.

 

The little children with their beautiful attire showered flowers in honour of Mother Mary.  And the church choir was rendering traditional hymns such as Sakkad Sangtana Mellyam and Moriyek Hogollsiam while the little children showered the statue of mother Mary.

 

The faithful then led to the church with devotion and singing and the new corn (novem) was blessed by Rev. Fr. Dr. Lesie D’Souza.  He highlighted the importance of Monti Fest and significance of the feast of Nativity of Mother Mary.  He thanked Almighty for the new fruits given in abundance to the people.

 

The concelebrated mass was said by Rev. Fr. Vincent Coelho ( Principal, St. John’s P U College) along with Rev. Fr. Leslie D’Souza.  A wonderful sermon based on family values was given by Parish Priest Rev. Dr. Fr. Leslie D’Souza.  Fr. Leslies also wished all the faithful a blessed day and wish the laity a more meaningful and happy Monti Fest. At the End of the mass new paddy was distributed to the faithful in a most systematic manner.

 

To brighten the day of the congregation, the arrangements of distribution of Laddus and Sugar Cane was made by a few generous faithful of the parish.  Laddus were Sponsored by Pangala Caterers while Sugar Cane (Kobu) was sponsored by Irine Quadras.

 

 

Pangala Parish has a unique style of celebrating the Monti Fest in Pangla (Shankerpura).  After having family meal with the blessed Novem at home they rush to the sports ground of the School to take active part in various sports events.  Every year great number of sports events takes place on this day.  The games are organized by ICYM Shankerpura wherein all young and old take active participation and enjoy the whole day as a one unique family.

 

This year too Sports & Games started at 2.30pm. First the exiting track events such as Running Races, One Leg Races, and Three Leg race took place and from the little children to the veteran 50 plus took active role in the track events.

 

A few special events such as Bombing the City, Slow Cycle Race, Shot Put also took place.  But the highlight of the day are two most exiting games and they are none other than 1) Breaking The pot wherein a pot was tied to a tree branch and was targeted to break by blind folded persons and as usual hardly and finally only one could break it.  It is really a thrilling game and every one enjoys this fun filled game thoroughly.  The second being the Tug of War another equally fun-filled played by men and women to show their prowess by pulling the rope in both sides.  Tug-of-war was played by Ward wise and this time St. John’s Wards emerged the Champions and the Runners-up trophy went to St. Josephs Wards.

 

This year was a special event took place for the first time and that was the Victory Ceremony of all the winders.  The great spots and fun filled day came to an end with the distribution of prizes by Parish Priest Fr. Leslie D’Souza and Principal Fr. Vinclent Coello . All the Prizes were sponsored by Irine Quadras, & Kids Lourdes II Wards, and with this the sports day ended at 6.30pm.