Mumbai: Grand Monti Fest Celebrations in VASAI

By Ancy DSouza Paladka
Bellevision Media Network

Mumbai, 11 Sep 2013: Vasai had a very grand celebration of Monti Fest on 8th September. The Procession started from Parvati Cross, Manickpur, Vasai along with the "Maria Bombina" statue. A special Monti Fest Konkani Mass was held at St. Gonsalo Garcia Church, Barampur at 10.30am.

 

Vasai Konkani Welfare Association (VKWA) had organised a fabulous cultural programme at YMCA Hall, Manickpur. Anchor Oliver D’Souza initiated the programme with an introduction. Vice President Mrs Blanch Alvares gave a welcome address.

 

Various songs, specially composed for the occasion gave a thrilling punch. Kenny was the star attraction of the event. The songs "Vasayant Konknni Mis Zai" and "Konkani Lungi Dance" both composed by Dr. Vincent D’Mello received a great round of applauses.

 

The Programme started with a prayer dance "Bhagintlim Fulam Haddun" by Rachel D’Souza, Anisha, correa and Andria Saldanha. Fabulous dance performance given by Alita Fernandes, Lolita D’Souza, Clemencia Fernandes, Anisha Fernandes and Janice D’Souza. Josna Fernandes Choreographed the dances.

 

 

Kushal Group Members Jerry Bondel, Monthu Bollur (Max), Henry Menezes and Lawrence D’Souza entertained the crowd with their Songs and Jokes.

 

52 peoples troup of VKWA members had also enacted various cultures of Konkani people namely Vovyo, Vers, Roce, Kazar, Vhor, Dekhnni, Manddo, Dulpod, Baila etc.

 

Young budding singers Rony D’Souza, Wilson Kishore D’Sa, Reshma Menezes, Blanch Alvares, Clara Pinto, Viola D’Mello, Mable D’Souza, Jessy D’Souza, Mable D’Sa, Albert D’Costa, Gregory Monis entertained the crowd with their melodious voices. Most of the songs were composed by Dr. Vincent D’Mello. Mr. Praveen Menezes arranged music for the songs.

 

President Ancy D’Souza Paladka gave a key note address. In his speech he explained the significance of "Monti Fest" and its origin, how it is different from "Mamma Mary’s Birthday" celebrated by others, the effect of Tippu’s captivity making it a feast of strong family bonds and remembering our ancestors, importance of Konkani prayers starting with "Santa Khursachi Khur" and ending all Konkani prayers with "Mogall Putra Sovem".

 

The people were jam packed in the YMCA hall and stayed till 3.30pm. New Konkani CD’s were distributed to all the audiance who anxiously watched all the programmes till the end without having the meals.

 

Specially prepared potradde by association members was a very special dish during the Novem Jevonn. The advisor Mr. Jossy Menezes distributed gifts to the artists. The Co-ordinator John D’Souza gave vote of thanks. President Ancy Paladka, Secretary Reginald Santhmayar, Treasurer Albert D’Costa and Ex-President Stephen Fernandes were also present at the dias.