Kuwait: The Mangalore Cultural Association (Kuwait) celebrated Monti Fest (Nativity of Blessed Mother Mary) at the Kala Kuwait Auditorium Hall in Abbasiya, on September 20.

MCA President Naveen Cedric D’sa welcomed the gathering while Herald Fernandes compered the programme.

The committee members, along with children, marched in a procession while carrying the statue of the Infant Mary to the stage.

Anil and Laveena Pais sang hymns, with music led by Jason Misquith, while the children showered flowers on the statue and the committee members offered vegetables and paddy grain ‘novem’ as part of the tradition.

Priscilla Rodrigues and Ida Lobo led everyone in prayer and the choir’s hymns added to the devotion. The guests too joined in the hymns.

In his address, John Francis Lobo explained how the tradition of ‘novem’ began in Mangaluru and how it got associated with the Monti Fest. He also delivered a beautiful message to live like Mother Mary: a life in obedience to God.

Afterwards, cultural team members Priscilla Rodrigues and Ida Lobo, along with several enthusiastic and talented children, entertained the audience with devotional dances, folk dances, and a tableau of Mary.

The blessed ‘novem’ mixed with coconut milk was served to everyone marking the familial spirit of love.

Carel D’sSouza briefed the audience about MCA’s mission and vision while providing a recap of all MCA activities that took place in the past year.

The celebrations ended with the vote of thanks delivered by Arwin D’Souza which was followed by a traditional dinner.

MCA committee members left no stone unturned in bringing the culture of the homeland to its members in Kuwait. They expressed their gratitude to the members who helped make the event successful.

(Edited)