Mangaluru: Flowers may come from Canadian gardens, paddy may travel across Australian states and Konkani hymns may be sung thousands of kilometres from the Karnataka coast. Yet for Mangalorean Catholics living abroad, Monthi Fest remains rooted in home and tradition.Celebrated on Sept 8, Monthi Fest commemorates the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary and marks the blessing of the new harvest, or novem. Traditionally observed from Kasaragod to Goa, the festival features a nine-day novena, children’s flower offerings, Konkani Masses, the blessing of fresh paddy and other crops, and the vegetarian feast known as Novem Jevan.
Children offer flowers during Monthi Fest celebrations in Canada
In London, the South Kanara Association (SKA), established in 1979, has grown from home-based celebrations into an event attended by 800 to 900 people, said secretary Loy D’Souza. The programme includes Mass, Konkani singing, dances and cultural programmes. Children born and raised in the United Kingdom are increasingly participating and volunteering, while people outside the Konkani Catholic community also join. Paddy is brought from India, while sugarcane is less consistently available.
Monthi Fest mass in Canada
In Canada, the Mangalorean Association of Canada (MAC), celebrating its silver jubilee, observes Monthi Fest “in as much traditional way as we can”, said president Janet D’Souza. Children carry flowers in procession and offer them to Mother Mary, followed by Konkani hymns, a procession with the statue, Konkani Mass, cultural programmes and a vegetarian meal.Janet said MAC brings novem from Mangaluru, gets it blessed locally and distributes it among the community. More than 500 people, including families, students and bachelors, attend. Julie Rebello, who moved to Canada three years ago, said the festival retained its religious and cultural character.
Cultural programme during Monthi Fest celebrations in Canada
In Melbourne, around 800 people attended the celebration organised by the Melbourne Konkan Community.President Maxim Rego said Mangalorean Catholics from Melbourne and nearby suburbs were joined by people from smaller cities, Goans and Christians of Mangalorean origin. The programme included Mass, cultural performances and a music band. Paddy was sourced from other Australian states.
Members of the Konkani Catholic community take part in a flower offering during Monthi Fest celebrations in Germany
In Germany, Konkani Kutam brings together people from Germany, Belgium, Luxembourg and Switzerland. President Keeth Shan Noronha said the association had grown from four or five people to around 400 to 500. Its aim was to preserve Konkani culture while adapting celebrations to German conditions.
Children take part in the flower offering during Monthi Fest celebrations in Australia
In the Gulf, Emirates Konkans Kasargod (EKKU), founded in 2011 and comprising around 200 members, has resumed Monthi Fest after a gap of a few years. Founding president Santosh Perla said the celebrations brought bachelors and families together, while president Edward Bela said traditional attire, food and flower offerings remained central.Similar celebrations are held in Kuwait, New Zealand, the United States, the Netherlands, the UAE and several other countries, keeping the community connected to its roots.
