Kuwait: The Kuwait Canara Welfare Association (KCWA) celebrated the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, popularly known as Monthi Fest, with great devotion and cultural fervour at the Indian Community School, Salmiya, on Friday. The celebration, which drew about 800 members and their families, reflected both faith and community spirit while also extending its charitable reach to thousands in India.
As part of the feast, KCWA also sponsored a festive thanksgiving Mass across all four parishes in Kuwait. A key highlight of the occasion was the serving of Novem Jevan — the traditional vegetarian meal that symbolises harvest, thanksgiving, and blessings — both to members in Kuwait and to the underprivileged in India.
Traditional and Spiritual Observances
The program commenced with a heartfelt prayer dance by children — Gloria Tauro, Kecia Dsouza, Sancia Lobo, Lenora Dsouza, Riyana Coelho, Alra Pais, Jianna Rodrigues, Jenicia Rodrigues, Jeshal Rodrigues, Shanelle Fernandes, and Roshni Dsouza. The choreography was arranged by Jyothi Colaco and coordinated by Sharmila Fernandes.
KCWA President Prakash Godwin Pinto welcomed the Spiritual Director, Fr. Avil Rosario, and the Carmel Sisters — Sr. Saritha A.C., Sr. Venitha A.C., Sr. Bedsy A.C., Sr. Chitra A.C., and Sr. Pushpa A.C. — with flower bouquets. In his address, Pinto thanked donors for their generous contributions, which made it possible for KCWA to sponsor Novem Jevan for more than 3,100 individuals across 21 shelter homes in the Mangalore and Udupi dioceses.
Fr. Avil Rosario delivered the Nativity Feast message, urging the faithful to reflect on the meaning of thanksgiving and family unity associated with Monthi Fest.
Hymns, Tableau, and Cultural Programs
One of the main attractions of the event was the presentation of “Mother Mary Hymns Medley with Tableau,” which was highly appreciated by attendees. The hymns were performed by Morvine Quadras, Glen Vas, Allen Pinto, Linette Dsouza, Senwil Pinto, Joyline Gonsalves, Gladys Lorena, Winola Cutinho, Raina Dmello, and Laveena Praphulla, with music programmed by Cultural Secretary Anil Pais.
The tableau was performed by a large group, including Cyndrella Gonsalves, Jyothi Colaço, Elvita Dsouza, Aaron D’cunha, Glenisha Monteiro, Jayden Rodrigues, Ashlin Cardoza, Vijay Rodrigues, Janik Rodrigues, Jane Dsouza, Sancia Dcunha, Ashlin D’souza, Alida Lobo, Swezel Pinto, Denzil Pinto, Jaydel Rodrigues, Jenicia Rodrigues, Jeshal Rodrigues, and Jiana Rodrigues, supported by James Rodrigues and Conchita Cardoz. Another tableau was presented by Elvia Montheiro, Aliya Fernandes, Alina Pinto, Shanya Pinto, Alita Monis, and Mariel D’lima.
A cultural dance was performed by Patricia Lilly Pinto, Melissa Ariel Pinto, Anaira Dsouza, Nicole Trisha Tauro, Viana Carina Dsouza, Relony Anne Cardoza, Rachel Mascarenhas, Lauren Dsouza, Welona Albuquerque, and Renilda Fernandes. This performance was choreographed by Rita Flavia Pinto.
Procession and Novena
A solemn procession followed, in which committee members and children carried the statue of Mother Mary, new crops, dates, vegetables, sugarcane, and flowers. The traditional hymn Sakkad Sangatha Melyam was sung by all, filling the hall with devotion. Novena prayers were then led by Reena Pereira, with children offering flowers to Mother Mary.
Honouring Achievements
KCWA recognised Miss Riona Aranha, a student of the Konkani Mai Bhas class, for successfully completing the course with full attendance. She received a certificate and a memento from KCWA President Prakash Pinto, accompanied by Konkani teachers Maria Rinna Dsouza and Shanthi Fernandes. Education Coordinator Veena Serrao led this segment, encouraging other children to join the Mai Bhas classes.
Games, Quiz, and Community Engagement
Several spot games were conducted, adding fun to the celebrations. Winners included Vincy Arun and Veera Dsouza. A Marian Quiz draw also took place, open to all Mangalorean Catholics in Kuwait, with 180 entries received. Of these, 32 participants answered correctly, and winners were chosen by Fr. Avil Rosario through a lucky draw. The winners were Flevia D’Mello, Shwetha Pereira, and Prem Crasto. The competition was coordinated by Smitha Suvarna and Jinella Rodrigues.
Distinguished Guests and Participation
The celebration was graced by past presidents of KCWA, representatives of the Konkani Association in Kuwait, and guest nuns from Carmel School, Kuwait. Their participation added to the significance of the event.
Charity Beyond Borders
In keeping with the spirit of Monthi Fest, KCWA extended its generosity to the poor and needy in India. Novem Jevan was served to over 3,100 people in 21 shelter homes — 13 in Mangalore and 8 in Udupi.
Shelter homes in Mangalore included: Snehalaya (Manjeshwar), Seon Ashram (Belthangady), White Doves (Maroli), St. Anthony Ashram (Jeppu), Snehasadan (Gurpur), Jivadhan Charitable Trust (Gurpur), Karunamaya (Jeppu), St. Joseph Prashanth Nivas (Jeppu), Olavinahalli (Someshwara), Balagraha (Maryhill), DE Mercede Orphanage (Panir), Mount Rosary Ashram (Alangar), and Paschim Rehab Center (Thokottu).
Shelter homes in Udupi included: Manasa (Pamboor), Don Bosco Boys Home (Kelmbet), Snehalaya Children’s Home (Udyavar), Auxilium Niwas (Shirva), Karnunalaya Kemmannu Old Age Home (Brahmavar), St. Philomena Children’s Home (Kemmannu), Sacred Heart Children’s Home (Brahmavar), and St. Joseph Orphanage (Udupi).
KCWA expressed gratitude to donors, noting that the act embodied the biblical principle from Proverbs 22:9: “The generous will be blessed, for they share their food with the poor.”
Conclusion and Acknowledgements
The Monthi Fest concluded with the Novem Jevan meal served on banana leaves. The traditional dinner was arranged by China Metro Restaurant, Farwaniya, and was enjoyed by all present.
The event was compered by Prashanth Ferrao, while Roshan Rodrigues, Yvonne Veigas, Tressy Cutinho, Deepak Andrade, and Kevin Dsouza coordinated the celebrations with the KCWA Managing Committee. Photography and videography were handled by Alban D’Souza, while sound and lighting were provided by Waves Sounds and Lights, managed by Anand D’Souza. Social media updates were managed by Nilton D’Souza.
Roshan Rodrigues, the Monthi Fest Coordinator, delivered the vote of thanks, acknowledging the efforts of volunteers, sponsors, and the Indian Community School for providing the venue. Fr. Stephan Dsouza led the gathering in grace before meals and blessed the Novem Jevan.
The event successfully combined devotion, culture, community service, and charity, leaving participants with a deep sense of faith and unity while spreading the joy of Monthi Fest beyond Kuwait to thousands in India.
