Mangalore, Sep 8: On the occasion of birthday celebration of Jesus Christ’s mother Meri, the feast of nativity of our lady or ‘Monthi Fest’ has been celebrated grandly across the coastal area.
Catholic people believe that Meri is mother of god, creates the miracle and fulfils the demand of devotees. There are many names to mother Meri and ‘Monthi Saimnin (Infant Meri) is one of them and this is a part of religious celebration of mother Meri’s birthday.
During the month of September crops grows properly and it’s a time for harvest. Hence after thanking Mother Mary for her blessings, the devotees also express their gratitude for the kindness of Mother Nature and mother earth for the bounteous crops.
The harvest fest is same like Kerala’s Onam, Tamilnadu and Andhra Pradesh’s Pongal.
In Parangipete of Bantwal taluk, outskirt of Mangalore has 250 years of history regarding the Monthi Fest celebration. Hence, Coastal Konkan catholic people celebrate the Monthi Fest.
Children and adults showered flowers on the statue of Mother Mary to mark the celebrations, which began early morning at Rosario Church, Bendoor well Church, Milagrise Church of Mangalore. There were hymns and prayers at the grotto of Mother Mary, and a procession accompanied by a musical band, with children showering flowers.
After the Feast Mass, people returned home with the blessed new paddy, which will be placed at a decorated altar and later mixed with sweet dishes and eaten with a thanksgiving to the Lord.
Ramantha Rai visits to church:
B. Ramanath Rai, forest minister and in charge of Dakshina Kannada has visited Rosario Cathedral and he conveyed his wishes to the gathering. Meanwhile, he said that lets all lives in peace and joy, just like crop that blooms out in glory,” he added.
Local corporate Latheef was also present.
By: sathish Kapikad
