On Saturday, September 12, 2026, Karaval Konkans Australia Inc. hosted its second annual Kutmachen Fest – Monthi Fest, bringing together the Konkani diaspora at St Louis de Montfort's School Hall in Aspendale, Victoria. The event, a significant celebration of Konkani faith, culture, and heritage, welcomed Commissioner Sylvia Coombe of the Victorian Multicultural Commission as its Chief Guest.
Preparations for the festive day included a nine-day Novena honoring Infant Mary, known as Balok Mori. Over these nine days, families and community groups across Australia, including Brisbane, Perth, Melbourne, Newcastle, Adelaide, Launceston, Hobart, Sydney, and Canberra, participated in prayers both in person and online. This collective spiritual journey fostered connection across generations and cities. A cherished element of the devotion involved children, who lovingly offered flowers to Balok Mori, echoing the traditional Monthi Fest practice of honoring Mother Mary and symbolizing the continuity of faith. Karaval Konkans Australia Inc. acknowledged the host families, prayer leaders, and volunteers whose efforts enabled broad participation in this spiritual lead-up.
The celebration itself commenced outdoors under warm sunshine with the traditional veneration of Balok Mori and the blessing of the Novem, the new harvest. Lester Goveas and his family from Perth received gratitude for cultivating and sharing the first grain. Following hymns and flower offerings to Balok Mori, a lively brass band led a procession indoors. The band accompanied a beautifully adorned statue of Balok Mori, carried beneath a damaskachi sathri, a ceremonial umbrella.
Rev. Fr Jacob Alvares, Spiritual Director of Karaval Konkans Australia Inc., celebrated the Holy Mass, forming the spiritual core of the event. His homily explored the origins of the celebration and its family significance, emphasizing the crucial role of mothers. The Karaval Konkans Australia Inc. choir, comprising over 30 vocalists and led by Sandria Rodrigues, enhanced the liturgy, encouraging congregational participation. After Mass, the blessed Novem was mixed into Vorn (payasam) and distributed to all attendees. During a brief interlude, the brass band provided entertainment while snacks were served, offering older members a chance to share memories with younger generations.
Image: mangalorean.com
đź“° Source: Mangalorean Gulf