Coastal Karnataka's Catholic Christian community has renewed its appeal for official recognition of September 8 as a public holiday in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts. Leaders from the Karnataka Christian Organization and the All India Catholic Union recently presented a formal petition to U.T. Khader, the Dakshina Kannada District In-charge Minister, in Mangaluru, seeking this declaration to mark the birthday of Mother Mary.
September 8 holds profound cultural and spiritual significance for Catholic Christians, who observe Mother Mary's birthday as a major religious festival. The community dedicates eight days to various religious rituals leading up to the main day. On September 8 itself, tradition dictates that all family members gather together, celebrating the festival with joy, devotion, and shared meals, making it a pivotal day for communal and familial bonding.
A substantial Catholic Christian population resides across both Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts. The community has consistently placed this demand before the government for many years, citing the importance of this sacred day in their religious calendar. The petition submitted to Minister Khader explicitly highlights the precedent of holidays declared for major festivals of other communities, arguing that September 8 deserves similar official recognition in these two coastal districts for the Catholic populace.
Stany Pinto, founder and state president of the Karnataka Christian Organization, spearheaded the delegation that met Minister Khader. He was accompanied by Alwyn D'Souza Panir, state president of the All India Catholic Union (AICU). Minister Khader, who additionally holds portfolios for Family and Health and Minority Welfare, received the community's representation. Several activists from various Christian organizations were also present during the occasion.
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đź“° Source: Vartha Bharati DK