On Tuesday 8 September, Christian congregations across Udupi district gathered to observe the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, popularly called Monti Fest. The ceremony combined religious rites with the celebration of the newly harvested paddy, drawing families, children and clergy to churches and homes throughout the coastal region.
At each parish, priests blessed bundles of fresh paddy ears and sugarcane that had been carried in procession from the fields. Special Holy Masses followed, during which the faithful prayed for the safety of women and children. In the absence of the diocesan bishop, Bishop Emeritus Gerald Isaac Lobo performed the harvest blessing and delivered a homily that linked the festival to universal values such as gratitude, forgiveness and care for the environment.
Children played a central role in the festivities. Hundreds of youngsters approached statues of the Infant Mary placed before grottoes, laying colourful flowers and petals as a sign of devotion. The tradition of offering blossoms, which spans nine days, reached its climax on this day, creating a vivid tableau of faith and joy.
Homes echoed the church celebrations. Families prepared traditional vegetarian meals, featuring payasam made from the new rice harvest, and shared the dishes with neighbours. The communal feasting underscored the message that strength lies in mutual understanding, support and shared happiness, as emphasized by Bishop Lobo.
Key churches hosted notable events. At Stella Maris Church in Kalmady, Bishop Lobo led the Mass and addressed the crowd. Rev. Fr. Denis D’Sa presided over a special Mass at Mother of Sorrows Church in Udupi, while Monsignor Francis Lewis, Diocesan Vicar General, performed the harvest blessing at Milagres Cathedral in Kallianpur.
The celebration highlighted a deep connection between the people and their land. By honoring the bounty of nature and the labour of farmers, Monti Fest reinforced respect for the environment and gratitude for the food that sustains the community. The day concluded with a sense of unity, as believers from diverse backgrounds embraced the shared values embedded in the festival.
Image for illustration purposes only
đź“° Source: Mangalorean News