Monti Fest

Monti Fest is a significant festival celebrated by the Roman Catholic community, particularly among the Mangalorean Catholics, in honor of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. It falls on September 8th each year and marks a unique blend of religious devotion and cultural traditions. The festival has its roots in Faraunangady, a village in Mangalore, and has spread across the globe wherever Mangalorean Catholics have settled.

History

The origins of Monti Fest trace back to 1763 in Faraunangady, Mangalore, when a Jesuit Priest introduced the idea of celebrating the Nativity of Mary with a special focus on the new harvest. The name "Monti Fest" derives from the word "Monti," referring to the small hill on which the Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel was located, and "Fest" meaning festival in Konkani, the native language of the Mangalorean Catholics.

Celebration

The celebration of Monti Fest is a harmonious blend of religious devotion and community festivity. It begins with a nine-day novena leading up to the festival day. On the day of Monti Fest, the faithful gather in churches for a special mass dedicated to the Virgin Mary. A distinctive feature of this festival is the blessing of the new harvest, locally known as "Novem," which consists of grains from the first harvest of the season. These grains are blessed during the mass and later distributed among the attendees.

Following the church ceremony, the community engages in a festive meal, traditionally called "Novem Jevann," which means "meal with the new harvest" in Konkani. This meal is vegetarian and showcases a variety of dishes made from local vegetables and grains, reflecting the agricultural heritage of the region.

Cultural Significance

Monti Fest is not just a religious event but also a cultural celebration that brings together the Mangalorean Catholic community. It reinforces the community's connection to their agricultural roots and their devotion to the Virgin Mary. The festival also serves as a time for family reunions, as many members working or living away from home return to celebrate with their loved ones.

Global Spread

With the migration of Mangalorean Catholics across the world, Monti Fest has found a place in countries such as the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, and the Gulf countries. Despite the geographical distance, the essence of the festival remains intact, with communities organizing masses, blessing of the harvest, and communal meals, thus keeping their cultural heritage alive.

Conclusion

Monti Fest stands as a testament to the faith and cultural identity of the Mangalorean Catholic community. It is a celebration that transcends geographical boundaries, bringing together people in a shared expression of devotion to the Virgin Mary and appreciation for the blessings of the harvest.