Monti Fest celebrated with zeal along coast

Mangaluru: Dakshina Kannada and Udupi on Thursday celebrated the family feast called Monti Fest with zeal, prayers and food in churches and homes of Catholic Christian communities.
The celebrations were low-key the last two years because of the pandemic.
Monti fest or the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary is celebrated after nine days of Novena.
During the novenas, children, adults and the elderly shower flowers on the statue of the Virgin Mary.
In the first year of the pandemic, as the churches were partially opened, this tradition was restricted to homes.
Last year, there was no showering of flowers, but the faithful were asked to place flowers on the statue.
This year, the earlier practice has resumed.
The celebration started with a procession to the church, a feature omitted in the last two years.
It was followed by prayers in churches and the blessing of Novem, which is paddy corn that is blessed by priests. Churches held prayers for broken families and girl children.
“For the past two years, families did not invite many, fearing the spread of the virus. However, this year it is normal and feels like the old glory is back,” said Renny D’Souza, a senior citizen.
She added that an odd number of vegetarian dishes are prepared on this day and served to the family in plantain leaves. The family has to squat down and relish the food.