Blog: SKA Monthi Feast Celebration

On 8th September, the SKA Monthi Feast was celebrated with great fervor and devotion at Alperton Community School. The event, which was scheduled to begin at 11:30 AM, started right on time despite the venue being occupied by other activities earlier in the day. Attendees gathered outside the hall for a heartwarming ceremony, where flowers were offered and new grain was blessed.

The celebration began with children presenting flowers to Mother Mary in a gesture of deep respect and devotion. Rev. Bishop Dr. Gerald Lobo, alongside Fr. Lawrence Devin Noronha and Fr. Roshan Lopez, led the congregation in prayers, blessing both the new grains and those gathered for the occasion. Representatives from various Mangalorean community organizations like KCA UK, MUKA Nottingham, UK Konkans, and Prayer Group London were present, further adding to the communal spirit of the event.

As the flower-offering ceremony concluded, a grand procession made its way into the hall, accompanied by the lively and vibrant music of the PRESTON BRASS BAND. The band’s energetic tunes lifted everyone’s spirits, setting a celebratory tone for the rest of the day.

At the heart of the celebration was the Holy Mass, which commenced at noon. Rev. Bishop Dr. Gerald Lobo presided over the service, delivering an uplifting sermon that resonated deeply with the congregation. The choir, led by Alwyn Saldanha, added to the spiritual ambiance with their melodious hymns, creating a sense of collective devotion. The mass concluded at 1:30 PM, followed by a traditional Mangalorean lunch. As part of the meal, the sacred "Nove" was distributed, further grounding the community in their shared cultural and spiritual heritage.

The day’s festivities didn’t end with the meal. In the afternoon, at 3:00 PM, a formal stage program began, with Gaywin Lasrado serving as the Master of Ceremonies. The event was graced by the esteemed presence of Rt. Rev. Bishop Paul McAleenan from Westminster, whose attendance added even more significance to the celebration. One of the key moments was the launch of the official SKA website, which was inaugurated by Rev. Bishop Dr. Gerald Lobo. Jason Dsouza, the developer of the website, was lauded for his efforts in creating a platform that would foster better communication and connection within the SKA community.

The stage program also included the honoring of distinguished guests, sponsors, and community leaders. A special moment of recognition was given to SKA President Sunil Dcunha for his tireless dedication to the community. Both Rt. Rev. Bishop Paul McAleenan and Rev. Bishop Dr. Gerald Lobo addressed the gathering, emphasizing the importance of preserving Mangalorean traditions and values. They spoke passionately about the cultural legacy handed down by previous generations and the responsibility to carry it forward.

In addition to these speeches, Sampson Dcunha shared personal reflections on the life and work of Rt. Rev. Bishop Paul McAleenan, highlighting his significant contributions to both faith and community. As a gesture of gratitude, the bishop was presented with a memento. Olivia Saldanha also took the stage, offering detailed insights into the life of Rev. Bishop Dr. Gerald Lobo, who was similarly honored with a memento.

The gathering also took a moment to express their heartfelt thanks to Fr. Lawrence Devin Noronha and Fr. Roshan Lopez for their steadfast support and for co-officiating the mass with Rev. Bishop Dr. Gerald Lobo.

As the formalities drew to a close, the celebration continued with a round of prize distributions, honoring SKA members for their achievements in various events throughout the year. The cultural performances that followed brought an air of joy and laughter to the gathering. A highlight was the hilarious skit performed by SANGON MUGDANA KALAKAR DUBAI, a talented group whose comedic timing and acting skills left the audience thoroughly entertained. For their contribution to the event, the group was presented with a memento.

Not to be outdone, the Groove & Glam Dance Group electrified the stage with their energetic dance routines. Their dynamic performances kept the crowd engaged, adding to the festive atmosphere. Gaywin Lasrado kept the fun going with engaging spot games and the much-anticipated lucky draw, much to the delight of the attendees.

The celebration culminated with the traditional Baila dance, bringing everyone to their feet. The joy and enthusiasm were palpable as the crowd danced together, ending the day on a high note. By 6:30 PM, as the last notes of the Baila echoed through the hall, it was clear that the event had been a resounding success.

A special vote of thanks was extended to all the sponsors, volunteers, and the dedicated SKA team who worked tirelessly behind the scenes. Their collective efforts ensured that the SKA Monthi Feast was not only a celebration of faith but also a vibrant expression of the community’s unity and cultural pride.

This celebration stands as a testament to the strong bonds within the Mangalorean diaspora, a reminder of the importance of preserving traditions, and the joy of coming together in community. The memories of this event will undoubtedly remain cherished by all who attended.