A Historic First: Monthi Fest Celebrated by the Konkani Community in Austin
By Sanchia Gonsalves
September 6, 2025 — The Konkani Catholic community of Austin came together for a truly historic and heartwarming milestone: the first-ever celebration of Monthi Fest at the Brushy Creek Community Center, Cedar Park.
For many, this was more than just a festival — it was a moment of connection and identity. Several families are new to Austin, and for some, it was the first time meeting fellow Konkani Catholics in the area. The spirit of tradition, faith, and togetherness was deeply felt throughout the event.
A Joyous Beginning
The evening began with a delightful performance by children — Elsa, Claire, Eva, Ira, Eva, and Grace — who danced joyfully to “Naman Naman Amche Maiye”, filling the hall with innocence and energy.
Next, the young teens and tweens — Anna, Jiana, and Laina — captivated everyone with a soulful rendition of “Shivthin Aboliem” in honor of Saibin Mai, bringing a quiet reverence to the celebration.
Tradition in Full Bloom
As per tradition, Marian Konkani hymns were sung in unison as flowers were showered at the statue of the Infant Mary (Bambino) — a moving moment that connected hearts back to the roots of Mangaluru, where this feast holds deep cultural and spiritual significance.
A Feast of Love and Gratitude
No Konkani celebration is complete without food, and this one was truly extraordinary. The community enjoyed a traditional “Novem Jevonn”, lovingly prepared by 18 volunteers, featuring 13 authentic vegetarian Mangalorean dishes. It was a labor of love that reflected the core values of sharing, thanksgiving, and family.
The Novem and meal were blessed by Fr. Lijo and Fr. Roopesh, adding spiritual significance to the evening.
Songs, Skits, and Smiles
As dinner was served, Edle Prabhu enchanted the gathering with a melodious solo, “Amche Ghar Sakkal Ek Chedu Ravtha.” The mood then shifted to laughter with a hilarious skit, “Rosary Masala,” performed by Mithila Saldanha and her team — Ophilia, Vijay, and Aldon — capturing a typical home scene with a comical twist.
Celebrating Generations Together
The celebration continued with a lively Bombay Masala Medley, performed by three generations of the Mascarenhas family:
- Noel & Jennifer
- Juanita & Nashley
- Reuven & Jiana
Their performance had everyone clapping, dancing, and singing along, bringing a high-energy vibe that bridged generations with joy.
The evening wrapped up the best way possible — with classic Baila music and dancing, where young and old alike hit the floor in celebration of faith, culture, and community.
The event was gracefully compered by Jennifer Mascarenhas, and concluded with a heartfelt Vote of Thanks by Sanchia Gonsalves.
This first Monthi Fest in Austin wasn’t just a celebration — it was the beginning of a new tradition. It marked a proud and unifying moment for the Konkani Catholic community in Austin — a beautiful reminder that no matter how far we are from home, our faith, culture, and spirit of togetherness can thrive wherever we are planted.
