St. Sebastian Church, Bendur Celebrates ‘Pavsa Gammat 2026’ with Traditional Food and Cultural Fest
Mangaluru, July 26: St. Sebastian Church, Bendur, celebrated “Pavsa Gammat 2026,” a vibrant traditional food and cultural festival, on Sunday at the Platinum Jubilee Hall, bringing together parishioners in a joyful celebration of the region’s rich heritage, cuisine, and community spirit.
The programme commenced with a colourful procession led by the St. Sebastian Church Children’s Brass Band, followed by farmers, Gurkars, parish representatives, and the clergy. Mr. Deepak D’Souza, Vice President of the Parish Pastoral Council, extended a traditional welcome, while members of the Women’s Commission presented a prayer dance. Rev. Fr. Joel Monteiro, Assistant Parish Priest, offered a special prayer seeking God’s blessings for timely rains and a bountiful harvest.
A special highlight of the evening was the celebration of Grandparents’ and Elders’ Day, during which senior citizens were honoured with roses and invited to cut a celebratory cake in recognition of their invaluable contribution to families and the parish community.
The festival was inaugurated in a unique traditional manner by Very Rev. Fr. Walter D’Souza, Parish Priest, who ceremonially cut a banana bunch from a banana plant. In his inaugural message, he encouraged families to preserve the region’s traditional food culture by preparing healthy homemade dishes and passing these culinary traditions on to the younger generation.
Following the inauguration, the Parish Priest blessed and declared open the various food stalls, where parish wards served an array of traditional delicacies including Patholi, Pathrode, Manni, Kube Mutli, Pork Indad, Mutton Boti, Chicken Kebab, Moog Ani Kirl, and Payasa.
A lively auction conducted by Loy Rego, featuring banana bunches, jackfruit, homemade wine, and other farm produce, attracted enthusiastic participation from parishioners.
The cultural programme featured a special song performed by the priests, composed by the Parish Priest, along with energetic dance performances by the Catholic Action League (CAL), Young Christian Students (YCS), and senior citizens. The evening also included competitions such as Traditional Dress, Group Singing, and the Zone-wise Baila Song and Dance Competition, with winners being felicitated with prizes.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Mr. Royston Farias, Secretary of the Parish Pastoral Council. The event was compered by Nihal Rego and Anna Patrao, whose lively presentation kept the audience engaged throughout the evening.
The celebration successfully showcased the rich culinary and cultural heritage of the region while strengthening community bonding and inspiring younger generations to cherish and preserve their traditions.
