Sun Sep 08 02:39:18 UTC 2024: – Catholics and Orthodox Churches celebrate Feast of Nativity of Blessed Virgin Mary on September 8
– In Goa, this feast was called Monti Fest in the 16th century
– Migration of Konknni speaking Catholics from Goa to Coastal Karnataka due to various reasons including famine, economic hardships, and conversions
– Monti Fest is now most popular among Konknni Catholics in Karnataka
– Monti Fest combines Harvest Festival and is celebrated with great enthusiasm in Coastal Karnataka
– Fr. Gaspar Barzeus introduced tradition of bringing flowers to Mother Mary during Monti Fest
– Monti Fest celebrated in Coastal Karnataka with Nøvem (Harvest Festival) as a family feast
– Monti Fest celebrated by Konknni Catholics in India and abroad, even with non-vegetarian dishes in some places
– Goa Archdiocese and Monti Fest
– Feasts of Our Lady of Vailankanni and Our Lady of Mount celebrated in Goa and other places
– Monti Saybinn term dwindling in popularity in Goa, Vailankanni Saybinn term gaining prominence
– Konknni speaking Catholics maintain Monti Fest tradition across different regions and countries, preserving cultural identity with Mother Mary

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