Festivals

September 2023 INFOCUS gathering 

The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Candria Misha D’Souza, High School Sophomore, age 15

Nestled along the pristine shores of the Arabian Sea, the coastal cities in India come alive every year with a burst of colors, the aroma of freshly harvested crops, and the melodious sounds of hymns and laughter. This vibrant celebration, of the Nativity of Mother Mary, is a cherished tradition that brings the community together to commemorate the birth of the Blessed Virgin Mary, a symbol of love, hope, and faith for the Indian Catholics all over India. Known as Monti Fest in Mangalore and Goa; Mary of the Mount Feast in Bandra, Maharashtra; Nalpiravi in Kerala, Velankanni Feast in Tamil Nadu to name a few. As we delve into the heart of these enchanting coastal towns, we uncover the rich tapestry of culture, spirituality, and togetherness that defines Feast of the Nativity—a festival that beautifully blends age-old customs with the spirit of unity in modern India.

There are a variety of traditions that are followed during this special month of September. Before the main feast, people attend the novena, a form of worship of special prayers held for nine consecutive days. During this period of time, it is customary to only eat vegetarian food. Everyone dresses in their finest clothes to attend the Mass, when the first produce from the field (often rice paddy corn) is brought to the Altar where it is blessed by a priest. The vegetables that are blessed by the priest are then sent back home. "Sakkad Sangatha Mellyam” is sung along with other age-old hymns of Our Lady while a procession is led around the church. Flowers are showered during the procession, usually by children. In some parishes, an authentic cultural sweet dish called payasam or vorn is prepared and served to the attendees after the mass is over. 

On the feast day, it is customary to peel and crush some of the blessed grain and mix it with sweetened milk to drink. The nativity is also celebrated as a thanksgiving for the first harvest, so the eldest members of the household say prayers of thanksgiving and seek God’s blessings for the family during the year ahead. On the day of the feast, it is tradition for various types of vegetarian dishes of local vegetables to be served on banana leaves in odd numbers (such as 3, 5, 7, 9, etc.). While it is the norm to maintain vegetarianism during this time, Catholic families in different parts of India celebrate the feast slightly differently. In northern Udupi and Uttara Kannada, fish curry or dry prawns is cooked for the celebration. Those who cannot attend the feast in person and are away from home are sent a few blessed grains by post. Thus, Monti Fest is celebrated not just in India, but abroad.

Here in the Bay Area of California, a spiritual community group of Indian Catholics  called INFOCUS led by Fr. George Arhana  celebrated the Nativity at Santa Teresa Church in San Jose on September 10th. In an attempt to keep old customs alive and connect the younger generations to their roots, the traditional celebration of the feast was replicated. A statue of baby Mary was placed on a decorated cart and led the procession around the church while all were singing “Sakkad Sangatha Mellyam”. The congregation followed the statue, each person with flowers in hand. When the altar was reached again, flowers were placed around the statue and in vases next to the cart. 

After the Mass, a potluck was held with a wide array of aromatic Indian dishes. Cakes were cut to celebrate the birthday of Mary (along with anyone else who had been born in September). Following a couple hours of mingling, a fun set of games were held for adults and children alike. 

Monthi Fest holds a great significance for the modern-day world as it not only brings families together in India, but all over the world where Catholics have settled in. The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, celebrated with utmost fervor during Monti Fest in India, is not just a religious tradition; it's a testament to the enduring spirit of community, culture, and faith. As we witness the blending of age-old customs with the modern-day world, we recognize the universal appeal of this celebration. Whether it's the novena, the blessings of the harvest, or the communal feasts served on banana leaves, Monti Fest brings families and communities together, bridging geographical distances and connecting generations. Even beyond the shores of India, in places like the Bay Area of California, the tradition perseveres, ensuring that the legacy of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary lives on. In a fast-paced world, Monti Fest serves as a heartwarming reminder of the importance of unity, tradition, and the profound significance of faith in our lives.