Mangaloreans Celebrate Record-Breaking Monthi Festh 2026 in New Jersey

The Mangalorean Catholic Association of the East Coast (MCA-EC) celebrated its largest-ever Monthi Festh on September 8 at Our Lady of Peace Church in North Brunswick, New Jersey. Families from across the Tri-State area gathered to celebrate the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary and honour Mangalorean Catholic traditions. Monthi Festh, observed on September 8, commemorates the birth of the Blessed Virgin Mary and includes the blessing of the new harvest, known as Novem. For Mangalorean Catholics living abroad, the celebration provides an opportunity to preserve their cultural heritage, strengthen family bonds and pass traditions on to younger generations. The celebration began with a solemn Mass celebrated by Fr. Robert Lasrado. Fr. Augustine Dsouza delivered the homily, focusing on faith, family unity and thanksgiving. Several priests participated in the Eucharistic celebration, while the MCA-EC Choir contributed to the liturgical atmosphere. Children, young people and young adults also participated through a special tribute to Infant Mary. During the offertory procession, MCA-EC gardeners presented fresh fruits from their harvest as a sign of gratitude. After Mass, families participated in Fula Wudonchem, the traditional offering of flowers to Infant Mary. The new corn was blessed, followed by the serving of traditional Novem milk prepared with newly harvested grain and laddoo. The community then gathered for Novem Jovaan, a traditional Mangalorean vegetarian meal served on banana leaves. The meal featured nine vegetable dishes and offered participants an opportunity to reconnect with the culinary traditions of their homeland. Charity was another important part of the celebration. MCA-EC members prepared and delivered 100 Blessing Bags containing winter supplies to the Missionaries of Charity in Newark. Donors also provided non-perishable food items and prepared food for families in need. For the first time, the association also organised an Entrepreneur Showcase, featuring 10 Mangalorean Catholic entrepreneurs and giving community members an opportunity to present their businesses, products and services. The afternoon programme featured 12 cultural performances, including four inter-vado acts that brought together families from different regional groups. Children and teenagers performed dances prepared by choreographers Arine Aranha and Sonia Cutinho. The celebrations continued with a traditional High Tea featuring Mangalorean delicacies such as goli baje and potato poadi. Guests also received fresh sugarcane as a traditional gift symbolising sweetness and prosperity. MCA-EC President Alan D’Souza thanked the clergy, volunteers, executive board members and the wider community for their contribution to the celebration. During the gathering, D’Souza also announced AMCHI 2027, a national convention of Mangalorean Catholics from the United States and Canada. The convention is scheduled for April 23–25, 2027, and will focus on faith, culture and unity. Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha of Mangalore is expected to inaugurate the event. The record-breaking Monthi Festh concluded with fellowship and thanksgiving, celebrating both the Catholic faith and the cultural heritage of the Mangalorean community in the United States.