Coastal Karnataka Catholics Disappointed as Government Declines Public Holiday for Mary’s Nativity F

Coastal Karnataka Catholics Disappointed as Government Declines Public Holiday for Mary’s Nativity Feast Mangaluru, Karnataka — September 10, 2026: Catholics in coastal Karnataka have expressed disappointment after the Karnataka government did not declare September 8 a public holiday for the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, an important Catholic celebration popularly known as Monti Fest. The feast is observed every year on September 8 and holds particular importance for the Catholic community in the coastal districts of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi. For Konkani-speaking Catholics, Monti Fest is not only a religious celebration but also an important part of their family and cultural traditions. Request for Public Holiday Catholic community organisations had approached the Karnataka government seeking public holiday status for the feast. Representatives from Catholic associations in Mangaluru and Udupi, along with Catholic legislator Ivan D’Souza, reportedly met Karnataka Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar on August 26 to present their request. Community representatives said that declaring September 8 a public holiday would allow Catholics working in government offices, private companies, schools, hospitals and other institutions to participate more fully in church services and traditional celebrations. However, despite the request, September 8 was not declared a public holiday. Community Expresses Disappointment Santosh D’Souza, president of Catholic Sabha Mangaluru, expressed disappointment over the decision, saying that greater participation could have been possible if the government had declared the day a holiday. Catholic leaders have also pointed to the difference between a public holiday and a restricted holiday. While a public holiday generally allows employees and institutions to close, a restricted holiday provides only limited flexibility and may not enable everyone to take part in the celebrations. Father Faustine Lucas Lobo, spokesperson for the Karnataka Catholic Bishops’ Council, said Catholic organisations would continue to advocate for official recognition of the feast. Religious and Cultural Significance Monti Fest commemorates the Nativity, or birth, of the Blessed Virgin Mary. In coastal Karnataka, the celebration has developed a distinctive cultural identity by combining Catholic devotion with harvest traditions. Families traditionally bring newly harvested crops, particularly rice and other produce, to churches to be blessed. The blessed harvest is then taken home and shared as part of family celebrations. The feast also brings together different generations and strengthens family relationships. Traditional foods, flowers, prayers and community gatherings form an important part of the celebration. For many Konkani Catholic families, Monti Fest therefore represents more than a single religious observance. It connects faith, family, agriculture and cultural heritage. Novena and Church Celebrations Preparations for Monti Fest generally begin before September 8, with churches organising a novena and special devotional programmes. Across coastal Karnataka, Catholic parishes conduct prayers and religious celebrations leading up to the feast. The occasion is particularly significant for families who come together from different places to participate in the celebration. Local Catholic leaders have stressed that the festival has been celebrated for generations and has become an important part of the cultural identity of the coastal Catholic community. Demand to Continue Catholic organisations maintain that their request for a public holiday is intended to recognise the religious and cultural importance of Monti Fest rather than seek special privileges. Despite the government's decision this year, community representatives have indicated that they will continue engaging with the Karnataka government regarding official recognition of the feast. For Catholics in coastal Karnataka, Monti Fest remains a significant expression of faith, family unity, gratitude for the harvest and the preservation of Konkani Christian traditions.