Udupi, September 8, 2025: The Christian community across Udupi district joyously celebrated Monti Fest, marking the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, on Monday with great enthusiasm and devotion.
The festivities began with priests blessing the new harvest of paddy brought by local farmers from their fields. Children offered flowers to the statue of Mother Mary, and special Holy Masses were conducted in churches throughout the district. During these Masses, priests delivered sermons emphasizing the importance of family life and the role of women in society.
At Udupi’s Mother of Sorrows Church, Most Rev. Dr. Gerald Isaac Lobo, the Bishop of Udupi, blessed the new paddy and led the religious proceedings. Rev. Charles Menezes was also present. Similar celebrations took place across other churches, including St. Annamma Church in Thottam, led by Rev. Denis D’Sa; Milagres Cathedral in Kallianpur, led by Very Rev. Ferdinand Gonsalves; Our Lady of Health Church in Shirva, led by Rev. Leslie D’Souza; St. Lawrence Basilica in Attur, Karkala, led by Rev. Alban D’Souza; and St. Anthony Church in Sasthan, led by Rev. Sunil D’Silva.
Following the Holy Masses, priests distributed the blessed paddy to families, who took it home with reverence. The elders placed the paddy on the family altar, offered prayers, and prepared traditional dishes such as payasam or consumed it with milk. Families also prepared a complete vegetarian feast, served on banana leaves, and eaten together while seated on the floor, symbolizing unity and humility.
In the lead-up to the festival, a nine-day novena prayer seeking the intercession of Mother Mary was held in all churches. On the feast day, statues of Mother Mary were adorned and placed at the forefront of churches, where children offered flowers and sang hymns in her honor, followed by special prayers and Masses.
Unique Tradition of Harmony at Thottam Church
In a heartwarming display of communal harmony, Thottam Church continued its long-standing tradition of presenting the first blessed paddy to a Hindu family. The family of Babanna Poojary, who donated land for the church’s needs years ago, is honored annually with the first sheaf of paddy as a gesture of gratitude. This year, Puttayya Poojary received the blessed paddy from Rev. Denis D’Sa on behalf of the family. Notably, the Poojary family also celebrates the Kural Parba (new rice festival) on September 8, using both the paddy from their traditional deity’s temple and the blessed paddy from the church to prepare a festive meal.
Additionally, Prabhakar, a neighbor who consistently supports the church’s activities, was also honored with a sheaf of blessed paddy, further strengthening the bonds of community and goodwill.
The Monti Fest celebrations in Udupi district reflected a beautiful blend of faith, tradition, and interfaith harmony, bringing together families and communities in a spirit of joy and gratitude.
