Mangaluru: September 8 regarded as the Nativity or birthday of the Blessed Virgin Mary, mother of Jesus Christ, by Catholics. For the Mangalurean Catholics, it is also celebrated as harvest day or Monthi Fest. On this day, Catholics assemble at their respective parishes to attend mass and honour Mother Mary. Children shower flowers on a statue of Mary as a baby and join the adults in offering prayers. Later, sugar cane is distributed to both the young and the old and special sweets are given to the children.
The parishioners of the Bondel Church here on Saturday celebrated the Nativity/Monthi fest with great fervour and devotion. Children and adults gathered in devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. The Holy Mass was celebrated after the children showered flowers on Mother Mary as a sign of respect.
