DOHA: The Mangalore Cultural Association (MCA) Qatar celebrated its annual Family Monthi Fest with great devotion, traditional fervour and a strong sense of community at the ICC-Ashoka Hall on Tuesday, September 8, 2026.

For the third consecutive year, MCA Qatar celebrated the feast on the actual day of Monthi Fest, lending special significance to the occasion and bringing together nearly 300 members of the MCA family for an evening steeped in Mangalorean tradition, culture and fellowship.

The celebrations began with the traditional jaggery-water welcome extended by the MCA Executive Committee, led by President Gladson Almeida. This was followed by the MCA anthem and a prayer led by Stephanie Lobo, after which the traditional Novem was distributed.

The cultural programme commenced on a devotional note with Alden Cutinha rendering the much-loved Konkani song Avoi Thi Avoi. This was followed by performances from Christle and Clarissa Pinto and Praveen Lobo, setting the tone for an entertaining evening.

President Gladson Almeida welcomed the gathering and delivered the keynote address, while MCA Advisory Board Chairman Felix Lobo conveyed his greetings to the members and their families.

A special moment of the evening was the recognition of MCA's Academic Excellence Achievers for 2025-26. The young achievers were felicitated with certificates in the presence of their proud parents, recognising their dedication and outstanding academic performance.

Academic Excellence Achievers 2025-26

The occasion also brought a delightful surprise for MCA Vice President Jovita Pereira Dsouza, whose birthday was celebrated on stage along with her family, adding another memorable moment to the evening.

The cultural programme continued with an energetic and colourful dance performance by the Doha Step Shakers, choreographed by Derick Crasta. The audience was further entertained with duet performances by Carol Dsouza and Santosh D'Cunha, while GVOM 2010 finalist Rupert Lobo captivated the gathering with his melodious rendition of Popai.

One of the major highlights of the evening was a hilarious Konkani comedy skit featuring popular Qatar-based artistes Amit Mathais, George Menezes, Savious Crasta and Ancita Dsouza, with music and technical support by Agnel Ullas Dsouza. Their lively and rib-tickling performance had the audience thoroughly entertained and drew enthusiastic applause.

The celebration was also graced by representatives of several Karnataka-based associations in Qatar, including Tulu Koota Qatarpresident Vijay Kumar Rai, Karnataka Sangha Qatar president Subrahmanya Hebbagilu, South Kanara Muslim Welfare Association president Imran Bava, Billawas Qatar president Aparna Sharath, Mangalore Cricket Club Qatar president Denzil Christin Lobo and Bunts Qatar president Sukharam Shetty, reflecting the strong bonds of friendship and community among the various associations.

The festivities culminated with the traditional Novem Jevann, enjoyed by nearly 300 MCA family members. Adding to the festive atmosphere during dinner was a live band featuring Rupert Lobo, Praveen Lobo, Wilson Mendonca, Santosh D'Cunha, Veronica Barretto and Carol Dsouza, supported by Figo Rodrigues on keyboard and Maverick Mascarenhas on drums.

The combination of devotion, tradition, music, dance, comedy, recognition of young achievers and the sharing of the traditional Novem Jevann brought MCA Qatar's Family Monthi Fest 2026 to a joyful and memorable conclusion.