Our School fosters Unity through festivals of Faith and Nature

We hosted a vibrant programme on 6 September 2024, to celebrate the Nativity of Mother Mary intertwined with a rich display of nature festivals. The event highlighted the school’s commitment to fostering faith, unity and cultural diversity among its students and the local community. Grade VIII A, D and E were the hosts of the programme.

The celebration commenced with a melodious rendition of the Konkani hymn, “Noman tuka monthi maye,” performed by the students. Their harmonious voices filled the auditorium as they reverently offered flowers to Bambina Mary, setting a peaceful and reflective tone for the day.

Emcees Vanshika and Josyl gracefully welcomed the gathering, leading the audience through the day’s festivities. A solemn prayer service led by the students followed with prayers for peace, unity and the well-being of the community, including special blessings for the chief guest and her family. The programme continued with a spirited welcome dance, where students showcased their artistic talents, using dance as a universal language to express joy and unity. Tisha welcomed and introduced the chief guest, Dr Rose Veera DSouza, Dean of Arts and Humanities, St Aloysius Deemed to be University.

The cultural segment beautifully showcased the rich and vibrant diversity of India’s festivals. While some students narrated the significance of each of the event, others brought these stories to life through creative and engaging performances.

It began with Kerala’s Onam festival, depicted through a captivating performance of the legendary King Mahabali’s deep devotion to his people. The display was enriched with traditional elements like colourful pookalam designs and a re-enactment of the Onam Sadhya, celebrating prosperity, unity and cultural harmony.

Next, the Monthi Fest, central to the Mangalorean Catholic community, emphasized family unity, gratitude for nature and reverence for women. Students vividly portrayed rituals such as flower offerings and blessings of a bountiful harvest, honouring Mother Mary’s birthday.

The significance of Ganesh Chaturthi was portrayed through an inspiring narrative. Accompanied by rhythmic devotional music, students illustrated the festival’s core values of inclusion, generosity and respect for all.

A graceful dance presentation commemorated Eid Milad, the birth of Prophet Muhammad, focussing on themes of peace, harmony and the Prophet’s teachings, reinforcing the importance of unity in diversity.

Suggi, Karnataka’s harvest festival, was depicted through a vibrant and energetic dance that encapsulated the spirit of abundance. The performance also showcased aspects of similar harvest festivals celebrated in Maharashtra and Gujarat.

In addition, the significance of ‘Girl Child Day’ was spotlighted through an emotive dance drama raising awareness to empower girls in the society, so as to enable mothers, sisters, daughters and wives to shape the foundation of a healthy and just society.

The Chief Guest Dr Rose Veera DSouza, in her address, praised the students for their creativity and diversity. She encouraged them to become givers, emphasizing that nature itself reflects the value of living for others. She advised them to embrace the role of ‘waterpreneurs’, drawing inspiration from figures like Dharunati Patel Gulati. Vice Principal Sr Teena expressed her appreciation to the students of Grade VIII A, D and E for their outstanding efforts to celebrate the nature festivals in a befitting manner. She acknowledged the efforts of their mentors in making the event a grand success and reminded the audience of the shared responsibility to protect and nurture mother Earth.

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Aaron, who expressed gratitude to the chief guest, school administration, teachers and students. The event was skilfully compeered by Vanshika, Josyl, Nathan, Sushri, Mithali and Ancil.

As the audience dispersed, a sense of joy, unity and reflection lingered, marking the celebration of Nativity of Mother Mary and Nature festivals an unforgettable and enriching experience for all.

Mount Carmel Central School Celebrates Nativity of Mother Mary and Cultural Festivals.

Mangaluru, 6 September: Mount Carmel Central School held an enchanting celebration on Friday 6 September 2024, commemorating the Nativity of Mother Mary alongside a vibrant showcase of various cultural and harvest festivals. The event, attended by students, faculty, dignitaries, and community members, was a witness to the school’s dedication to fostering faith, unity, and cultural appreciation.

The festivities began with the melodious rendition of the Konkani hymn, “Noman tukamonthimaye,” performed by the students. The harmonious voices filled the auditorium as students gracefully entered the stage, offering flowers to honour Mother Mary, setting a serene and reverent tone for the day.

Emcees Vanshika and Josyl warmly welcomed everyone, inviting the audience to participate in the day’s reflections and celebrations. Following the welcome, a heartfelt prayer service was conducted, led by the school choir. The prayers focused on peace, unity, and blessings for the community, with special mentions for the Chief Guest, Ma’am Rose Veera, and her family.

The celebration continued with a a gracious welcome address by Tisha, who introduced and welcomed the Chief Guest Dr Rose Veera Dsouza, dean of Arts and Humanities Aloysius Deemed university and the dignitaries in attendance, including Principal Sr. Melissa, Administrator Sr. Carissima, Vice Principal Sr. Teena, and esteemed teachers. Principal Sr Melissa welcomed the chief guest with a flower sapling as a token of appreciation for her presence. This was followed by spirited welcome dance, where students demonstrated their talent through an expressive performance that highlighted the universal language of dance.

The cultural segment kicked off with an engaging presentation on the Onam festival of Kerala was brought to life through an elaborate act depicting the legend of King Mahabali and his devotion. The performance included colourful pookalam designs and the traditional Onam dance, reflecting the prosperity and cultural harmony celebrated during this festival.

Next Monthi Feast, a central celebration of the Nativity of Mother Mary in the Mangalorean Catholic community, was showcased. The presentation underscored family unity, respect for women, and gratitude for nature’s blessings, with rituals such as flower showering and crop blessings being vividly illustrated. Following this, The significance of Ganesh Chaturthi was then highlighted, celebrating Lord Ganesha’s virtues of humility, wisdom, and patience. The students presented a narrative through songs and visuals, emphasizing the festival’s role in community bonding and agricultural appreciation.

Eid Milad, commemorating the birth of Prophet Muhammad, was presented with a graceful dance performance. The students portrayed themes of peace, harmony, and the Prophet’s teachings, fostering a message of unity across different faiths.

Suggi festival, Karnataka’s harvest celebration. Students enacted the joyous spirit of the harvest through traditional dance and vibrant costumes, symbolizing the abundance and community spirit of Suggi. The significance of the makarasankranthi was through a presentation with a captivating dance.

The importance of Girl Child Day was then emphasized through a touching dance drama. The performance raised awareness about the rights, education, and empowerment of girl children, highlighting their crucial role in shaping a healthy society. Inspired by Mother Mary, the students portrayed the journey and significance of the girl child in contemporary society. Adding to the spiritual depth of the event, a soulful singing performance further elevated the sense of reverence and celebration.

A soulful singing performance added to the spiritual and emotional depth of the event, further enhancing the celebratory atmosphere.

The Chief Guest, Dr Rose Veera, delivered an inspiring message, commending the students for their dedication and creativity. She emphasized the values of love, unity, and women’s empowerment, encouraging the students to continue embodying these principles in their lives.

Principal Sr. Melissa took the stage to express her heartfelt appreciation for the students and their mentors, particularly those from Grade VIII A, D, and E. She praised their hard work and remarkable performances, highlighting how their efforts made the event a resounding success.

The event concluded with a sincere Vote of Thanks delivered by Prasidhi, who acknowledged the contributions of the school administration, teachers, and students. The final moments were marked by the singing of the school song, uniting everyone in a harmonious farewell and reinforcing the sense of community and pride within the school. The program was skilfully compered by Vanshika ,Josyl,Nathan , Sushri,Mithali and Ancil.As the audience dispersed, there was a profound sense of joy, peace, and shared purpose, marking the Nativity of Mother Mary event as a memorable and meaningful celebration for the Mount Carmel Central School community.