Exuberant ‘Nathalancho Dabazo’ Celebrated by MCCP in Muscat
Photos: Joachim DSouza
Muscat: The Mangalorean Catholic Centre of the Parish (MCCP – Sts Peter and Paul Church, Ruwi), organized a grand celebration of ‘Nathalancho Dabazo’ on Friday, November 30th, held at Ruwi parish main hall with a large gathering to celebrate the beginning of the Christmas season. The cultural event engaged all the community members in a highly active and joyous way throughout the evening.
The grand program began by briefly introducing the Chief guests of the day and inviting them to the stage, and thereafter the Chief Guest Vijai DCunha, Head of Finance and Planning at Marmul Hospitality Group (hailing from Belthangady Parish) and Sr. Juliana Dsouza, Superior of Sisters of our Lady of Missions – Ferar, were escorted to the stage by the President Jessie Pereira and Vice-President Terence DSouza, respectively, and were greeted with flower bouquet by the President. The chief guests and President Jessie Pereira then inaugurated the event by traditionally lighting of diyas.
After this, Reshma DCosta read the Word of God, and a prayer. A beautiful Christmas message was delivered by Sr. Juliana Dsouza. Welcome note was addressed by the President Jessie Pereira and highlighted the significance of the celebration. The program was beautifully compered by Preema DSouza, a young and dynamic community activist from Ghala Parish.
A beautiful tableau was presented depicting birth of Jesus with a blend of skits displayed emotion and energy put into every part, and the audience felt as if they were actually there in experiencing the coming of the Christ Child. The first skit of the tableau directed by Lancy Lobo, and presented by Lancy (himself), Walter, Helen, Wilfred, Flavia, Clifford, Sunil, Shavin, Naveen, Cyril, Stany, Eugene, John, and Rakesh.
This was followed by another skit choreographed by Peter Fernandes gave a message of Love and compassion, and the narrative was that the present times are not different than the past, where similar difficulties and sufferings were under gone by Joseph and Mary during the birth of Jesus. The skit was well performed by Peter (himself), Flavy, Vinitha, Lawrence, Flavia, Wilson and Reshma, turned emotive and attraction of the event.
A group of children ‘Angels and Shepherds’ then performed a dance welcoming the birth of Jesus, which was choreographed by Pramila Pais and was presented through Aman, Adele, Risha, Rian, Laurette, Cleon, Rochelle, Derrick, Clarine, Mayola, Aaron, Alria, and Harleen, which stole the hearts of the audience.
A beautiful dance to the tune of different music and songs by ‘Konkan Steps and Beats’, choregraphed by Calida Machado was performed by Calida (herself), Anisha, Lovette, Reia and Christina, brought enhanced exquisiteness to the event. Another beautiful dance by ‘Sparkling Dance Group’ choreographed by Priyanka Mendonca, was presented by Tanya, Delishya, Siona, Leanne, Cherryl and Jaden gained lot of appreciation from the audience.
The members Ruwi Parish Konkani Choir, Reshma, Flavia, Anitha, Leera, Larissa, Dilip, Vivian and Stany sang melodious Christmas Carols under the leadership of Apolinaris D’souza. The members of Ghala Parish Konkani Choir team ‘Christmas Stars’ comprising Veena, Renita, Vinutha, Zeeliya, Veena, Suman, Prem, Errol, Naveen and Noel, performed enthralling and harmonious singing, also joined by little ones; Aiden, Nathan, Evan, Ashton, Alton, Luke, Johan, Denzil, and Francesca. Hendrita was on Alto, Priyan on Tenor, and Savio played the Keyboard.
For the first time ever, all the participants in the Carols singing, dance, skit, and tableau were felicitated and handed down with gifts by the MCCP Executive committee members.
Audiences were kept occupied in various spot games held by Terence DSouza and Housie Game by Praveen Serra and Sharon Alva. The cake auction was done though bidding to the numbers with a fixed amount, which was conducted by Jessie Pereira, Tracy Menezes and Terence DSouza, and was assisted by Praveen Serra, Sharon Alva and Vikas Fernandes. The very special Christmas guest and children’s most favourite of the season ‘Santa Claus’ entry with his jingling bells and bag full of chocolates excited the children.
The winners of previously held outdoor and indoor competitions were handed down with Prizes. The winners in the Photography Competition were: Allan (1st), Lael (2nd), Joyal (3rd). Food Art Competition winners were: Ashlita (1st), Sunil & Shanthi (2nd). Cooking without Fire Competition winners in ‘Single’ Category: Ashlita (1st), Reshma (2nd), Dynet (3rd). In ‘Group’ category, the winners were: Mamata and Juliet -1st, Sunil and team (Shanthi, Andrel, and Naveen) -2nd, Julian and team (Vincent, Leema, and John) – 3rd.
The winners from the popular online Konkani monthly quiz were: Melwin, Jane (September month), Reema, Zeeliya (October Month), Roshwin, Macniel (November month). Christmas Kuswar Fiesta and Cake making Competition was organised by MCCP with many participants taking part in the Homemade Kuswar and Cake Competition. The winners in Kuswar Competition were: Zeeliya & Melwin (1st), Naveen & Suman (2nd) and Noel & Reema (3rd). The Winners in Cake making: Melwin (1st), Naveen & Suman (2nd), Noel & Reema (3rd). The winners of Star making Competition: Leon (1st), Noel (2nd), Helen and Eugene (3rd).
Loveline Rego kept the music flowing with unique style of DJ, and Joachim DSouza captured the memories of the event with his camera. The hall was beautifully decorated by Lancy Lobo.
The entire event was very eloquently compered in Konkani by Ms. Preema DSouza. Praveen Serra proposed the vote of thanks. The event was meticulously planned and executed by the entire MCCP Executive Committee lead by Jessie Pereira as the President, Monica Fernandis (Vice President – Sports & Finance), Vinod Terence DSouza (Vice President – Cultural, Spiritual & CS), Silvia Dias (General Secretary), Victoria Trecilla Menezes (Honorary Treasurer), Sharon Alva (Internal Auditor), Reshma DCosta (Sports Secretary), Praveen Donald Serra (Cultural Secretary), Vikas Marshal Fernandes (Spiritual Secretary) and Merita Pinto (Community Services Secretary).
Volunteers and event supporters: Sandra Correa, Janet Rodrigues, Anitha Danthy, Raphael DSouza, Sunil DSouza, Francis DSouza, MC – Preema DSouza, DJ – Loveline Rego, Photography – Joachim DSouza, Registration Counter: Freeda Serra. Website and media support by: Vijai DCunha.
Event Sponsors: Ronald Castelino (Oasis Water), Avelen DSouza (Gifts), Philomena Mendonca (Juices and Gifts). Christmas special Cake by: Reena Mathias.
The sponsors for the year are: Platinum sponsor: Technofit Trading LLC (Liguory and Margaret DMello), Muscat Golden Services LLC (Raphael DSouza), Areej Vegetable oils & Derivatives (Courtesy Vivian Pereira). Gold sponsors: Marmul Hospitality Group of Travels, Exchange & Hotels (Mabel Pinto – courtesy Vijai DCunha), Prestige Projects and Engineering Supplies Co LLC (Denis Mascarenhas) and Zahrat Al Rawdha Trading (Raphael Quadras).
MCCP wishes all its members and their families, friends and everyone across the globe a Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year 2020.
