Monsoon is the season that infuses new life into Mother Earth – and also into us. The surroundings turn into various hues of green, frogs croak, ferns emerge from the crevices, and a variety of mushrooms emerge from rotting wood. While nature is at its best during this season, children enjoy playing in the rain. But for us Mangaloreans, monsoon has another significance – the delicacies that are unique to the season. These special dishes are ingrained so much in our culture that for those who have tasted them, monsoon without these dishes is incomplete.
Though no documented history is available on the origins of these monsoon specialties, it is not difficult visualise it. Monsoon is the season when no boats set out on fishing and in the good old days meat was a luxury, available to most only 2-3 times a year. But nature knows what we need and provides it in abundance. From the ubiquitous ತಾಯ್ಕುಳೊ to tender bamboo shoots, nature has given us something or other to tide over the monsoon.
To relish the unique delicacies of the monsoon season, the Stree Sanghatan organised ಪಾವ್ಸಾ ಖಾಣಾಂ ಸಂಭ್ರಮ್ - the festival of monsoon specialties on the evening of 28th July 2024 at the Golden Jubilee Memorial Hall. Rev. Fr Fredrick Monteiro, Parish Priest, presided over the programme. Rev. Fr Stany Fernandes, Socius; Mr. Paul Rodrigues, Vice President of the Parish Pastoral Council; Mrs. Lolina D’Souza, Secretary of the PPC; Ms. Renita Menezes, Coordinator of 21 Commissions; Mrs. Sunitha D’Souza, President of Stree Sanghatan; and Mrs. Doreen Pinto, Secretary of Stree Sanghatan were on the dais.
The invitees included the gurkars of the 21 wards. Mrs. Shanthi Rasquinha welcomed the gathering. Mrs. Doreen Pinto and Mrs. Hilda Saldanha elaborated on the importance of monsoon delicacies.
The children of the members of Stree Sanghatan, who had excelled in academics and other activities were felicitated by the dignitaries. Mrs. Sylvia Albuquerque and Mrs. Diana Crasta compèred the felicitation programme. Mrs. Sunitha D’Souza, President, was felicitated on being elected gurkar of Infant Jesus ward.
Daryl Monteiro, who was elected President of YCS City Deanery and Ms. Renita Menezes, who was re-elected Animator of YCS City Deanery were also felicitated.
In his Presidential address, the Parish Priest lauded the unity and enthusiasm of the members of Stree Sanghatan. He also extended his greetings to the children of the members who were felicitated for their achievements. Rev. Fr Stany Fernandes also appreciated the service of Stree Sanghatan to the parish.
Games not only entertain us, but they also elevate our mood. To add liveliness to the gathering and to entertain them, Mrs. Lolina D’Souza conducted the games.
Mrs. Juliet Monica Pinto gave the vote of thanks. Mrs. Judy Lasrado compèred the entire event. The members had prepared 24 monsoon delicacies, which were relished by the gathering to the fullest.
Report by Mrs. Doreen Pinto
