Mangaluru, August 28: A request has been submitted to the Karnataka government seeking a public holiday in Dakshina Kannada district on September 8 in connection with the Monti Fest, celebrated as the Nativity Feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Ethan Raphael Tauro District General Secretary of the National Students Union of India Dakshina Kannada submitted the appeal through Raju K, KAS, urging the government to declare September 8 a holiday considering the religious and cultural importance of the feast to the people of the region.
Monti Fest holds a special place among the Catholic community of Mangaluru and other parts of coastal Karnataka. The annual celebration marks the birth of Mother Mary and is observed with religious devotion as well as traditional customs that form an important part of the region’s Christian heritage.
In the appeal, the organisers pointed out the long-standing tradition of Monti Fest celebrations and the deep sentiments attached to the occasion among the Catholic community in Dakshina Kannada.
The government has also been urged to take into account the religious sentiments and cultural traditions of the community while considering the demand for a holiday.
Sheldon Albert Menezes also extended his support to the initiative and accompanied Ethan Raphael Tauro during the submission of the appeal.