Mangaluru: An appeal has been submitted to the Karnataka government seeking the declaration of a public holiday in Dakshina Kannada district on September 8 on the occasion of the Nativity Feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary, popularly known as Monti Fest.
The request has been made in view of the religious and cultural significance of the annual feast for the Catholic community in Mangaluru and other parts of coastal Karnataka.
Ethan Raphael Tauro submitted an appeal letter to the Karnataka government through Raju K, KAS, requesting that September 8 be declared a holiday for Dakshina Kannada district.
Sheldon Albert Menezes also supported the initiative and accompanied Tauro while submitting the appeal.
Monti Fest holds deep religious significance
Monti Fest is celebrated with deep religious devotion and traditional fervour by the Catholic community, particularly in coastal Karnataka.
The feast commemorates the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary and is one of the important religious celebrations observed by Catholics in the region.
The celebration is closely associated with the Christian traditions, cultural heritage and long-standing customs of the Catholic community in Dakshina Kannada.
Families and parish communities traditionally come together to participate in special prayers, religious services and cultural observances connected with the feast.
The annual celebration also holds a special place in the social and cultural life of Catholics in Mangaluru and other parts of the coastal belt.
Appeal cites long-standing tradition
The appeal submitted to the government highlighted the long-standing tradition of celebrating Monti Fest and its importance to the Catholic community of Dakshina Kannada.
It sought consideration of the religious sentiments and cultural traditions associated with the festival while taking a decision on declaring September 8 a public holiday in the district.
The representation underlined the significance of allowing members of the community to participate in the religious observances and traditional celebrations held on the occasion.
The request is specifically aimed at securing a public holiday in Dakshina Kannada district for the feast.
September 8 marks Nativity Feast
September 8 is observed by Catholics as the Nativity Feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
In coastal Karnataka, the occasion is popularly known as Monti Fest and is celebrated with a distinct regional identity and traditional practices.
The festival has been observed for generations and remains an important part of the region’s Christian cultural heritage.
The celebrations bring together religious devotion and local traditions, making the feast an important annual occasion for the Catholic community.
The appeal emphasised that the significance of Monti Fest extends beyond an individual religious observance and forms part of the long-standing cultural traditions of Dakshina Kannada.
Government decision awaited
The appeal has now been submitted to the Karnataka government for consideration.
A decision on whether September 8 will be declared a public holiday in Dakshina Kannada district is awaited.
The representation has requested the government to take into account the religious importance of the Nativity Feast and the long-standing cultural traditions associated with Monti Fest.
The initiative supported by Ethan Raphael Tauro and Sheldon Albert Menezes reflects the demand for official recognition of the significance of the feast for the Catholic community in the district.
Until a decision is taken by the Karnataka government, the request remains under consideration.
A festival rooted in coastal traditions
Monti Fest continues to be one of the most important religious celebrations among Catholics in coastal Karnataka.
The observance of the Nativity of Mother Mary is marked by special prayers and traditional celebrations in churches and homes.
For many families, the festival is also an occasion for community gatherings and the continuation of customs passed down through generations.
The appeal for a district holiday has therefore sought recognition of both the religious and cultural importance of the occasion.
The government’s response to the representation will determine whether September 8 receives special holiday status in Dakshina Kannada this year.