Archive · 7 Sep 2026
Monti Fest Celebrates Mother Mary and Mangalorean Harvest Traditions
Monti Fest is a special festival celebrated by Mangalorean Catholics.
It takes place every year on September 8.
The day celebrates the birth of Mother Mary.
It is also a way to say thank you for the new harvest.
Children collect colourful flowers and offer them to a statue of infant Mary.
Churches hold prayers and Masses for the occasion.
Families share a vegetarian feast made with fresh vegetables, rice and sweets.
The festival also helps people celebrate their Konkani heritage and community traditions.
Monti Fest is celebrated annually on September 8 by Mangalorean Catholics.
The festival marks the Nativity, or birthday, of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
It also celebrates the beginning of the harvest season and gives thanks for new crops.
Churches hold special prayers and Masses, while devotees offer flowers and produce.
Families prepare vegetarian meals featuring new-harvest vegetables, rice and sweets.
- Who
- Mangalorean Catholics in coastal Karnataka and communities living across India and abroad.
- What
- Monti Fest, a Catholic festival marking the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the beginning of the harvest season.
- When
- Annually on September 8.
- Where
- Mangaluru, other parts of coastal Karnataka, and Mangalorean Catholic communities elsewhere.
- Why
- To celebrate Mother Mary's birth, give thanks for the new harvest, and honor family, nature and Konkani heritage.
- Date
- September 8 every year
- Religious occasion
- The Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary
- Festival connection
- Beginning of the harvest season
- Main region
- Mangaluru and coastal Karnataka
- Key offering
- Flowers and newly harvested produce, especially paddy
- Church observances
- Special prayers and Masses
- Traditional meal
- A vegetarian feast with seasonal vegetables, rice and sweets