Udyavarites Unite For A Memorable Annual Fest

Report by Canute Moras

Photographs: Prakash D'Souza

St. Francis Xavier a renowned saint for the Konkan Catholic Community is the Patron of Udayavara Church. The annual feast of our saint is celebrated as the Parish Feast, popularly known as the “Vodlem Festh” on the first Wednesday of December.

Coinciding with this event Udyavarites celebrated the feast in UAE on Friday November 30 at the Karama hotel, Dubai.

'Udyavarites' is an association of Udyavara Parishioners and their families residing in UAE. The association in its 13 years of existence has been hosting this annual feast every year since its inception.

The event eagerly awaited by many has been an occasion for camaraderie, togetherness, fun and frolic and that spirit has lived on this year as well.

Robin, Donald, Jenifer and Agnes At Registration Desk

The programme commenced with prayer invoking God’s blessings and a hymn to our patron saint by group of sweet young girls of Udyavarites followed by Bible reading.

 Nisha Sequeira and Monica Waldar Sining A Konkani Duet

Young Udyavarites Singing Hymn of Patron Saint

Mariet Reading Word of God

President Gilbert D'Sa Addressing The Gathering

Our president Gilbert D’sa welcomed the gathering and thanked the sponsors and audience for the continuous support given to the association since beginning. He reiterated the mission and objectives of the association in helping the poor, needy and community works back home.

Jenifer Soares At Sponsors Felicitation

Our Generous Sponsors

The sponsors' felicitation was conducted by Jenifer Suares.  Sponsors were felicitated on the occasion for their generosity and support.

Singer Joseph Mathias with Wilson Singing "Ami Dogi Sezara"

Comedians Jeffrey and Veena Performing A Skit

The programme was a potboiler of skits, dance, live music, songs, spot prizes and many more. The veteran team of artists comprising of Jeffery, Joacky, Vivian, Robert and Donald presented a great treat of four hilarious skits and captivated the whole audience with laughter.  The skits were co-ordinated by Robert. 

Natasha, Andria, Jevica and Elisha All Set To Dance

The all girls team of Natasha, Andrea, Elisha, Elena  and Jevica performed an enthralling Bollywood Remix dance.

Jingle Bells Jingle Bells Jingles All The Way

Andrea With Carol Singing Team

As it the period of Advent and Christmas is on the horizon, carol singing and a Santa Claus show was performed. The event was interspersed with many spot prizes and the audience showed lively participation.

A live band led by Rosal Sequeira and  vocalist Wilson and Nisha. Monica Valder, Joseph Mathias and others rendered their Vocal support and spiced up the event.

They sang melodies chosen from famous singers and culminating the event with a baila dance which kept the crowd grooving. As usual a lotto draw was arranged by Raphael Dsouza and vote of thanks was delivered by Renita D'Souza.

Packed Audience Having Good Time

Udyavarites Fabella Singing A Konkani Song

Comedians Jeffrey and Donna

Robert and Jeffrey Performing A Skit

Wilson, Uttam, Rosal, Monica and Nisha

Santa's Grand Entry Into Hall

Young Udyavarites On Stage For A Photograph

Renowned MC Uttam Menezes managed the complete show with great finesse and ensured total entertainment.

Karma Hotel management served a delicious lunch buffet and satiated the taste buds of all. They organized the party hall and serviced to everyone’s satisfaction.

The audience strength of about 175 completely enjoyed the show and gave encouraging reviews.

Udyavarites president and the committee members expressed their gratitude to one and all for their continuous support.

Udyavarites Parish Feast 2012 In Dubai - Invitation

President - Udyavarites along with Committee Members

cordially invites all Udyavarites, well wishers and friends 

for the 12th Annual Gathering 

(Parish Patron St. Fracis Xavier's Feast - Vodlem Fest celebrations) as detailed below:

Date    : 30th November 2012 (Friday)

Time   : 11.30AM to 5:30PM

Venue  : Tantra Club, Karama Hotel. Dubai


Highlights of the day will be:

• Nonstop Entertainment filled with Games and Spot Prizes
• Live music from well known Konkani Singers
• Numerous Humorous skits by Udyavarite Comedians
• Dance performance by young Udyavarites and adults as well
• Sumptuous Buffet Lunch
• Housie Calling with lots of attractive prizes

For Entry Coupons, please contact:

050 4961235 (Mr. Gerald Pereira)     

050 4505388 (Mr. Anthony D'Silva) 

050 1689159 (Mr. Donald Machado)  

050 8773450 (Mr. Clarence D’Souza)

050 4592185 (Mr. Vivian D’Silva)

050 5458389 (Mr. Gilbert D'Sa - President Udyavarites)

Udyavarites Celebrate Monti Fest 2012

Report by: Canute Moras

Photos by: Louis Danthi

Commemorating the Feast of Nativity of Our Mother Mary, “Monti Fest” was celebrated by “Udyavarites UAE” at Basma Residency Banquet hall, Sharjah on Friday 14^th September.

The evening program commenced with a Hymn for Patron Saint sung by our talented kids followed by Bible Reading and Welcome ceremony.  The President of Udyavarites, Mr. Gilbert D’sa warmly welcomed the Chief Guest of the evening Rev. Fr. Cyprian Pinto and the audience.  Fr. Cyprian is the present Parish Priest of Udyavar Parish.  He was facilitated on the occasion for recently taking charge of the Parish.  He is on a visit to UAE to strengthen the bond among the Parishioners residing here with those in homeland and make the parish vibrant for initiating and achieving ambitious goals.

The main part of venerating and glorifying our infant mother Mary was carried out as per religious custom with children proceeding in a procession and showering  flowers, to the rhythm of “Sokkad Sangatha Melleam” and  “Moreak Hogollsiam”.  It was a blessed ambience when whole audience joined the beat.  The traditional “Novem” was blessed by Fr. Cyprian and invoking God’s blessing for the well-being of one and all.

Well known business personality and philanthropist Mr. Jaleel Saheb Udyavara was present on dais and was honoured with a flower bouquet.

The audience was participative and was kept engaged with several games for children and adults.  There were also several spot prizes for the enthusiast.  The program was interspersed with three hilarious skits performed by Joacky, Jeffery, Vivi, Veena and Robert.

Dinner was traditional treat of fish curry and variety of vegetables, vorn etc., all home cooked by our committee members and their families.  Every one relished it.  The program concluded with a vote of thanks and the audience of about 200 enjoyed it to the full and expressed their satisfaction and gave positive reviews.

The program was compered by Anthony D’Silva and all committee members extended their maximum cooperation and support for the success.

Udyavarites Nativity Feast Sept. 2012 - ಮೊಂತಿ ಫೆಸ್ತಾಕ್ ಯೆಯಾತ್..

ಉದ್ಯಾವರೈಟ್ಸ್ ಮೊಂತಿ ಫೆಸ್ತ್ ಆಚರಣ್ 2012:

ದೀಸ್   : ಸುಕ್ರಾರಾ 14  ಸೆಪ್ಟೆಂಬರ್ 2012
ವೇಳ್   : 05:30 PM ಥಾವ್ನ್ ..
ಜಾಗೊ : Basma Residency (Hotel Spice-land) Sharjah, UAE

ಚಡಿತ್ ವಿವರಾಕ್ ಸಂಪರ್ಕ್ ಕರಾ:
ಜೆರಾಲ್ಡ್ ಪಿರೇರಾ (ಸ್ಥಾಪಕಾಧ್ಯಕ್ಷ್ ಉದ್ಯಾವರೈಟ್ಸ್ ಸಂಘಟನ್, ಯು.ಎ.ಇ.)
ಮೊಬಾಯ್ಲ್ : 050 4961235

Udyavarites Nativity Feast Celebrations 2012:

Date  : Friday, 14th September 2012
Time  : 05:30 PM Onwards
Venue: Basma Residency (Hotel Spice-land) Sharjah, UAE

All Udyavarites Are Cordially Invited with .

For details, please contact:

Mr. Gerald Pereira (Founder President - Udyavarites U.A.E.)
Mobile : 050 4961235


Gilbert D'Sa
President - Udyavarites

CHRISTMAS – THE SEASON OF GIVING

Christmas is the happiest season for  all of us.  On this wonderful day all over the world we celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ.  We join to thank God for His great love  for sending His only beloved Son into the world to be born in Bethlehem  to be with us.  As we decorate our houses for Christmas, children ask some  questions to parents, as to why we are putting this Christmas tree, why this crib, etc, etc.  and as a parent or guardian, we have to answer their questions.  So just a small information on how the Christmas crib and tree came into existence.

Christmas :

would bear a Son and He would be our Saviour.   Baby Jesus was born in a stable at  Bethlehem.   His mother Mary, wrapped him in swaddling clothes. The angels sang and the shepherds came and adored him.     

 We all know the first Christmas.  The Prophets had prophesied that a virgin 

The Christmas Crib : 

St Francis of Assissi gave us one of the most beautiful Christmas customs.  Once when he was on a hillside outside a small town named Greccio, he wanted to celebrate the Christmas mass in his cave.  Upon obtaining the permission, from the Holy Father, he asked the people there to bring their animals – donkeys, sheep, ox to the cave where he was staying.  He also set up a CRIB as there been in Bethlehem.    Then the people celebrated their midnight mass.  During the mass, as St. Francis was proclaiming the Gospel,  He was so filled with love, that all the people saw a vision in which they saw St Francis reaching down the crib and lifting up Baby Jesus.  It was real and alive.  All the people were so overflowed with joy and love at this great event and it is said that they did not need their torches to go home.  That night they were glowing with love for Jesus Christ.  Thus came the custom of having cribs after that event.

Christmas Tree - 

St Boniface was a priest from England, who had gone to Germany to convert the pagan worshippers.  They were least bothered of what the priest was telling them.  In a fit of rage, St. Boniface cut down the oak tree, which they considered as their god and would worship on 25^th of December.  The pagans were angry with him and now St. Boniface had to worry how to calm them down.    Finally he decided to give them the EVERGREEN  Tree as a sign of what Jesus was offering them.  The leaves of this tree always points up to Heaven and this would be a sign that Jesus was offering, a life that would never end.  So the Christmas tree is a reminder for all of us that God offers us in his Son, EVERLASTING LIFE.

Christmas Plants – Ivy or Holly

Holly has been used for hundreds of years to make wreaths that were hung on the doors of homes and in churches.  It is also a reminder of the crown of thorns that Jesus wore when He was crucified.  The red berries represent the drops of blood that fell from Jesus head.  It is also a reminder of Gods’ love for us, that Gods’ love never ends.  

Santa Claus

We know him a jolly red face and white beard.   The story also goes to that St. Nicholas used to help three daughters of a poor farmer.  The farmer was so poor that he couldn’t afford to get his daughters married.  St. Nicholas knew them and wanted to help but he didn’t want anyone to know that he was helping them.  He used to climb the roof and  drop money gold coins in the girls stocking, which had been hung by fire to   dry.   It is no wonder  that you will  find gifts or sweets outside St. Nicholas church still now.   

Remember Christmas is a season of giving.  God gave His only Son, Jesus,  to be borne as a human for us.  Jesus came to give his life for us.   There is more joy in giving than receiving.  The best way to celebrate Christmas is to go for a good confession and keep our soul pure to receive Jesus.   Also try to remember the unfortunate ones, the people who are  suffering from natural calamities, the people who can’t celebrate Christmas this year, etc, etc.

As Christmas draws near and as we decorate our homes, let us take some time to tell our little loved ones the importance of Christmas and teaching them of God’s love for us. 

Wishing all of you a Merry Christmas and may God pour his choicest blessing for 2012.