Canara Culture- Monti Fest

The Canara Christians are also known as Canara Catholics. They are distinct Christian community hailing from Tulunaad regions. Tulunaad spans from river Gangavalli in Uttara Kannada to Chandragiri in Kasargod. This community is renowned for its unique culture and historical significance, as well as its harmonious co-exitance with other religious groups particularly the Hindus and the Byaris. While the traditional secular spirit has diminished over the past three decades the core values rooted in the gratitude for the resources, they receive from the land remains intact.

One of the most significant cultural and religious events for the Canara Christian is the celebration the Monti Fest, which typically begins with a mild flutter of excitement in the homes of catholic families around early September. On the 5^th of September the “Koral” that is a bundle with millet and leaves is brought from the church and rituals are performed and these are then tied at various parts of the house.

the Koral Parba is again an intrinsic part of the Tulu culture where a bundle of millet and leaves are tied to the chavadi the main living area and the cattle shed. the food on the day of Koral Parba is vegetarian and usually of the new crop. The lunch is specifically called Puddar da Vanas. one the unique dishes that is made is the Menthe Ganji or rice cooked with fenugreek seeds and coconut milk.

The Monti fest is a celebration of the nativity of mother Mary and holds deep cultural and religious significance for this community. The name “Monti Fest” is believed to have originated from “Capela De Nossa Senhara do Monte” which translates to the chapel of Our Lady of the Mount.”

The Monti Fest is celebrated annually on September 8^th marking a special day on the Canara Christian calendar. This festivity involves various customs and rituals, with the central focus on the offerings of flowers, fruits of the season and new corn. These elements symbolize the bountiful harvest and abundance of nature, reflecting the community’s agricultural roots and their close connection to the land.

The Canara Christian have carried this tradition with them when they moved to Bombay it is the famous Bandra Fest. Interestingly all the associated festivals of the region are about flowers, seasonal fruits and new corn being it onam of the adjourning Kerala.

It is interesting to see cultural blending. And re-rooting of people and culture with migration.

Historically the Monti Fest has had its ups and downs. When Mangalore fell under the rule of Tipu the festival was banned. This ban lasted for about 15yrs, it took the good office of Joachim Miranda to bring it back.

This stands a testimony to the resilience of the Canara culture and its ability to assimilate and re-invent itself. Unfortunately, this is under threat over the last 25yrs.  To me Monti fest remains a rich and unique cultural heritage of the Canara Christians in Tulunaad, deep rooted in our gratitude to the nature’s blessings. The testimony of the secular fabric of our community (though threatened) has evolved ore time but our core essence remains steadfast reminding us the importance of preserving and celebrating our culture uniqueness… our cultural heritage.