The Feast of Togetherness: Where Food Meets Family Magic

Write about a few of your favorite family traditions.

Traditions aren’t just rituals; they’re about love, laughter, and memories shared together. In our family, the Monti Feast on September 8th is one such cherished tradition. Celebrated by Mangalorean Catholics, it marks Mother Mary’s birthday and expresses gratitude for nature’s bountiful harvest. This feast is more than a meal—it’s a celebration of family, unity, and authentic Mangalorean flavors.

Picture this: the aroma of traditional recipes wafting through the house, the clinking of vessels in the kitchen, and the occasional squabble over salt proportions. The tradition calls for preparing an odd number of vegetarian dishes—7, 9, or 11 (although we usually aim for 11 to 13, thanks to our enthusiasm and hearty appetites). From spicy curries to sweet treats, every dish carries the warmth of tradition and the essence of togetherness.

When the feast is laid out on banana leaves, the dining area transforms into a scene of joyful chaos. “A family that eats together, stays together” might be an old saying, but on this day, it feels like a timeless truth. Children eagerly count the dishes to ensure the number is “authentically odd.” Amid the laughter, someone inevitably teases, “Why not make 15 dishes next year?” Cue groans from the exhausted cooks!

But the Monti Feast isn’t just about food. It’s a moment to pause, reconnect, and celebrate the simple joys of life—love, unity, and the beauty of family bonds.

Traditional Recipes of the Monti Feast

Here are some of the authentic Mangalorean dishes that grace our feast:

1. Pathrode – Steamed colocasia leaves layered with spiced rice batter.

2. Southekayi Koddel – A rich, coconut-based cucumber curry.

3. Konkani Gajbaje Curry – Mixed vegetable curry cooked in flavorful coconut masala.

4. Alsande Sukka – Stir-fried black-eyed peas with grated coconut and spices.

5. Bende Sukka – Ladies’ finger stir-fried with grated coconut and aromatic spices.

6. Kele Podi – Spicy fritters made from ripe bananas.

7. Tendli Chana Upkari – Ivy gourd and black chickpeas stir-fried to perfection.

8. Moode – Cylindrical rice dumplings steamed in banana leaves.

9. Kosambari – A refreshing cucumber salad with grated coconut and green chilies.

10. Madgane – A sweet dessert made with split gram dal, coconut milk, and jaggery.

11. Payasam – A rich pudding made with rice, coconut milk, and jaggery.

Each dish not only delights the palate but also brings the warmth of shared tradition and the joy of togetherness.

Thought to Ponder: When life gets busy, remember this: the real feast lies in spending time with your loved ones—even if it’s just over a plate of food.