Mangalore: The Catholic Christian Community is celebrating  Monthi Feast of our Lady also known as the Feast of the Nativity of Mary, today, September 8, Saturday.

Thousands converged at various churches in Mangalore including the Bendur, Milagres, Kulshekhar, Bejai and Urva churches to celebrate the birthday of Mother Mary. The harvest festival is celebrated along with the birthday of Mother of Jesus.

The day began with a mass followed by offering of flowers to the statue of Mother Mary. Traditionally, the paddy or first grain is brought to the Altar in a procession and blessed by the priest. The first harvest of sugarcane and paddy is also distributed to all devotees.

There is a festive lunch with varieties of vegetarian food today.