Konkani community celebrates Kutmachen Fest in Melbourne

The Konkani diaspora celebrated its second annual Kutmachen Fest and Monthi Fest on September 12, 2026, at St Louis de Montfort’s School Hall in Aspendale, Victoria. The event, organized by Karaval Konkans Australia Inc., served as a celebration of Konkani faith, music, and cultural heritage.

Commissioner Sylvia Coombe of the Victorian Multicultural Commission attended as the chief guest. The festivities followed a nine-day Novena dedicated to Infant Mary, known as Balok Mori, which involved community members from various Australian cities, including Brisbane, Perth, Melbourne, Sydney, and Canberra.

Traditional customs included the blessing of the Novem, representing the new harvest, and the preparation of Vorn, a traditional payasam made from the blessed grain. The celebration featured a Holy Mass led by Rev. Fr Jacob Alvares and a cultural program including music from the Karaval Konkans Australia Inc. choir.