Kerala, the feast of Mary's Nativity, called Nalpiravi (നൽ‌പിറവി), is a major celebration among Saint Thomas Christians and is always celebrated as an octave. An eight-day abstinence (Ettu Nombu) of meat and alcohol is observed from 1 September until 8 September. During this period, vegetarian food is prepared in all families of Saint Thomas Christian and churches organize charitable activities, evangelical conventions and special prayers to honor Virgin Mary. Praying Kontha (The Holy Rosary) in groups is an important custom during these days. On the day of Marymas, a ceremonial pudding called Pachoru (പാച്ചോറ്) which is made using milk, rice and jaggery is prepared in churches and distributed to the devotees in the afternoon as part of the feast celebration. In houses, Theenmura (a festive meal including meat and fish dishes) is prepared. In Goa, the feast of Mary's Nativity, called the Monti Fest, is a major family celebration, serving as a thanksgiving festival blessing the harvest of new crops, and observed with a festive lunch centered on the blessed grain of the harvest. Showering flowers on a statue of the Virgin Mary is an important custom in Konkan region. In Mangalore it is the feast of Mary's Nativity, called the "Monthi Fest". On this day every Mangalorean Christian eats pulses and vegetables. The priest blesses a branch of grain which is added to food. Before the feast on 8 September there are nine days of novena followed by the offering of flowers on baby Mary's statue. In Mumbai, the feast of Mary's Nativity is celebrated with a week long event called Bandra Fair. It begins on 8 September, if it falls on a Sunday, or on the Sunday after that date and is held in the Mumbai suburb of Bandra in the localities surrounding Mount Mary Church. Malta In Malta, the feast of the nativity of the Virgin Mary (Maltese: Il-Bambina) is referred to as Victory Day (Maltese: Jum Il-Vittorja), since the day coincides with three major victories throughout Maltese history. Namely: a turn in the tide of the Great Siege of Malta in 1565, the surrender of French troops occupying the island in 1800, and the end of the Siege of Malta during the Second World War in 1942. The Bambina, celebrated in traditional Maltese feasts in four localities, those being Naxxar, Senglea and Mellieħa in Malta and Xagħra in Gozo. Mary is also honored as Our Lady