ICYM Poona Diocese Hosts Vibrant “Monsoon Dhammal” Event

Chinchwad, Pune, July 18, 2025: The Indian Catholic Youth Movement (ICYM) unit of the Diocese of Poona hosted its much-awaited annual youth gathering, Monsoon Dhammal, on July 13, 2025, at St. Andrew's School, Chinchwad. The event brought together approximately 350 enthusiastic youth from across the diocese to celebrate the joy of the rainy season.

The event began with a solemn Eucharistic celebration, presided over by Fr. Rohan Gawdhya, Youth Director of the Poona Diocese. In his homily, Fr. Rohan reflected on the Gospel of the Good Samaritan, focusing on the theme “Who is your neighbour?” He encouraged the youth to see everyone around them as their neighbour and unite themselves with Jesus through acts of love, compassion, and selfless service.

A special moment during the Mass was the formal commissioning of the ICYM Poona DEXCO Committee.

After the Mass, members of the DEXCO committee kicked off the event with a short inaugural skit, followed by a lively dance performance. The rest of the day was packed with exciting water-based activities, including a variety of engaging games designed to keep the youth active and entertained. These games included individual challenges, group games, and thrilling relay races—held right in the school’s muddy playground, which added an extra layer of fun and excitement. The main highlight of the event was the rain dance, which was held in two electrifying sessions. 

A special rain dance setup was arranged, and professional DJs were invited to elevate the energy with pulsating music. The enthusiasm among the youth reached its peak during the dance sessions, as they moved to the beats with uncontainable joy. The entire atmosphere was charged with laughter, cheer, and a vibrant sense of community and celebration.

The programme concluded with a vibrant prize distribution ceremony, celebrating outstanding achievements across various categories. Parishes with the highest number of participants in this year’s Monsoon Dhamal were recognised for their enthusiastic involvement. 

Additionally, winners of the annual Meme Competition—held in the run-up to the event—were honoured for their creativity and wit. This competition invites youth from the diocese to create memes that capture their personal experiences of Monsoon Dhamal. The entries are shared on the official ICYM Pune Instagram page, where they compete for engagement. Awards were presented for categories such as the most-viewed meme, the most-liked meme, and the individual who submitted the highest number of entries.

Throughout the day, participants were provided with breakfast, lunch, and evening refreshments. The event concluded around evening, leaving attendees physically tired yet spiritually renewed. 

Monsoon Dhammal 2025 was a vibrant celebration of youth, unity, and the joyous spirit of the monsoon season, successfully bringing together the young members of the Pune Diocese in faith, fun, and fellowship.

By Bro. Austin Mathews