Category: Diaries

It is best described by the colour pink which is the colour in vogue at Zambaulim, a picturesque village on the banks of the river kushavati about 21 km from Margao which comes alive today by extending Goa’s version of Holi to mark a centuries old tradition of Gulalutsav during the festival of Shigmo in Goa There are no records of when the festival began, but it is said that during the Portuguese regime, some temples were destroyed including the temple of Shri Damodar in Margao. The devotees tried their best…

The Village of Siridaò Village and its History Siridaò is a small hamlet surrounded by Curca and Bambolim village separated by a branch of the Zuari river. A major portion of the Catholic community living here, are fisher folks and toddy tappers. The village had a main Church built in 1603, dedicated to Santa Maria Magdalena, which collapsed in 1869 and then Parish was shifted to Goa Velha Church. In 1877 at the same place, Chapel dedicated to Holy Souls (Santa Almas) and Our Lady Of Rosary was built and it was elevated to…

Image Source: Daijiworld.com A Lenten ritual whose origins are steeped in time is the “Procession of Tails” led by Goa´s archbishop as part of Good Friday services lasting four hours in the Se Cathedral.The archbishop and Canons of the Chapter of the Cathedral wear black cowled robes with tails that trail two meters behind them in what is officially called the “Procissaum das Capas Magnas” (Procession of the Great Capes). As the robes sweep the floor, a 16-century coffin with a life-size statue of Jesus laying in it is carried…

Image Source: daijiworld.com “The Franciscan priests, who resided on Pilar hillock, decided on this procession of saints so that the faithful could mend their ways, as the saints are leaders who should be an inspiration to all”. Goa is the only other place besides Rome that such a procession is held since centuries. The two unique processions that continue to the day are the procession of ‘Capas Magnas’ at the Se Cathedral, commonly known as ‘Xeppedeochea Pursanv’, on Good Friday and the Procession of ‘Ordem Terceira’, known as ‘Santachem Pursanv’, at Goa…

pic source: saligaoserenade.com Lent is a very special time for every Christian faithful. The 40 days represents the time Jesus spent in the wilderness, enduring the temptation of satan and preparing to begin his ministry. In the Konkani language,  Goans commonly use the term ‘korezm’, which is derived from the Portuguese ‘quaresma’, meaning forty – evidently signifying the forty days in imitation of Christ’s sojourn in the desert. Christians are called to prepare for this time through prayer, reflection, penance and charitable works, during Lent. Goa has a rich tradition of…

This unique event unknown to a majority of Goans, is an event that portrays the ethos of the Goan ethnic populace – Communal Harmony. ‘Urus’ is known as an annual festival which commemorates the death anniversary of the Saint Hazrat Abu Shaikh R.A, whose Dargah is present on the border of Arabo, Pernem. ‘Urus’ is a festival celebrated by a huge community of Muslims, for over 40 years after the discovery of the tomb. The Festival – URUS On this day, the Muslim congregation pray at the Dargah, followed by…

Shri Mahalasa Narayani Temple Festival in Goa is observed in Magh month. The festival is observed for 7 days. The most important event during the festival is the jatra. Mardol Shri Mahalasa Narayani Temple Festival 2016 date is from February 26 to March 4. The annual festival is observed from Magh Krishna Paksha Chaturthi to Magh Krishna Paksha Dasami – the fourth day during the waning phase of moon in Magh month to the tenth day during the waning phase of moon in magh month. The Rathostsava is observed on the last…