The festive spirit was at its peak in Goa as the State celebrated the Three Kings Feast, a celebration that highlights the faith and devotion of all Goans.
The feast celebrated at Cansaulim, in South Goa, was a prime example of how Goans have retained their age-old customs and traditions over the years, despite all the changes happening around them.
The core essence of the feast lies not only in the grand re-enactment of the story of the biblical Three Wise Men, journeying to see the infant Jesus Christ in Bethlehem, but also the deep faith of the people who gathered in Cansaulim to witness this spectacle.
In this video, we present glimpses of this very faith and devotion that make this event so much more meaningful and special.
Being chosen as one of the boys to play the role of the king is the ultimate source of pride and honour for the boys and their families, who believe it is a divine gift and blessing, and an answer to their prayers.
The families actively participate in the sacred procession to express their gratitude toward the One who guides them all.
As part of the procession, the boys on horseback, embark on a long journey from their ancestral homes towards the chapel of Our Lady of Remedios, in Cuelim-Cansaulim.
They are accompanied by flag bearers who lead the way, waving flags with great enthusiasm – an expression of their deep faith.
Everyone taking part in the grand procession radiates deep devotion and great zeal, making an otherwise difficult journey, a pleasant one.
Another intriguing tradition of the feast celebrated at Cansaulim is when the boys take off the crowns and place them momentarily over the heads of the devotees, one by one.
The attendees wait in long lines to get a chance to receive the divine blessing by donning the crowns, a tradition that symbolises the transfer of blessings, offering hope to everyone gathered.
The scorching heat, the long queues, and the uneven path become virtually non-existent as the devotees come together to seek sacred blessings. They eagerly await a glimpse of the kings or the chance to be blessed by their touch.
This is the true essence of feasts and festivals in Goa, where faith and devotion take centre stage. Watch the video to witness this joyful phenomenon.