Brooms are the unique feature of this feast in South Goa!

GT Digital

The feast day of Our Lady of Livra Febres Church, Consua, South Goa, (sometimes called Febri Fest) is on January 23, while the feast is celebrated the following Sunday.

Our Lady of Livra Febres | feast | Photo: Venita Gomes

The patroness of the church is 'Our Lady of Livra Febres'.

Our Lady of Livra Febres | feast | Photo: Venita Gomes

The church is called Nossa Senhora de Livra Febres Igreja em Consua, Goa  in Portuguese.

Our Lady of Livra Febres | feast | Photo: Venita Gomes

Also called Consua Church, it was initially a chapel dedicated to Our Lady of Libra Febres.

Our Lady of Livra Febres | feast | Photo: Venita Gomes

The chapel was built in 1718 and was originally a part of the parish of Cortalim.

Our Lady of Livra Febres | feast | Photo: Venita Gomes

Translated into English, Livra Febres means ‘relief from fevers’.

Our Lady of Livra Febres | feast | Photo: Venita Gomes

It is believed that the church was built by a sponsor, who had obtained relief from the severe fevers that had been afflicting him.

Our Lady of Livra Febres | feast | Photo: Venita Gomes

Petitions and offerings are placed before the patroness of the church ie Our Lady of Livra Febres to obtain relief from illness, especially fever.

Our Lady of Livra Febres | feast | Photo: Venita Gomes

Just as devotees make offerings of cucumbers at the feast of Santana, in Tiswadi, brooms and related materials are offered during the feast of Our Lady of Livra Febres, in Consua.

Our Lady of Livra Febres | feast | Photo: Venita Gomes

NEXT: Peep @ the Republic Day Pop Up Market in Panjim