Goan Catholic feasts in a nutshell

A feast is celebrated in every church and chapel in Goa on designated days.

‘ALVORAD’: FESTIVE SOUNDS

Back in the day, no festive celebration in Goa would begin without the lively music of a traditional brass band at the crack of dawn.

PRETTY DECOR

Both, the inside as well as outside of the church are decorated in a largely traditional manner using rows of string lights and colourful buntings.

‘MADDI’: THE BANNER

This is a decorated pole, bearing a picture of the patron whose feast is being celebrated. The blessing of the maddi marks the beginning of the 9 days of novenas preceding the feast day.

PROCESSION

A short procession is generally held before or after the feast mass. It begins from the church and follows a fixed route before returning to the church.

HIGH MASS

The feast mass is held in the mornings, generally around 9.30 am or 10 am.

ROASTED GRAM

Roasted gram and peanuts are a hot favourite at the fairs which are held during the novena and feast days and beyond.

‘KHAJEM’

Stalls selling the traditional festive sweet, khajem/kaddio boddio, are regular fixtures at festive fairs.

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