Goan celebrations that honour its rich ecology

Abigail Crasto

SIMPLE LIFE

Susegado is a label associated with Goa and its people. Even today, there's something about their carefree, simple lifestyle that charms the world.

Goa| Simple life| Serene| Villages

ROOTED IN TRADITION

And, when it comes to celebrations, it's almost hard not to notice the spirit of Goans, who make no excuse to uphold the traditions that pay homage to its ecology.

Goa| Celebrating nature| Traditions| Culture| | Photo: KD

TOUXEACHEM FEST

Touxeachem Fest, or the 'Feast of Cucumbers', is an annual celebration at St Anne's Church in the village of Talaulim, North Goa, where people make offerings of cucumbers while praying for the gift of a child.

Goa| Celebrating nature| Catholic feast| Cucumbers| | Photo:

TISREACHEM FEST

It's the feast of clams that takes place at St Anthony Chapel in Bhatti Ward, Nerul, North Goa. On the occasion, villagers give thanks for answered prayers and enjoy clams prepared in Goan style.

Goa| Celebrating nature| Clams|

KOTTIANCHEM FEST

At this unique feast celebrated at the Chapel of Our Lady of Candelaria in Pilerne, the faithful are seen asking for alms with kottios (coconut shells) fulfilling a promise made for answered prayers.

Goa| Coconut shells| Cheap means|

KELLEAM FEST

Celebrated in the village of Curtorim just before Christmas, plenty of bananas make it to this feast fair. Although there's no religious connect, many attribute it to the age-old banana trade in the village.

Goa| Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe| Curtorim| | Photo: Rohan Fernandes

KONSACHEM FEST

Celebrated across Goa, the Konsachem Fest, or 'Harvest Feast', is held in thanksgiving for abundant produce. Priests cut stalks of paddy, which are then blessed and distributed among the devotees.

Goa| Feasts| Paddy| Harvest| | Photo: Rohan Fernandes

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