Snapshots of tradition at feast of St Francis Xavier in Old Goa

GOA'S MOST REVERED FEAST

The annual feast of St Francis Xavier was celebrated on Tuesday, December 3, 2024 in Old Goa, with the Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization, Luis Antonio Gokim Cardinal Tagle from Rome being the main celebrant at the high mass.

MEN IN WHITE

Several priests and deacons from all over Goa were among those who attended the feast mass, which was concelebrated at 10.30 am.

VIP PRESENCE

Goa's chief minister, Pramod Sawant, and governor, PS Sreedharan Pillai, were among the dignitaries present on the occasion.

A MATTER OF FAITH

The venue was packed with thousands of devotees, who had come from near and far, to attend the eucharistic celebration on the feast day of Goa's beloved Goencho Saib.

THAT FESTIVE FEELING

A number of foreign tourists visited Old Goa on the feast day, and were clearly enjoying the experience and ambience.

JUST CHILL

The sudden drizzle in the wee hours of December 3 certainly hardly stopped the devotees from relaxing on the lawns in the vicinity of the Basilica of Bom Jesus.

DATE WITH TRADITION

The unseasonal rain and overcast sky failed to deter the thousands of people who descended upon Old Goa to celebrate the feast of St Francis Xavier, one of Goa's favourite saints.

FESTIVE ESSENTIALS

No major feast in Goa is complete without the presence of a fair selling the all-important local sweet, called khajem.

HOT FAVOURITE

Another popular snack available at local fairs is hot, roasted gram and groundnuts, and it was seen in Old Goa, too.

FAIR DEAL

The festive fair was jam-packed with people shopping, looking for a good deal or just browsing around.

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