Spiritual pageantry marks Goa Velha's Procession of Saints

LONG LIVING LEGACY

Devotees from across Goa converged at Goa Velha in Tiswadi taluka on Monday, April 7, 2025, to take part in the annual Lenten Procession of Saints.

TIME TO RESET

Known as the Santanchem Pursanv (Procession of Saints), the event is Goa Velha's pride, the one which offers the villagers a collective pause to reignite their faith.

RAIN REPRIEVE

The rains nearly played spoilsport on Monday. However, the drizzle started late in the evening after the procession ended, much to the relief of the organisers.

PILGRIMAGE OF HOPE

Those waiting for this annual spectacle reached Goa Velha with gratitude in their hearts, and there were many who came to give thanks for prayers answered.

THE SAINTS WALK AMONG US

The statues of the saints were taken around the village, passing by homes, chapels and street corners that have witnessed generations come and go.

FAITH MATTERS

Even for people of different faiths, the Procession of Saints is equally revered with the same devotion as that of Christians.

SHOULDERING HERITAGE

For those carrying the statues on their shoulders, these saints are more than artefacts, and it is a blessing for them to be part of this Lenten event.

COME VENERATE

The statues of the saints have been kept for public veneration till tomorrow (Wednesday, April 9) at the St Andrew's Church, Goa Velha.

SWEET TREATS

The stalls in the fair outside the St Andrew's Church will remain this entire week, allowing the faithful to take home sweets as a mark of blessing and gratitude.

NEXT: A nostalgic look at the Panjim of a bygone era