An easy, practical and in-sequence itinerary planner I have travelled the length and breadth of India, and am truly proud of its rich and varied heritage. I am amazed by the tradition and values, the people, festivals, celebrations and the changing landscape. Have you wondered if it's possible to travel across India completely? Most foreigners arriving in India, land in Delhi and then travel the Golden Triangle route first- which is a good decision incase you have limited time at hand and want to make the most of it. The Golden Triangle- Delhi, Agra and Jaipur includes the much hyped Taj Mahal which invariably is part of a tourist's bucket list. This blog on the other hand- is a sequential strategy and detailed 'been there done that' itinerary plan starting from Mumbai. I am sure as we go through this Journey you will understand India better. My experiences are based from the perspective of a - digital nomad, budget backpacker and from a local standpoint. Each Itinerar
Procession of Saints at Goa Velha ~ Santachem Pursanv 2022
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The serene village of Goa Velha nearby Pilar hosts a unique event on the 5th Monday after Lent. There are said to be only 2 such events that take place in the world, one is in Rome and the second at St. Andrew's Church, Goa Velha.
Tip~ Goa Velha is near Pilar, and not to be confused with Velha GOA (Old Goa). It is located roughly 11kms from Panjim.
The feast attracts a huge crowd of Catholics from within as well as nearby villages. This was my first experience of this unique event and absolutely rewarding. Devout parishioners, priests and nuns must have spent considerable time and effort in making this day a grand success.
Saints procession at Goa Velha, GOA
31 life-size icons and statues of saints were brought out of the church. After a solemn introduction of each icon/ saint and short prayer, parishioners carry them on their shoulders, and out in a procession through the village (along the main road) and back to the church.
Throughout the procession, the devout were seen seeking the blessings of the saints in a unique way. Do check the video~
What is the Origins of Santachem Pursanv (Saints procession) at Goa Velha?
A procession of deity (gods and goddesses) is a common form of Hindu worship, and can be witnessed during a zatra celebration in Goa. So is there a possible connection with a zatra and saint's procession. Quite likely, in fact!
In 1583 the parish of St.Andrews came under the Franciscan order and has been till date. During that time, converted locals of Govapuri or Gopakapattana (now Goa Velha) narrated that a grand procession of Hindu sants was conducted by the villagers to honor them whilst inspiring a sense of reverence amongst the local populace.
Tip~ Franciscans, Jesuits, Carmelites etc are Orders of the Roman Catholic Church. The majority of priests and nuns who administer Roman Catholic churches belong to the Secular order.
This sparked the idea, and the Franciscans took it upon themselves to replace the Hindu sants with their own version of Roman Catholics saints, in fact many of which were of the Franciscan Third Order initially. Much to their surprise, the procession turned out to be a grand success as it seemed linear to what the locals were used to.
With the passage of time 65 life-size saints belonging to the Franciscan and other Orders comprised the procession. Now that number has been reduced to 31.
Know the Truth, And the Truth shall set you Free
List of 31 saints & icons taken out for saints procession, Goa Velha
1- Armas Franciscanas charol or Franciscan coat of arms
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