Four-month-old chubby and cute Nylah Viegas, cradling in her father's arms, was not able to understand what was going on. Her father softly sang some lullabies and pointed to the statue of St Anthony to soothe her.
The Viegas family travelled from Mapusa to attend the traditional Procession of Saints in Goa Velha, which takes place on the fifth Monday of Lent every year.
The unique procession features 31-life-size statues of saints that emerge from the Church of St Andrew and carried on the shoulders of the confraria members through the village in a tradition that has its roots in the 17th century.
The procession begins with the palanquin of the Franciscans Coat of Arms, which is followed by the statues of other saints, numbering 31.
AN ARDENT DESIRE FULFILLED
Elves Mendes, a senior citizen, has returned to Goa after almost seven years, just to participate in the Santamchem Pursanv.
Elves fulfilled his ardent desire to participate in the procession, but for him the changes in the celebration were palpable. "Earlier, only people of Goa Velha took part in the procession and only the locals were the bearers of the palanquins. But due to fewer people in the village, others from neighbouring villages took the initiative to follow the tradition,” he reminisced.
Earlier, only people of Goa Velha took part in the procession and only the locals were the bearers of the palanquins. But due to fewer people in the village, others from neighbouring villages took the initiative to follow the traditionElves Mendes, a senior citizen
For the past few years, women have been permitted to bear the palanquins of saints. This year, more than 35 women in the confraria had the chance to carry the saints on their shoulders.
Among them was Quiteria Da Silva, who travelled from the UK, and a local from the village who kept her opa and murça (the vestments of confraria members) at the corner of the palanquin of the saint she wanted to carry. “It’s a tradition that those who are interested in being the bearer have to book the saint in advance by keeping his/her opa and murça near the saint.”
PRAYING FOR PEACE AND GOOD HEALTH
One of the most interesting and evident aspects of this procession is that people walk under the charols to seek the blessings of the saints. Among the 1,000-odd pilgrims, were Nylah’s parents. “We wanted to attend the Santamchem Pursanv. We have taken Nylah under the palanquin of many saints hoping that they bless her and that she may grow safe and healthy,” they said.
There was another lady who was waiting her turn to walk under a charol of a saint. “I’m only praying for peace. There is a lot that I’m going through and I know that I’ll find peace here,” she said.
The saints are carved from wood and weigh anywhere between 20 kgs and 200 kgs. The procession takes place around the village which allows people from other religions to venerate them.
This age-old tradition also sees people from different age groups, religious backgrounds and social strata get together to pray for peace and harmony. It has instilled in the residents of Goa Velha the importance of having faith in their saints, find inspiration and live a hopeful life.