As Carnival celebrations come to a halt, Goa's Catholic community observes Ash Wednesday that marks the start of the 40 days of Lenten season.
Goa| Lent Season | Ash Wednesday | Importance|
ASH WEDNESDAY
Ash Wednesday acts as a reminder of the inevitability of death and a period to reconcile with God. This year, it coincided with Valentine's Day (February 14).
Goa| Lent Season | Ash Wednesday |
STRENGTHEN FAITH
On this day, many Catholics from Goa head to the Church for a Eucharistic celebration, a time for repentance and strengthening one's faith.
Traditionally, the palms from the previous Palm Sunday are gathered and burnt and this ash is blessed during the Eucharistic celebration on Ash Wednesday.
During mass, the priest takes this blessed ash and marks a crucifix on the foreheads of the attendees with a blessing, "Remember that you are dust and to dust you shall return".
Goa| Lent| Ash| Crucifix|
ABSTINENCE
Many Catholics fast on this day and abstain from eating meat while others take to more humbling meals like Pez (Goan rice gruel).
Goa| Lent Season | Abstinence| Pez| | Photo: Venita Gomes
NO INDULGENCES
Following Ash Wednesday, the next following days of Lent many take to praying, fasting and introspecting on their lives.
Goa| Lent Season | Indulgences|
NEXT: Lent is not only about abstaining from meat and alcohol