Evelyn Siqueira
For Goa's Catholic community, the Christmas season begins with Advent, which begins 4 Sundays before Christmas Day.
Goan Catholics start preparing festive sweets days, and even weeks, in advance.
Houses are decorated with an assortment of colourful ornaments and string lights. Christmas trees add a modern touch to the decor.
A crib is the most important element of Christmas decor in Goa.
A star, traditional handmade or readymade, is hung in front of every Catholic home, big or small.
In villages and cities, carol singers go around the neighbourhood singing Christmas carols.
Goa's Catholics attend Christmas midnight mass.
Sweet platters are distributed to neighbours and friends on the occasion of Christmas.
The week-long community or commercial celebrations include a Christmas dine & dance, family parties, tiatrs, visiting family/friends, exchanging gifts, charitable works etc.