This feast in Goa is all about praying and having fun in the sea

TAKING THE PLUNGE

The feast of St Paul and St Peter was celebrated on June 29, 2024 with gusto among locals in Vasco’s Kharewado, where fishermen were seen merrily plunging into the sea.

PATRON SAINT

St Peter, a fisherman himself, is the patron saint of Goa's fishing community, and the one who they turn to when they pray for a bumper fish catch every year.

A TIME TO PRAY

At the chapel in Kharewado, the parish priest offered prayers for the fishing community, and this was followed by the blessing of the sea.

TRADITIONAL PROCESSION

In keeping with tradition, a procession carrying the statue of St Peter was held along the sea route towards the Kharewado jetty.

BLESSINGS FOR A GOOD CATCH

As part of the festivities, around seven canoes, followed by the main boat, were blessed by the priest.

JUMP FOR FUN

Considering that the boats were out at sea, fishermen plunged into the sea following the prayers.

NO FISHING

Interestingly, on the feast day, none of the boats go out on fishing trips, and that includes canoes, too.

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