Venita Gomes
Xepdeanchem Pursanv (Procession of Tails) is unique to Goa and takes place at Sé Cathedral in Old Goa.
The procession gets its name from the canon's long black trail that resembles a tail (xepdi).
The canons, wearing a black robe with a long black trail, walk in the procession followed by a coffin carrying life-sized statue of Jesus.
It is said that after Rome, Goa is the second place where this unique 450-year-old ritual takes place on Good Friday.
The newly elected Cardinal too is part of this procession.
The procession goes around the Sé Cathedral.
The choir sings motets and penitential hymns during the procession.
The coffin carrying Jesus during the procession is decorated with flowers.