Every year, Goans come together to celebrate the feast of their beloved Goycho Saib with nine days of novenas that culminate in a grand celebration on December 3.
But this year, in view of the 45-day decennial exposition of the Sacred Relics of St Francis Xavier, the scene is a lot different.
This time around, Old Goa is getting a complete makeover for a celebration that will take place on a much grander scale. Alongside the veneration and religious rites, many provisions have been made to accommodate the influx of visitors heading to the venue.
LIVE TELECAST
The media will play a significant role in covering this once-in-a-decade event. While the opening ceremony will be telecast live, certain areas and moments of the exposition will be restricted.
Speaking about the arrangements made for the media, Fr Henry Falcao, Convenor of the Exposition Committee, said, “On the inaugural day, there will be a designated space for the media. The entire 45-day veneration will not be telecast, but the opening will."
"The inside of the basilica and Se Cathedral will not be filmed, keeping in mind the solemnity of the occasion,” he added.
THE FAIR
While a fair accompanies most feast celebrations in Goa, the size of the one at Old Goa can best be described as massive.
“The fair is managed by the local panchayat, and the church has nothing to do with that,” Fr Henry mentioned.
Although the fair is expected to be set up in the same place, special precautions have been taken this year.
“The fire brigade and the police have insisted that at any given point, there should be enough access for their vehicles, as stalls are normally present on both sides of the road," said Fr Henry.
"While people walking in the fair can be moved in the event of an emergency, it could be difficult for hawkers,” he explained that suggestions such as these have been conveyed to the panchayat.
After every 10 to 12 stalls, stall owners have been requested to keep a considerable amount of free space in case of fire or other emergencies.
“The panchayat has been advised that every stall owner should compulsorily have a fire extinguisher,” he said. The stalls will be inspected prior to the inaugural to ensure they meet safety standards.
OTHER EVENTS
While the exposition committee has organised an operetta on the life and mission of St Francis Xavier, called Porgotnnar, in Konkani, with around nine shows scheduled, many skits and plays are also being organised by individuals, adding to the milestone celebration.
“Due to security reasons, we are trying to restrict the activities around the venue," he said.
"However, during the latter part of the exposition, on December 27, 2024, there will be one show by the Shillong Chamber Choir which will perform along with two choral groups from Goa on the lawns of Se Cathedral,” he shared.
To mark this auspicious occasion, there will also be a projection mapping show on the façade of the Se Cathedral, showcasing the life of St Francis Xavier.
“These are evening shows, every half an hour. They will be held for around 10 days, and start just before Christmas and end by New Year,” Fr Henry added.
With these and several other provisions in place, the exposition that’s just a few days away, is set to be a momentous event.