Location:
Basilica of Bom Jesus, Goa
Highlights: Small fairs and carnival like atmosphere all over,
marks the death anniversary of Saint Francis Xavier
Time of Celebration: December 3rd
The feast of St. Francis Xavier is one of the most important festivals
in Goa. Though essentially a Christian festival, all Goans irrespective
of their caste and religious faiths come to the Basilica of Bom Jesus
located in Old Goa to participate in the feast. St. Francis Xavier was
revered saint who came to Goa along with the Portuguese in order to
spread Christianity. His mortal remains are still preserved in the
Basilica of Bom Jesus in Goa.
The Saint Francis Feast is celebrated every year on December 3rd to
mark the death anniversary of the saint. He was affectionately called
Goincho Saib or the Lord of Goa. He died while going on a voyage to
China. It is said that when his body was brought to Goa after an year to
be buried, it was found that the body was as fresh as ever. This was
deemed to be a miracle and his body was preserved in a glass coffin
inside a beautiful silver casket. Thousands of devotees come from all
over the world during the feast to pay respect to the saint.
During the Feast of St. Xavier, the Basilica of Bom Jesus is decorated
beautifully and entire Goa comes alive with celebrations and
merrymaking. Since this occasion is an important one, people from all
over the world come here to participate in the proceedings. The mass
prayers begin as early as 4 am and people come from all over to take
part in it. The feast usually is celebrated for around 9 days.
