St. Francis Xavier Feast Goa

The Feast of St. Francis Xavier is an important holiday that is observed by devout Christians all over the world. In India, it is a regional public holiday in the state of Goa. It is observed on 3 December every year.

This feast is celebrated every year in Old Goa at the Basilica of Bom Jesus. Preceding the feast 9 days of Novenas are held and attended by pilgrims from all over the world. There is a grand fair where stalls selling sweetmeats, toys, and clothing line the streets.

Francis was born in Xavier, He was born in rich farmer Family.Francis went to study in Paris, where he met Ignatius of Loyola, who would convince Francis to follow a religious life and become a priest.

Francis left Rome for the Indies in March 1540. His future as arguably the greatest Christian missionary since St. Paul began almost by accident. He wasn't originally chosen to be a missionary, but one of the two originally selected by Ignatius fell ill, so Ignatius asked Francis to go as a replacement.

He was the first Christian missionary to travel Japan and on to Borneo and the Moluccan Islands.

 Francis was waiting to travel to take his missionary work to mainland China when he died from a fever on Shangchuan Island on December 2nd 1552.Francis was made a saint by Gregory XV on March 12th 1622.Saint Francis Xavier's relics are kept in a silver casket, inside the Bom Jesus Basilica in Goa.

Legends about this great Saint says that he had a healing power and his body has not decomposed even after 5 centuries of his death. Every ten years until 1994, on the anniversary of his death, St Xavier s dead body  was brought out and kept in a glass case, with the feet exposed, for all to see and worship. For the exposition, people from all over India flocked to the church for a glimpse of the saint.

The last exposition was held in 1994. Since the condition of the body had deteriorated visibly, now the body is not displayed.

People still visit the Church of Bom Jesus in Goa every year to celebrate the Feast of St. Francis Xavier and the pilgrimage turns into a picnic for quite a few families, as they shop in the little lanes decorated with streamers. The ambiance of the church site is happy and festive.

Festivals of Goa

 

Goa is a colourful palette of awesome  parties, Indian and Portuguese cultures, glorious churches, seafood, busy beaches, upbeat nightlife and yoga retreats.This pint-sized Goa is much more awesome than these treasure troves of joy because of its mind-boggling fairs and festivals.Goan life is incomplete without dancing, singing, and merrymaking. Festival tourism in Goa is really an essential part of Goan experience. From far, Goa looks like India’s most relaxed state, but fairs and festivals of Goa will show the mind-boggling and soul-soothing chaos of fun. The fairs and festivals give you yet another reason to visit this stunning coastal state.Tourists from all over the world come to Goa to blend in trance of colourful festivities that are celebrated here throughout the year.If you want to experience a different side of Goa which is energetic, where you don’t have to just relax and chill in peace, where you can dance and sing as much as you can, then festivals of Goa are waiting for you to delight your soul. There is really a huge list of fairs and festivals of Goa, but here for you is the list of only the most popular fairs and festivals of Goa to enjoy.

Some of the famous festivals of Goa are:

1.Goa Carnival-This is the most famous festival and is being celebrated since the 18th century.The carnival has colorful parades and enactment of mythologies. It's vibrant colors in the costumes, dances, and flags make it the most happening fest of Goa.

2.Sao Joao Festival-The Feast of St. John, the Baptist is celebrated on 24th June every year as thanksgiving for the arrival of monsoons.Sao Joao is a joyous festival celebrated by the Catholics in North Goa.

3.St.Francis Xavier Feast-The Feast of St.Francis Xavier is celebrated annually on December 3rd in Goa to honour the memory of St.Francis Xavier.The atmosphere of Goa during the festival is truly dynamic, as thousands of people come together to pay their respects to the saint and enjoy the festivities.

4.Bonderam-This is the most happening festival celebrated on a grand scale on the island of Divar. there is a fancy-dress competition which is followed by the traditional float parade. This is followed by a live band performance by the famous music bands of Goa.

5.Goa Arts And Literary Festival-The event is organized by ICG in association with the Goa Writers' Group, with support from the Directorate of Art and Culture, Government of Goa.

6.Goa Sunburn FestivaMany enthusiasts across the globe throng Goa during this festival and have the time of their lives. The festival offers music, entertainment, food and shopping.

7.Grape Escapade-The Grape Escapade is a unique festival in Goa offering an experience a blend of fine wine, lifestyle, haute cuisine and entertainment over 4 days in January Every year.There is wine tasting, entertainment acts, fashion shows and a beauty contest that are central features of the festival.