In India, there are innumerable festivals that are celebrated by people with great enthusiasm. As every state of the country has some unique festivals, Goa has its festivities too. One of such is the feast of St. Francis Xavier. It is one of the festivals in Goa that all Goans celebrate irrespective of their caste and religious faiths. To celebrate this festival, people come to the Basilica of Bom Jesus located in Old Goa. It is celebrated every year on 3 December.
Who is St. Francis Xavier?
Talking about St. Francis Xavier, he was considered as a saint who came to Goa along with the Portuguese in order to spread Christianity. He is also known as Goincho Saib or the Lord of Goa. During a voyage to China, he lost his life and his body was buried in Goa. But even after one year of being buried, it was found that the body was as fresh as ever.
This event was a miracle and his body was preserved in a glass coffin inside a beautiful silver casket. Hence, every year, a feast is organized to pay tribute to the saint in which thousands of people participate.
How is it celebrated?
For the occasion of this feast, the Basilica of Bom Jesus is decorated beautifully and celebrations took place in Goa. People begin their prayers as early as 4 am. The feast is celebrated for around 9 days.
