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India is the only country in the world that celebrates every festival with the cycle of the season with same enthusiasm and joy. This feast celebrates the time of sowing and harvesting and also, the victory of good over evil. The celebration of festivals awards joy and enthusiasm to the life of the Indians. The Indian calendars are full of all small and big occasions. Some Indian festivals are, solely of religion, while others are related to change of season and harvesting time. All festivals have their historical significance and have gone through several changes for the ease of people. Diversity in India can be best observed by seeing colorful festivals. In fact, dance, music, processions, new attires, and prayers are a major part of Indian celebrations. But, the passion for some festivals seems to be disappearing with time, but they have been successful in bringing a significant change in the people’ lifestyle.
In Goa, St. Francis Xavier’s Feast starts every year from 21st November and continues up to 2nd January. This is certainly the best time to visit Goa as it gives you a lifetime opportunity to be a part of a religious fair and festival and, also to attend the biggest Indian carnival.
St. Francis Xavier is also referred to as “Goencho Saib”, which means lord of Goa. Goans believe St. Francis Xavier is the Patron Saint of Goa. This feast is celebrated as the burial date of St. Xavier on 3rd December every year. He was buried in the land after nine days long prayer known as the Novena. This feast hosts a number of ceremonies to honor the death of the saint. Every year, over 2 lakhs followers from India as well as from all over the world come to Goa to attend this feast.
The entire look of Goa is changed overnight for this yearly feast and novenas. Pilgrims from distant places of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Peninsula, and Kerala come together to Goa to celebrate the born of Jesus Basilica. A maximum crowd gathers on the feast day when all the roads in Goa head towards Basilica. People gather to Old Goa in great number on the occasion of the St. Francis Xavier Feast. During the period of celebration, even the deserted places like gardens and open spaces are full of Pilgrims of different Indian religion. St. Francis Xavier will be always remembered by his followers for his healing powers. Visit Goa and be a part of this celebration!
Goa festivals are an integral part of the state's culture and heritage. Among the festivals of Goa, some are steeped in religious undertones while the others are expressions of the fun-loving nature of the people. The long colonial rule of the Portuguese notwithstanding, the majority of the Goans are Hindus and as such they celebrate most of the traditional festivals. Ganesh Chaturthi is the most important festival of the state and is marked by religious observations and rituals. The sizeable Christian community in Goa too celebrate their festivals with fervor and gaiety. Among these, the feast of St. Francis Xavier is the most auspicious one and devotees from all over the world come to Goa to pay homage to St. Francis Xavier, Goa's patron saint. The Goa carnival is the most famous festival of Goa known the world over for fascinating parades and colorful celebrations
