This holiday symbolises Christians and Hindus' unwavering unity. This fair-cum-festival is observed every year on the fourth Sunday in May, 16 days after Easter. The celebration day was eventually altered, though, because it fell on a solemn day when no feast could be held.
Date, location, and tickets for the Feast of Our Lady of Miracles
The fourth Sunday in May, following 16 days of Easter, used to be the day to honour Our Lady of Miracles. This date was changed in 2008 because it fell on a sombre day, making it difficult to organise a feast. As a result, the Feast's date changes every year. It is held at North Goa's Church of Our Lady of Miracles. There is no admission fee for this festival or fair, and people of any faith are welcome to participate in the activities.
The Feast of Our Lady of Miracles' History
Portuguese kings constructed the Church of Our Lady of Miracles in the sixteenth century. The church is also known as St. Jerome Church because St. Jerome was the subject of its first dedication. It is thought that the cathedral was constructed over a temple at that time since the Portuguese demolished many Hindu monuments to advance Christianity. But somewhere around the middle of the 1900s, a fire completely destroyed the building. Its new name is Church of our Lady of Miracles. It underwent refurbishment. The feast was previously celebrated on the fourth Sunday of May. The date was altered for religious reasons in 2008, nevertheless.
The festival of Our Lady of Miracles' main draws
The pinnacle of secular festivities is the Feast of Our Lady of Miracles. People from many faiths and religions have joined together to enjoy this feast with unrestrained zeal and excitement, and the fair and feast has demonstrated tremendous harmony between them. The feast's main features are listed here.
1. Sunday Masses
Typically, mass starts at five in the morning. It is, however, held at several locations at various times. For instance, the high mass begins at 10 am, although the English mass typically begins at 9 am.
2. Festivals and Sales
The fair, which has a variety of food vendors serving regional specialties, is one of the main attractions of this yearly celebration of Christians. The adults and kids can be seen wearing their best attire. And to celebrate this festival, about 1,000 devotees of various faiths assemble.
3. Spiritual songs
People who worship the statue of Our Lady of Miracles perform hymns and carols in a devout manner and decorate it with lights and garlands.