The people of Goa celebrated the nativity of Saint John the Baptist on June 24 leaping into wells and other water bodies in the western Indian state. On the feast day, merrymakers wear a crown of leaves and flowers and jump into rivers and wells full of water from monsoon rains. This ritual, traditionally conducted in the rain, is said to symbolize Saint John´s “leap of joy” in his mother Elizabeth´s womb when the Blessed Mother visited her.
The festival also is linked to a marriage custom in which the groom, wearing a crown of palm fronds and flowers, is made to jump into a well after a parade through the village. Symbolism aside, liberal consumption of liquor is a standard feature of the festival. This year, every village devised its own way to celebrate the feast. In Saligao, the annual feast was celebrated for the third year in a row. In Saligao, the youth and villagers entertained crowds from 10:30 am onwards at Mae De Deus Church. The 19 small Christian communities came together to cultural programs and the food.
The program began with a prayer near the church followed by a brass band leading the procession to the venue. The program included folk dances, Konkani songs and music and culminate with piping hot Goan traditional food. The Church has clarified that customs such as jumping into the river have nothing to do with Christianity.
Source: www.mattersindia.com
