Written by Nikita Volvoikar
In the heart of Santana Talaulim, a small village in Goa, stands the iconic St. Anne’s Church—one of the greatest religious monuments in Asia. Each year on July 26, this church becomes the spiritual epicenter of the Touxeachem Fest, a feast deeply intertwined with both faith and folklore.
Named after St. Anne, mother of Mary and grandmother of Jesus, the festival coincides with Grandparents’ Day and honors St. Anne and St. Joachim. But what sets it apart is the heartfelt nature of the offerings and the faithful who bring them.
Eligible bachelors arrive carrying silver or wooden spoons, reciting the Konkani prayer:
🗣️ “Senhora, tomai colher, dai mulher” (Lady, take this spoon, give me a bride).
Single women offer urad dal with the plea:
🗣️ “Senhora, tomai urido, dai marido” (Lady, take these cereals, give me a groom).
And childless couples offer tender cucumbers, praying:
🗣️ “Senhora, tomai pepino, dai menino” (Lady, take this cucumber, give us a child).
These symbolic acts are more than rituals—they are acts of belief, carried on through generations.
Many devotees have shared real-life stories of answered prayers—of weddings that followed, pregnancies that were once thought impossible, and lives that changed after visiting the sacred site.
While the Touxeachem Fest may seem unconventional, it is deeply spiritual and uniquely Goan. It reflects the emotional honesty and communal spirit that define Goa’s culture.
As the sun sets over Santana Talaulim each July 26, one thing is clear—faith is alive, miracles are possible, and the spirit of Goa continues to shine through its people, their traditions, and their unshakable hope.
Discover more from Allycaral
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
