The Feast of St. Jerome will be joyfully celebrated on Sunday, October 5, 2025, at St. Jerome Church in Mapusa, Goa — a day held dear in the hearts of many Goans, both near and far. This annual event, rooted in centuries of devotion, continues to be a spiritual cornerstone for the community.
Masses will be celebrated throughout the morning at 6:30 AM, 7:45 AM, 9:15 AM, and a special English Mass at 11:00 AM, offering all faithful an opportunity to come together in worship. The church, adorned in festive décor, becomes a place of reverence and reflection as parishioners, pilgrims, and visitors join in prayer and thanksgiving.
Beyond religious observance, the Feast of St. Jerome is also a celebration of cultural heritage — filled with traditional music, a sense of unity, and generations gathering to uphold the values of faith, humility, and service inspired by St. Jerome, the Church Father and Biblical scholar.
St. Jerome holds great significance in Christian history for his monumental contribution to Scripture. He is best known for translating the Bible into Latin, a version known as the Vulgate, which became the standard text for centuries. A staunch advocate for scholarly rigor and spiritual discipline, St. Jerome’s life exemplified deep commitment to truth, study, and asceticism. His feast is a reminder of the power of sacred texts, the importance of intellectual devotion to faith, and the enduring relevance of Scripture in daily life.
All are welcome to partake in this sacred celebration and experience the deep spiritual richness that defines Goa’s faith traditions.
National Daughters Day is not just a celebration—it is a feeling etched deep into the hearts of parents, families, and communities. It’s a reminder of the unconditional love, boundless energy, and quiet strength that daughters bring into our lives every single day. This day offers an opportunity to reflect on the joys of raising a daughter, to honor their spirit, and to amplify their voices in a world that hasn’t always treated them equally.
In its earliest form, the day was created to counter harmful cultural norms in societies where daughters were undervalued. It served—and still serves—as a powerful reminder that every girl deserves to grow up in a world that sees her as strong, capable, and irreplaceable. Over time, the meaning of the day has deepened. It’s become personal, emotional—a celebration of identity, of dreams, and of the unbreakable bond between a daughter and her parents.
Goa echoed this emotion as National Daughters Day was met with warmth and admiration from leaders across the state. Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant shared a heartfelt message about empowering girls and supporting their ambitions. MLAs Rohan Khaunte, Michael Lobo, Yuri Alemao, Delilah Lobo, Jit Vinayak Arolkar, Chandrakant Shetye, and Speaker Dr. Ramesh Tawadkar also expressed their love and pride—reminding their communities of the beauty and power daughters bring into our world.
These tributes transcended political boundaries—they came from a place of genuine love. They celebrated daughters not as future leaders or citizens alone, but as individuals who matter deeply in the present moment. Girls who are strong, curious, creative, and brave. Girls whose dreams deserve to be nurtured and whose presence brings life to every home.
Across the world, Daughters Day is celebrated on various dates—September 25 in many places, the fourth Sunday of September in India, or even September 28 or October 1 in other regions. But the meaning remains timeless and universal. It’s a day rooted in the heart, not just the calendar.
Families mark the day in different ways. Some take their daughters out for special meals or create small keepsakes. Others simply spend time together—talking, laughing, reflecting. Social media fills with warm photos and tributes, filled with pride and emotion. In more challenging parts of the world, the day becomes a platform to advocate for education, safety, and equality for every girl.
At its core, National Daughters Day is a love letter. A promise. A moment to say: You are valued. You are powerful. You are loved.
In a daughter’s laughter lives our hope. In her dreams, our future. In her strength, our pride.
And that is worth celebrating—not just today, but always.
Every year, on September 24, cinephiles and culture enthusiasts unite across the globe to recognize World Bollywood Day — an occasion to honour an industry that has become a cultural phenomenon. Bollywood is more than just films; it is a vibrant confluence of music, dance, emotion, and storytelling that transcends linguistic and national boundaries.
Bollywood’s roots trace back to early silent films in India, and then, in 1913, “Raja Harishchandra” — directed by Dadasaheb Phalke — is often marked as India’s first full-length feature film, paving the path for what would become a sprawling cinematic ecosystem. Over time, the city of Bombay (now Mumbai) became the pulsating heart of Hindi cinema; the portmanteau “Bollywood” — combining “Bombay” and “Hollywood” — reflected the industry’s ambition and growing influence.
What makes Bollywood uniquely magical is its formula: melodrama and realism, romance and conflict, spectacle and subtlety, all woven with music and dance. Song sequences often punctuate emotional shifts, characters’ inner turmoil expressed through melody, and grand dance routines capturing celebrations and heartbreak alike. Over the decades, Bollywood has experimented — from the social realism of the 1950s and 60s to the masala (mix) films of the 1970s–80s, and more recently, to nuanced cinema addressing complex themes around identity, inequality, gender, and modern life.
Bollywood’s appeal is not confined to India. Its influence has permeated global culture: film festivals screen its productions, international stars collaborate with Bollywood, and dance studios worldwide teach Bollywood choreography. In many countries with Indian diaspora, Bollywood soundtracks and dialogues echo in everyday life. It is estimated that Bollywood produces over 1,000 films annually, and its audience spans into the billions globally. Beyond entertainment, Bollywood has shaped fashion, language (catchphrases, style), tourism (movie‑locations become destinations), and discourse on social issues. It has been a mirror and a catalyst.
World Bollywood Day, though not yet an officially instituted holiday everywhere, has gained recognition as a day of celebration and reflection. On this day, fans host screenings, dance workshops, film quizzes, and musical tributes. In India, in past years, multiplexes have offered special ticket rates—such as ₹75 tickets—to encourage people to revisit cinematic joy. Observers of the day also discuss how Bollywood must evolve: embracing diversity, challenging stereotypes, balancing commercial and meaningful cinema, and harnessing streaming platforms’ potential.
As we celebrate World Bollywood Day this September 24, we pause to appreciate the artists behind the magic — actors, directors, musicians, choreographers, writers, technicians — whose collaborative craft brings dreams to life on screen. Bollywood has endured challenges: piracy, shifting audience tastes, commercialization, and the need for fresh narratives. Yet it has continually reinvented itself, finding new voices and formats, while holding onto the emotional core that binds audiences.
Bollywood is not just part of Indian cinema; it is a shared cultural thread connecting millions. Its songs evoke memory, its dialogues become shared quotes, its stories inspire across generations. On World Bollywood Day, we celebrate that connection — the music, the stories, the emotion, the dreams that film projects into life. May the songs keep playing, the dancers keep moving, and the stories keep uniting hearts across the world.
Mahalaya Amavasya, also known as Shrad, is a deeply spiritual Hindu observance falling this year on Sunday, 21st September 2025. It marks the conclusion of Pitru Paksha, a sixteen-day period dedicated to offering prayers, rituals, and gratitude to ancestors. This sacred window is rooted in the belief that honouring our departed forefathers helps repay ancestral debts, cleanse karmic burdens, and invite blessings into our lives.
Rituals performed on this day — Shradh, Tarpan, and Pind Daan — are considered spiritually potent and deeply symbolic. Tarpan involves offering water and prayers to ancestors, while Pind Daan uses symbolic food offerings like rice balls, barley flour, and sesame seeds to nourish their souls. Shradh is a ceremonial rite filled with mantras and devotion. Traditionally, the eldest male family member performs these rites while wearing a ring made of kush grass, a sacred plant that symbolises compassion and purity.
After these offerings, food is given to a crow — believed to be the messenger of Lord Yama, the god of death — followed by feeding Brahmin priests, continuing a cycle of charity and reverence. It is also considered auspicious to read scriptures such as the Garuda Purana or Agni Purana during this time.
A poignant legend from the Mahabharata gives context to Mahalaya Amavasya’s origin. When Karna, the heroic warrior, died and reached heaven, he was offered gold instead of food. Puzzled, he asked Lord Indra why. The deity revealed that Karna had donated gold throughout his life but never food. Realising the importance of feeding the needy, Karna was allowed to return to earth for sixteen days to offer food to the poor. These sixteen days became known as Pitru Paksha, culminating in Mahalaya Amavasya.
On this solemn day, traditional attire is worn as a mark of respect — white kurta-pyjamas for men and white sarees for women — symbolising peace, purity, and spiritual focus. While the festival doesn’t involve specific celebratory dishes, the food offered during rituals is rich with symbolic meaning.
The primary deities revered during Mahalaya Amavasya are Lord Vishnu, the protector, and Lord Yama, the guide of souls in the afterlife. Their blessings are sought to ensure peace for the departed and spiritual protection for the living.
Mahalaya Amavasya is more than a ritual — it is a sacred bridge between generations. It reminds us that just as we inherit our ancestors’ blessings and assets, we also inherit their karmic residues. Performing these ancestral rites helps liberate both souls and families from spiritual bondage, paving the way for peace in this life and beyond.
May your ancestors bless you with wisdom, strength, and peace this Mahalaya Amavasya. —from Allycaral family
Every year on September 16, the world observes World Ozone Day—a moment to reflect on the critical role the ozone layer plays in protecting life on Earth. Acting as a natural shield, the ozone layer absorbs most of the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which, if left unchecked, can cause severe health problems like skin cancer and cataracts, and inflict lasting damage on ecosystems. Often called “Earth’s umbrella,” this invisible barrier is vital to our planet’s survival.
In 2025, World Ozone Day carries the theme “From science to global action,” a powerful reminder of the journey from early scientific discovery to real-world environmental triumphs. This year also marks the 40th anniversary of the Vienna Convention—a landmark moment when the global community first came together to address the threat of ozone depletion. The Convention laid the groundwork for the Montreal Protocol, signed in 1987, which has since become one of the most successful environmental treaties in history.
The history of global ozone protection efforts dates back to the 1970s and 1980s, when scientists first began to raise alarm over the thinning of the ozone layer. The discovery of the ozone hole over Antarctica, announced in 1985 by British scientists Joe Farman, Brian Gardiner, and Jonathan Shanklin, sent shockwaves through the scientific community and policymakers alike. Researchers had identified that man-made chemicals—specifically chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), commonly used in refrigeration, air conditioning, and aerosol sprays—were the primary culprits behind ozone depletion.
In response, the international community acted swiftly. In 1985, the Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer was adopted, establishing a framework for cooperation and research. Two years later, in 1987, the Montreal Protocol was agreed upon. This legally binding treaty committed countries to phase out the production and consumption of ozone-depleting substances. Since then, the Protocol has been strengthened multiple times, including through the Kigali Amendment in 2016, which added a commitment to phasing down hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs)—potent greenhouse gases, though not ozone-depleting.
Thanks to decades of concerted global efforts, the ozone layer is showing signs of recovery. According to the World Meteorological Organization’s 2024 Ozone Bulletin, depletion levels have been lower compared to previous years, aided by both natural atmospheric patterns and a steady reduction in ozone-depleting substances. The recovery of the ozone layer stands as a rare success story in global environmental policy—proof that unified international action, grounded in scientific evidence, can truly reverse damage.
In his official World Ozone Day message, UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized the importance of continuing on this path, stating, “Forty years ago, nations came together to take the first step in protecting the ozone layer, guided by science, united in action.” His words resonate in a world increasingly affected by climate-related challenges, highlighting the power of collaboration and the urgency of maintaining environmental commitments.
As we celebrate World Ozone Day 2025, we not only commemorate past achievements but also renew our commitment to protecting the atmosphere for generations to come. The journey from science to global action is far from over—but it offers hope that when nations stand together, even the most daunting challenges can be overcome.
