Tag: Devotion

Events in Goa

Goa Illuminates with Tradition and Devotion at Tripurari Poornima Celebration in Sanquelim

Tanisha Cardozo

Vithalapur in Sanquelim transformed into a glowing canvas of devotion, colour, and cultural splendour as Goa celebrated Tripurari Poornima 2025. The annual festival, jointly organised by the Department of Tourism, Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC), Department of Art and Culture, and Department of Information and Publicity, drew immense participation from local communities, artists, and visitors from across India and beyond.

The festivities began with a sacred procession dedicated to Lord Shrikrishna, followed by the graceful Palkhi of Shree Vitthal Rakhumai, filling the air with devotional fervour. Cultural performances portraying Goa’s folk traditions received resounding applause, as dancers and musicians showcased the state’s vibrant artistic identity.

The evening’s highlight, the traditional Boat Show, illuminated the waters with dazzling, artistically crafted boats, symbolising Goa’s deep connection with its rivers and maritime heritage. The captivating reenactment of ‘Tripurasur Vadh’ brought to life the sacred legend of the festival, followed by the release of ‘Saranga’ that lit up the night sky in a breathtaking spectacle.

Hon’ble Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant, addressing the gathering, praised the community for preserving Goa’s traditions through creativity and devotion. He announced that the top three winning boats will be preserved and displayed at cultural venues such as Ravindra Bhavan and Kala Academy, offering visitors a glimpse of Goa’s unique craftsmanship. He further encouraged youth involvement in culture, innovation, and research as part of Goa’s vision for Viksit Bharat @2047 and Viksit Goa @2037.

Hon’ble Minister for Tourism Shri Rohan A. Khaunte highlighted how Tripurari Poornima enriches Goa’s tourism offerings by connecting travellers to the state’s riverine heritage and spiritual essence. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to promoting authentic, community-driven cultural experiences.

Other dignitaries, including Dr. Premendra Shet, Shri Kedar J. Naik, and Dr. Chandrakant Shetye, lauded the festival’s role in uniting communities and uplifting local talent. The GTDC enhanced the site’s beauty through art and aesthetic improvements, ensuring a welcoming and immersive ambience for visitors.

The Department of Information and Publicity also set up an exhibition showcasing Goa’s infrastructure achievements and cultural milestones, adding depth to the visitor experience.

Tripurari Poornima 2025 stood as a shining testament to Goa’s rich traditions, spiritual depth, and collective pride. With every illuminated boat, every song, and every smile, the festival reaffirmed that Goa’s cultural spirit continues to inspire joy, unity, and creativity for generations to come.

Events in Goa

CM Sawant Urges Goa’s Youth to Follow Sant Muktabai’s Values at Margao’s Dindi Festival

Tanisha Cardozo

Goa Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant, addressing devotees during Margao’s Dindi Festival, called upon the young generation of Goa to imbibe and live by the values of Sant Muktabai, known for her teachings of humility, devotion, and selflessness.

Dr. Sawant observed that despite the challenges of today’s digital era, the large turnout of youth at the festival reflected Goa’s deep spiritual roots and its continued reverence for traditional values. He emphasized that devotion to Lord Vittal of Pandharpur is not confined to Maharashtra alone, as Goa too has a vibrant community of followers who express their faith through cultural and devotional celebrations such as the Dindi.

The Chief Minister further assured that his government would extend every possible support required for the smooth organization and promotion of the festival, recognizing it as an integral part of the state’s spiritual and cultural identity.

The Dindi Festival in Margao, celebrated with traditional bhajans, processions, and devotional gatherings, continues to serve as a reminder of the region’s shared heritage and the enduring legacy of saints like Sant Muktabai, who inspired generations to live a life of compassion and devotion.

Travel

Magh Mela 2026: The Grand Festival of Faith Begins at the Sacred Sangam, Prayagraj

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Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh : The divine confluence of faith and devotion returns as the Magh Mela 2026 begins at the Triveni Sangam — the sacred meeting point of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers. Revered as one of the holiest gatherings in Hinduism, the fair will continue for 44 days, from January 3 to February 15, attracting millions of pilgrims, saints, and spiritual seekers from across India and beyond.

The fair begins with the Paush Purnima Snan (holy dip), marking the formal commencement of the festival. Over the next several weeks, the Sangam area transforms into a vast spiritual city of tents, filled with chanting, meditation, and discourses by saints and acharyas.

Key Bathing Dates for Magh Mela 2026:

  • 🪔 Paush Purnima – January 3 (Opening)
  • 🌞 Makar Sankranti – January 15
  • 🌑 Mauni Amavasya – January 18 (Main Bathing Day)
  • 🌼 Basant Panchami – January 23
  • 🌕 Maghi Purnima – February 1
  • 🕉️ Maha Shivratri – February 15 (Conclusion)

Each of these days holds deep spiritual significance, symbolizing purification, renewal, and devotion. The largest crowds are expected on Mauni Amavasya, traditionally the most auspicious day for the holy dip.

A Living Tradition of Faith

During the Mela, devotees undertake penance, prayers, meditation, and fasting along the riverbanks. Sadhus, saints, and devotees set up akalp (temporary hermitages) where spiritual discourses and bhajans echo through the air. The fair’s atmosphere embodies a timeless connection between human faith and nature’s divinity.

Government and Infrastructure

The Uttar Pradesh government has made extensive arrangements to ensure safety, sanitation, and smooth conduct of the festival. Advanced facilities, riverfront management, and digital monitoring systems have been set up to assist the millions who visit Prayagraj during this sacred period.

A Divine Journey

The Magh Mela represents more than ritual — it is a reminder of India’s cultural unity, where devotion transcends geography and faith unites millions under the open skies of Prayagraj.

#faith

Feast of Our Lady of Good Health Celebrated with Grandeur at Vailankanni

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The Feast of Our Lady of Good Health, lovingly known as Our Lady of Vailankanni, was celebrated with immense devotion, grandeur, and splendor, reaffirming its place as one of the most significant religious events in India’s Christian calendar.

Each year, thousands of pilgrims from across India and abroad gather at the Vailankanni Shrine, also referred to as the “Lourdes of the East”, to participate in the novenas, processions, and Eucharistic celebrations. The annual feast is more than just a religious event — it is a festival of faith, hope, and unity that brings together devotees of all ages and walks of life.

This year’s celebrations were marked by elaborate liturgical services, colorful cultural expressions, and the participation of priests, religious leaders, and faithful who came together to honor the Blessed Virgin Mary under the title Our Lady of Good Health. The shrine town of Vailankanni in Tamil Nadu was transformed into a sea of devotion, as hymns of praise and prayers echoed across its basilica and surrounding streets.

For generations, the Feast of Our Lady of Good Health has been a symbol of faith and healing, with countless devotees attributing miracles and blessings to the intercession of Mother Mary at Vailankanni. The celebrations continue to reflect the deep-rooted devotion and cultural richness associated with this Marian shrine.

The feast not only strengthens the spiritual life of the faithful but also promotes a sense of solidarity and community, making Vailankanni a beacon of hope for millions.

Goan Personalities

Rajesh Faldessai Fulfils Vow, Offers Gold Crown and Necklace to Devi Shree Shantadurga Khubharjuvekarin

Tanisha Cardozo

Rajesh Faldessai, Chairman of the Goa Rehabilitation Board and Cumbarjua MLA, has fulfilled a significant personal and spiritual vow made during last year’s Sangodd Utsav by offering a gold crown and necklace to Devi Shree Shantadurga Khubharjuvekarin at Marcel. This promise was made in 2024 after a potentially tragic incident was narrowly avoided during the annual water float festival, where two canoes carrying floats had capsized. Thankfully, due to the swift actions of participants and onlookers, all individuals involved were safely rescued, and no casualties occurred.

Faldessai had publicly declared that he would offer a token of gratitude to the Goddess for her divine intervention and protection during the incident. A year later, on the same auspicious occasion of Sangodd Utsav, the MLA fulfilled his vow in the presence of his wife Rima, temple committee members, local panchayat members, and several devotees.

Among the dignitaries present were Sarpanch of V.P Cumbarjua Shri Sachin Gaude, Panch Members Shri Nandakumar Shet and Smt. Vinda Joshi, President of the Shantadurga Khubharjuvekarin Devasthan Shri Shivaji Shet, and various other committee members.

Expressing his emotions during the event, Faldessai shared his continued devotion to the Goddess and thanked her for safeguarding the lives of his constituents. He stated, “In view of this incident, I had sought Devi’s intervention to ensure none of the participants are hurt, and I vowed to offer a gold crown and necklace to Devi as a thanksgiving for her protection. I am extremely delighted that Devi’s blessings and protection are upon all the people of Cumbarjua.”

He also extended his gratitude to the state government and the Department of Tourism for their support, including the provision of two new canoes for this year’s Sangodd celebrations. Additional safety measures, including ambulances and emergency services, were also arranged to ensure a secure and joyous festival atmosphere.

The offering marks a moment of spiritual fulfillment and showcases the continued cultural and religious significance of the Sangodd Utsav in Goa, blending faith, tradition, and community resilience.