MARGAO: To mark the feast of St John the Baptist that is celebrated with great fervour all over Goa, a host of programmes and parties are organized all across the State including those organized by the Church through its organizations.

St John the Baptist is the patron saint of the Benaulim church and this year the church is organizing many programmes to mark the occasion. The Salesian priests better known as Don Bosco fathers who have a house in Benaulim are organizing an overnight retreat for the youth.

Besides, Benaulim is known for many traditions associated with the feast of St John popularly called Sao Joao in Konkani. Primary amongst this is villagers mostly men jumping into a well where the owners of the well throw in some fruits like pineapples, bananas, etc which are taken away by those who jump in the well.

In many places particularly in Bardez and Tiswadi, youngsters gather near a water body, mostly a lake or an abandoned quarry, and jump in the water shouting out the name of St John. Late C Alvares’ song on Sao Joao will be heard all over Goa today as it has practically become the anthem for the celebrations.

In Benaulim there is another quaint tradition where the new bride of the village is made to sit in pubic and the neighbours pour pots of water on her. St John’s feast is mostly celebrated with water as he used to baptize people in the river in the biblical times.

At Chandor also the church is observing Sao Joao celebrations at the sports complex that will commence at 2.30 pm and will have a crown or tiara called kopel competition, besides a special game called Coconut Mol Magic will be held and a ‘spiritual tug of war’.

The Parishioners of Chandor have come up with some innovative ideas too. Given the fact that it is the monsoon season, the umbrella with the best message painted or written will be given a prize and a special prize will be given for the most innovative patolli.

Earlier, at 2.30 pm Guirdolim Xavierites are organizing a Sao Joao bash at Mushroom garden with two bands in attendance along with a DJ and prizes will be given to the fancy kopel and best costume.

Later in the evening at 7 pm Chandor Club will be organizing a rain dance and pool party at its club premises next to the pool with two bands in attendance.

At Colmorod a whole day celebration of the festival is planned with Goan delicacies being prepared in the open by a group. Ladies from Ratwado and Colmorod will compete with each other in the taabla game while another local game Logorio will also be held. 

The Bhutea Bhat Club (BBC), Vasco will be celebrating the Sao Joao festival traditionally on June 24, from 11 a.m. The festivities will begin with prayers and worship at the St Sebastian chapel, Bhutea Bhat.