TUESDAY, APRIL 30, 2024
Team Herald
The Feast of Our Lady of Miracles popularly known as Milagres Saibin began on Monday with a lot of religious fervor and enthusiasm. The festivities will continue to be held for five days. This special celebration is observed on the second Monday after Easter. For Hindus, Milagres Saibinn is goddess Mirabai, who is one of the seven goddess sister siblings which is a centuries-old folklore of Goa. For ages, this feast has been a milestone showcasing the religious amity that Goa has by coming together and celebrating the feast of the most revered goddess.
The zatra (festival) of goddess Lairai is celebrated at Shirgao on Vaishak Shudda Panchami day, which coincides with the time of the Feast of Our Lady of Miracles. According to locals, Milagres Saibinn is one of seven sisters. She was converted to Catholicism during the era of Portuguese colonialists. Her other sisters, who are worshipped in various temples across Goa, include Lairai (at Shirgao), Mahamaya (at Mayem), Kelbai (at Mulgao), Monai (at Morjim), Ajadipa (Anjadiv), and Shitala (Patala).
Milagres Church, also known as Mapusa Church or St. Jerome's Church, was constructed by the villagers of Mapusa, Cunchelim, and Khorlim in 1594. Over the years, the church underwent several reconstructions.
During the feast day, two statues are displayed in the church for veneration. One statue is used for the oil bath, traditionally performed by Hindu devotees, while the other is adorned with flowers, candles, and other offerings made by Catholics whose prayers have been answered.
The pandal in the church courtyard is decorated to accommodate devotees for the Eucharistic celebrations. Earlier, one would find food items like salt fish, tamarind, kokum, etc. However, over the years, the fair has changed drastically and one can find clothes, household items, and furniture of different materials at the fair.
It is believed that on the feast day, Lairai "sends" a pot of coconut oil to Milagres, and a few days later, Milagres "sends" a basket of jasmine flowers to her sister during the Zatra.
