The Feast of Saints Peter and Paul is observed on June 29
every year as a liturgical feast in honour of the martyrdom in Rome of the
apostles. In Goa, the feast is traditionally celebrated especially by fishermen
as the festival of ‘Sangodd’ and marks the start of the ‘rampon’ fishing
activity. As Saint Peter, who was a fisherman by profession, is the patron
saint of all fishermen, an elaborate decorated chapel is erected on fishing
boats that have been tied together that forms the stage for the performances.
In Candolim, ‘Sangodd’ is organised annually by the St Cruz
Chapel Committee, in St Sebestain Ward, which houses nearly 140 families. The
tradition of celebrating ‘Sangodd’ dates back to over 150 years and was
followed by their forefathers. Silvester Anselmo Fernandes, a member of St Cruz
Chapel committee, informs, “The ‘Sangodd’ begins with a prayer at the St Cruz
Chapel where we first sing hymns to St Peter and to the Holy Cross. From there,
we proceed to the Orda jetty ramp, where four boats are prepared for ‘Sangodd’.
This year, the live performance will include Konkani songs and comedy skits by
Seby de Divar, Benny de Aldona, Anil Olga and Humbert besides several other
singers from Candolim and Calangute.”
In Ribandar, the day begins with Eucharistic celebrations at
the Our Lady of Ajuda Church, Ribandar as the parish priest takes the statue of
St Peter in a procession to two boats that are tied together in the river along
with the brass band. The ‘Sangodd’ takes a ride in the river, right from the
jetty opposite the church to the Goa Institute Management, and returns to St
Peter’s Chapel. Holy water is sprinkled on the river to bless it and the
fishermen dip their fishing nets into the water and pray for safety and a great
catch for the entire year. The hymns of Saints Peter and Paul are sung on the
‘Sangodd’. Michael Fernandes, a resident of Ribandar, says, “The evening
activities will begin at 4 pm when all the villagers get together for a procession
in the traditional canoes in the river known as ‘Traditional Sangodd’. The
litany is said in the evening at 8 pm at St Peter’s Chapel, Ribandar, followed
by dinner.”
In the South of Goa, Sangodd is celebrated at Banda,
Ambelim, Tari Waddo, Assolna and Cutbona, Velim. In Ambelim, the feast of St
Peter will be celebrated at Our Lady of Lourdes Church with a Eucharistic
celebration at 6:30 am today and depending upon the tide, the ‘Sangodd’ will
ride into the River Sal. Albin D’Silva, a member of the Hard Rock Club that has
been organising Sangodd, says, “This year, we have two professional boats when
tied together will form a stage of 15 x 15 metres. This year, the Sangodd
celebrations will begin by 2 pm and we have prepared custom made jerseys for
the festival.”
