August 15 is
known throughout the country as Independence Day. It is however also the feast of the Assumption of Our Lady.
This day is celebrated with pomp and splendour at the chapel at Cabo, where the
feast is celebrated perhaps at its grandest.
Way back somewhere in the fifteenth century, the chapel was
first built and dedicated to Our Virgin Lady of the Cape or Nossa Senhora do
Cabo. It also initially served as a landmark for seafarers. Over the years,
many changes have taken place, including renovations of the chapel, and the
reign of the place where the chapel stands. However, the chapel still continues
to be functional and is open for worship on Sundays and on feast days to the
general public.
What is refreshing is that this feast cuts across religions as
one can see people of different faiths attending the feast mass and taking part
in the festivities. Says Bernadette, a lady from Bambolim, who goes each year
for the feast, “I go to pray for good health and to be blessed.”
Near the chapel, there
are steps that lead down to a grotto where the image of Santa Paula lies in a
recumbent position. It is a mystery as to how the image of Santa Paula came to
this place, and legend states that the figure was washed ashore. Although
thrown back into the sea many a time, it kept resurfacing at the same place,
until it was decided by the villagers to place it in a grotto. Legend further
states that Santa Paula, who lived sometime in the 3rd century, came from an
illustrious Roman family. On losing her husband, she donated all her property
to charity and settled down in a convent around the Basilica of the Nativity in
Bethlehem. A strong belief exists that anyone who prays to Santa Paula and
lights a candle will get his or her wish fulfilled. No wonder one can see a
number of people flocking every August 15 to Cabo and patiently waiting to kiss
the image of Santa Paula and offer candles or garlands. The area around the
chapel bears a festive look with vendors selling sweets, toys and household
items, apart from the faithful selling candles and garlands to the public.
August is also the
month of harvesting and in the past, there was a tradition that the villagers
of Taleigao would call on the Governor on the first day of harvesting. Keeping
to the traditions, the priest continues to distribute freshly cut and blessed
blades of corn to the public at the end of the mass at Cabo.
Cabo is certainly a
place where time has stood still. The long history, the scenic view, the
serenity, and the grandeur, all contribute in making the visit to Cabo on the
feast day something special and unique.
Incidentally,
it is on this day itself that as a tradition, Catholics across Goa prepare the
highly delectable Patolleos. It is prepared by grinding rice and spreading it
on a turmeric leaf with coconut and jiggery in the middle. Patolleos and the
August 15 feast have thus a long tradition in Goa, and children and adults
alike, joyfully look forward to both these events.
