The feast of St
Anne, famously known as ‘Touxanchem Fest’ (cucumber feast) here, was celebrated at the Church of St
Anne at Talaulim, Tiswadi. St Anne is the Patroness of childless couples,
grandmothers, grandfathers and pregnant women. The 17th century church is a
major example of the Portuguese Baroque architecture built in Portuguese India
and is considered the largest surviving monument in Asia as the church
construction work began in 1557.
On
the feast day, devotees flocked to the church in serpentine queues with
candles, garlands and cucumbers in hand to pray for a suitable bride or groom
while married couples petitioned for a child to the mother of Mother Mary. Many
couples who were blessed with a child were also called forward to give thanks
and present their testimony after the Mass.
