The quaint village of Talaulim in Goa, nestled between a hill and a tributary of the Zuari River, comes alive each year with vibrant devotion and cultural fervor as it celebrates the Feast of St. Anne, affectionately known in Portuguese as Senhora Santa Ana. The grand celebration, also referred to as the Touxeanchem Fest or Cucumber Feast, draws thousands of devotees from all walks of life, transcending caste and creed.
St. Anne, the mother of the Virgin Mary and grandmother of Jesus Christ, is revered as the patroness of mothers, grandmothers, and childless couples in the Catholic tradition. The devotion to her at Talaulim has deep historical and spiritual roots, with the Church of St. Anne standing as a testament to centuries-old faith and architectural splendor.
The name Talaulim is derived from “tollem” (lake) and “halli” (village), meaning "land of the lake." This once-flourishing village, which boasted a population of over ten thousand including Portuguese fidalgos and merchants, was ravaged by a deadly plague in 1783. Some legends attribute the tragedy to a sacrilegious act during a Eucharistic procession, believed to have brought a curse upon the village.
Legend has it that the devotion to St. Anne began after a vision experienced by two individuals i.e. an elderly Brahmin woman and a newly converted Christian, Bartholomew Marchona. Both were visited by a mysterious old woman in a hat and holding a staff, who identified the chapel in Talaulim as her home. The priest at the time recognized the figure as St. Anne, and plans were set in motion to build the church in her honor.
The Jesuits from the College of St. Paul catered to the spiritual needs of Talaulim from the mid-1500s. The present edifice was constructed between 1681 and 1695 under the guidance of Msgr. Francisco Rego and his successor, Fr. António da Cunha. The church stands today as one of the finest examples of late Goan Baroque architecture.
What makes the feast truly unique is the variety of symbolic offerings brought by devotees:
Eligible bachelors bring silver or wooden spoons, praying, “Senhora, tomai colher, dai mulher” ("Lady, take this spoon, give me a bride").
Eligible brides offer urad dal chanting, “Senhora, tomai urido, dai marido” ("Lady, take these cereals, give me a groom").
Childless couples bring tender cucumbers, saying, “Senhora, tomai pepino, dai menino” ("Lady, take this cucumber, give us a child").
Those desiring a girl child offer bangles with the prayer, “Senhora, tomai manilha, dai filha”.
Traditionally, cucumbers were grown locally and sold by Goan farmers. However, with changing times, migrant vendors are also seen selling cucumbers at the feast.
The novenas leading up to the feast are filled with prayer, processions, and liturgical celebrations, culminating in the grand feast day on July 26 or the following Sunday. Despite the monsoon rains, the faithful arrive in large numbers, including dignitaries such as the Governor of Goa and the Chief Minister.
In a letter dated July 26, 1623, Italian traveler Pierro Della Valle described the feast vividly:
"I went from the city for a picnic where the church of St. Anne stands. Many people gather for the feast… the surroundings are picturesque with coconut palms and greenery all around."
In 1973, the church at Talaulim became the first structure in the village to receive electricity, thanks to António Fernandes, who brought power supply and did the wiring. His grandson, Elias Agnelo Dominic Fernandes, proudly recalls this milestone in the village’s modern history.
Today, Talaulim may no longer be the bustling trade center it once was, but during the feast of St. Anne, its lanes fill with life, hope, and gratitude. For many, this sacred space remains a place where prayers are whispered in faith, and answered in silence.
"Senhora Santa Ana, amkam kurpen bhor!" (Lady St. Anne, bless us with your grace!)