Santa Cruz all set to celebrate Konsanchem Fest

MERCES, AUG 21
A Goan Catholic feast without meat would just be unthinkable. However, for centuries the Gaunkars of Calapur Comunidade have been celebrating Konsanchem Fest by avoiding meat on the day, a custom which continues to be observed even today by most of the Gaunkars.
Divulging this to Herald, Calapur Comunidade president Ladislau Gonsalves informed that on the occasion of Konsanchem Fest, which will be celebrated on August 24, it is customary for all the families of the Gaunkars to prepare vegetarian food, devoid of any meat dish.
“However, it does not apply to the other villagers, who are non-Gaunkars,” he said.
How this custom came into existence is not known, but it has been handed over from one generation to the other and the present generation continues to observe it.
Another Gaunkar informed that on this day, a variety of vegetarian dishes are prepared in the households of the Gaunkars.
Apart from this unique custom, Konsanchem Fest continues to be a highly anticipated feast for the 3000-odd Gaunkars, who, along with the other villagers, come together like one family and partake in the festivities in a traditional way.
To begin, a procession with the statue of Our Lady is taken out at 6.45 am from the Santa Cruz Church, and heads to the fields near the football ground, accompanied by a lively brass band.
On reaching the fields, the first corn is cut, which is then blessed by the priest.
This year, former president of Calapur Comunidade Fortunato Braganza will cut the first harvest and it will be blessed by Fr Saluzinho Fernandes.
From there, the blessed corns are brought to the church where a solemn mass is held. After the mass, a get-together follows where fov and snacks are served.
In the evening, a variety of entertainment programme is conducted, which includes games like tie-breaker, coconut-breaking contest, tug-of-war, etc, which are organized by the Santa Cruz Parish Youth.