Team Herald
VASCO/CALANGUTE/CHANDOR: The feast of Epiphany, popularly known as the Three Kings Feast, was celebrated with traditional pomp and religious fervour at Our Lady of Remedios Chapel, Cuelim-Cansaulim, Reis Magos church in Reis Magos-Nerul and Nossa Senhora de Belém, Chandor, on Monday.
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At Cuelim, the highlight of the feast was three children from the village portraying as Three Kings and arriving on horseback in a grand tradition.
Aaron Fernandes from Cuelim, Cayden Correa from Arossim and Ethan Gracias from Cansaulim represented the Three Kings this year. They arrived at the chapel on horseback, accompanied by a band and converged near the chapel, symbolising the journey of the Magi guided by the star of Bethlehem.
A large number of people attended the feast mass. A fair selling traditional sweets, Goan delicacies and other items was set up.
Fr Ave Maria Afonso said, “As part of the feast, three young children from the villages of Cansaulim, Arossim, and Cuelim represent Three Kings and arrive on horseback. They come from three different routes and meet at a designated point near the Our Lady of Remedios Chapel. They attend the masses, where they renew their faith and commit to following Jesus Christ.”
PI Sherif Jacques, a devotee and a villager too said that the Three Kings feast is celebrated for over 500 years.
Meanwhile, at Reis Magos church, Reis Magos, Nerul, the feast of the Three Kings was celebrated with traditional solemnity. Reis Magos means three kings in Portuguese. The church was built in 1555 by the Franciscan Friars.
At Chandor, the festivity commenced with three young boys, dressed as kings, gathering outside the small chapel dedicated to Nossa Senhora de Piedade, located on the Monte Hill. Clad in royal garments of blue, green, and red, the boys rode on horses and proceeded to the Igreja de Nossa Senhora de Belém, accompanied by a six-member brass band. Colourful umbrellas were utilised to shield the young kings from the intense sun.
Upon their arrival at the church around 10 am, a solemn high mass was presided over by Auxiliary Bishop Simião Purificação Fernandes.
After the mass, each king returned to their respective homes, accompanied by the brass band.
Typically, the young kings are selected from Cotta, Guirdolim, and Cavorim; however, this year, all three kings hailed from Guirdolim.
The church square has been filled with a vibrant fair featuring numerous stalls offering a variety of items, including roasted gram, confections, toys, clay utensils, furniture, and much more. This fair is anticipated to continue for the next eight days.
