Another First in Goa

Goa could become the first State in the country to use electronic voting machines in all constituencies, when elections are held in a few months time. These machines were bought for Rs 750 million ten years ago, but not put to use as yet. Photo shows a citizen learning how to use the machine, while his young daughter looks on. (Pic: Frederick Noronha)

Against Early Elections

India's chief electoral commissioner M S Gill hears out citizens at Panaji, the Goa state capital on Sunday. Many citizens pleaded for a delay in holding polls in Goa, a State where repeated defections has sullied the image of politicians in recent years. (Pic: Frederick Noronha)

Goa Velha's Procession of Saints

On the Sunday preceding the Palm Sunday, a rather unique procession leaves the Church of Goa Velha and winds its way through the streets of the village sandwiched between Siridao and Pilar. The traditional procession of saints draws thousands of Christian devotees. It's probably the biggest event in the village. Everyone house has several guests even though it comes at a rather subdued period of Lent. The lifesize statues of 31 saints are kept for veneration for three days in the church after the procession. Goa is the only other place besides Rome that such a procession is held since centuries. They say that earlier nearly 100 statues would be taken out in procession, but where would they find so many confraria members to carry the heavy statues. In another unique tradition, people queue along the route and pass under the statues as the procession proceeds.

Way of the Cross

Parishioners of Anjuna Village climbing the hill to the miraculous cross in a penitential procession

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