LOUTOLIM CELEBRATES ST. JOAO FEAST AT ANCESTRAL GOA, BIG FOOT (Courtesy Navhind Times)

LOUTOLIM: Sao Joao was celebrated at Ancestral Goa, Big Foot, Loutolim. The celebration started with members of the Gawda community playing the ghumat at the ‘maand’.

Revelers later went before the cross, sang songs and venerated the cross by laying a ‘kopel’ on top of it. They then headed to the pond to enjoy themselves in the cool water.

Fresh seasonal fruits and sweet dish like ‘Ponsachi Bhakor’ (sweet dish made up of jackfruit), ‘kanji’, dried prawns, ‘chonne’ (grams), jackfruit and raw mango slices were served to all those who had gathered to take part in the fun.

Mr Maendra Alvares, creator of Ancestral Goa, Big Foot said that celebrating festivals together helped unite a nation. “Sao Joao is a traditional feast in Goa. People from different religions come and participate in the revelries. Traditional sweets and feni, which has medicinal value is consumed on this festive occasion,” said Mr Alvares.