VASCO
The fishing community of Kharewado and other coastal areas of Vasco celebrated the feast of St Peter and St Paul, popularly known as Sangodd, with traditional rituals and religious devotion on Monday, seeking divine blessings for a safe and prosperous fishing season. The annual feast holds special significance for fishermen, as St Peter, one of the apostles of Jesus Christ and a fisherman by profession, is revered as their patron saint. The celebration symbolises the blessing of the sea, fishing boats and equipment before fishermen resume venturing into the Arabian Sea after the monsoon fishing ban. The celebrations at Kharewado began with a prayer service at the Old Cross Chapel, where the priest invoked God's blessings on the sea, fishing nets, boats and the families whose livelihood depends on fishing. Holy water was sprinkled on the assembled devotees, followed by the recitation of the Litany by members of the fishing community. All Goa Fishing Boat Owners Association President Jose Philip D’Souza said the religious service was followed by a procession carrying the idol of St Peter from the chapel to the fishing jetty. Devotees sang hymns and offered prayers as the procession moved towards the waterfront.
