Faithful join national congregation; Feast of Our Lady to conclude Novenas on September 8
Pilgrims assembled at the Margao railway station on Aug 25 to embark on a train journey to Vailankanni in Tamil Nadu.
MARGAO
Hundreds of Goan pilgrims have begun their annual journey to Vailankanni in Tamil Nadu, joining the faithful from across the country to attend the Madi, Novenas, and the Feast of Our Lady of Vailankanni.
While the Vasco-Vailankanni direct train departed on Monday morning carrying several hundred pilgrims, many others opted for long-distance trains via Kerala to reach the pilgrimage centre. Among them was a group of renowned Konkani tiatr artists, who are scheduled to perform the play 'Ghorabeant Magnnem Gorjechem' on the main stage of the Vailankanni Church on August 28.
Most pilgrims travelling by train from the Margao railway station said they were heading to Vailankanni early to participate in the solemn Madi on August 29, as well as the Novenas leading up to the feast. Many plan to stay on until September 8, when the ten-day Novenas conclude with the grand celebration of the Feast of Our Lady of Vailankanni.
For tiatr director Inacio Dias, this year marks his 17th performance at Vailankanni. “Every year, I travel with my troupe and musicians to participate in the Madi, Novenas, and the feast. Artists from different states showcase their cultural traditions at the venue, and we have been proudly presenting Goan Tiatr to entertain the hundreds of Goans who gather here on August 28,” Inacio shared.
This year, the troupe will perform 'Ghorabeant Magnnem Gorjechem', a tiatr written by Fr Soccorro Rebello. The performance will be held free of charge on August 28 at 7.30 p.m. on the main stage of the Vailankanni Church.
A larger-than-usual turnout of pilgrims is expected this year, especially with the Novenas coinciding with Ganesh Chaturthi holidays for schoolchildren, making it easier for families to make the journey.
