SANGUEM
For only the second time in 45 years, the annual celebration of the Feast of the Holy Cross at the now submerged Curdi village, traditionally held on the last Sunday of May, has been cancelled this year.
This is because the approach road is underwater on account of heavy pre-monsoon rains, and the Cross is now inaccessible to devotees.
This is the second time that the original inhabitants of Curdi village, who were rehabilitated to Wadem and Valkini colonies in 1980, will miss the celebration. Over the last few years, the annual feast of the Holy Cross at the submerged Curdi village had gained a lot of publicity and attracted devotees from across Goa.
The old Curdi village, which lies in the Selaulim backwaters, usually gets submerged from June till the end of April. The old village resurfaces in May when the Selaulim reservoir recedes, drawing a lot of public attention to this unusual story about Curdi village.
Joseph Cardozo, a parishioner from Curdi, confirmed the cancellation, citing the submerged road and inaccessibility of the Cross.
Expressing the disappointment of residents, Cardozo said the locals had been eager to celebrate the feast.
Earlier last week, the annual Puja celebration at Lord Someshwar at the submerged Curdi village had to be cancelled for the same reason.
Hopes for the water to recede last week were dashed by continuous heavy showers that have lashed the State for the past six days, worsening the situation.
