the goan I network
PANAJI
Midnight religious services in parishes marked by hymns, carols and prayers, while fireworks all through the night marked the celebrations of the birth of Jesus. Christmas, one of the most adored festivals of the state, is only second in importance to Easter in the Catholic calendar. Post the Eucharistic services, the faithful exchanged greetings, and many others continued the festivities till early dawn.
On the occasion, Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar, Archbishop Filipe Neri Ferrao and others offered their greetings to Goans. As Goa gets into the celebration mode from today till the Feast of Three Kings at Cansaulim, every nook and cranny in Goa has been lined with eye-catching cribs, bright stars and various other Christmas displays including gloriously decorated Christmas trees setting the mood for the festive season. While attending the midnight mass is a tradition followed by Christians, gift giving and sharing of sweets takes place across all communities.
The Nativity of Jesus as laid down in the New Testament talks about Jesus Christ's birth in Bethlehem. As Joseph and Mother Mary arrived in the city, the only accommodation available to them was a stable, where Lord Jesus Christ was born. His birth was harked by the angels to the shepherds. The essence of this nativity scene is captured by people in the cribs.
While young and old dot the streets at night and fill the cool December air with joyous sounds of caroling, traditional Goan Christmas sweets including dodol, bebinca, dos, bulinha, baath and
neuryos.
