The a group of devotees gather at the grotto of Our Lady of Fatima to celebrate the feast on May 8. Photo: Peter Mendonsa
Hidden deep inside the dense forests of Jamboti village on the Belagavi-Goa road stands the grotto of Our Lady of Fatima, a place once forgotten but now slowly regaining its spiritual importance among the faithful.
Goan settlers of Jamboti, who continue to preserve their devotion to St Francis Xavier, their Konkani language and Goan culture, trace their roots to Anjuna-Goa, with their ancestral names still found in the communidade records there.
Located around four kilometres from St Francis Xavier Church, the grotto lies in the forest area locally known as “Siddi cho dongor”, associated with the Siddi tribal community.
According to local belief, the grotto was carved into a huge rock by some Goan ancestors and was discovered a few decades ago by a Jesuit priest Fr Abba Waghmare.
Fr Abba would gather the Siddis and other faithful and offered the Rosary there in honour of Our Lady of Fatima.
The grotto came back into focus this year when parishioners led by Fr Jack Menezes undertook a pilgrimage to the site and celebrated the May 8 feast there.
Fr Menezes, originally from Santacruz-Goa, said the journey remains difficult as the place is accessible only during summer.
“We travelled by motorbikes through Kalmani via Chorla and then trekked nearly two kilometres through dense forest to reach the grotto,” he said.
A natural spring originating beneath the grotto continues to provide clean water to villagers even today. However, due to the difficult terrain and isolation, the sacred place had gradually fallen into neglect over the years.
The revival began during the COVID-19 pandemic when the youth of Jamboti parish visited the site and decided to restore it.
“Seeing its neglected condition moved us deeply,” said parish youth president Peter Mendonsa. “With small contributions and strong faith, we installed a cross above the grotto and carried out minor renovation work.”
Since then, the youth have continued the tradition of gathering there every year for the Rosary and prayers. This year, around 50 to 60 parishioners, including youth, children and elders, participated in the pilgrimage and Mass celebrated by Fr Menezes.
The village youth organise the entire pilgrimage, including the trek, supplies, prayers and food arrangements, ensuring the tradition continues for future generations.
After the prayers, devotees share a simple meal amidst nature, turning the once-forgotten grotto into a place of faith, unity and peace once again.
