Hundreds of devotees gather at the Jesus of Nazareth Chapel in Siridao on Sunday for the Feast of the Annunciation, popularly known as ‘Pejechem Fest’. Narayan Pissurlenkar
PANAJI
Hundreds of devotees thronged the Jesus of Nazareth Chapel in Siridao on Sunday to mark the Feast of the Annunciation (Annuciação de Nossa Senhora de Nazareth), colloquially known as ‘Pejechem Fest’.
The centuries-old chapel overlooking the Zuari river, became the centre of faith and fellowship as parishioners and visitors gathered for the solemn mass.
The festival, celebrated on the first Sunday after Easter, is deeply rooted in Goa’s Catholic tradition. Its colloquial name comes from the offering of rice gruel (pej) to devotees, symbolising gratitude for sustenance and blessings.
Videos shared on social media platforms online showed long queues of worshippers carrying bowls of gruel, a ritual that has endured across generations here.
Built in 1604, the Jesus of Nazareth Chapel holds historical significance as a memorial to victims of a cholera epidemic in the 18th century.
The annual feast has since gained spiritual significance for the local fishing community of Siridao as well as other faithful from across Goa.
Local MLA, Viresh Borkar and his predecessor Francis Silveira attended.
Despite migration reducing the resident population in the village, the festival keeps drawing large crowds every year as several families return from across Goa and beyond, turning it into a reunion which strengthens community ties.
