Mapusa is a well-known shopping place offering various ingredients for Goan cuisine. However, the yearly feast of Nossa Senhora dos Milagres, also known as Milagres Saibinn, is another reason for the city’s fame.
It is celebrated at St Jerome’s Church on the third Monday following Easter. Milagres Saibinn is credited with numerous miracles and was formerly known as Nossa Senhora de Todos os Bens (Our Lady of all Blessings). Eventually, she got the name Milagres Saibinn (Our Lady of Miracles).
The feast portrays communal harmony, wherein Hindus and others devote their throng to St. Jerome’s Church to venerate and seek the blessings of Milagres Saibinn. Hindus hold that goddess Mirabai, the sister of goddess Lahirai, is the manifestation of Milagres Saibinn. At Shirgao, the goddess Lahirai’s zatra is fervently honored on the day of Vaishak Shudda Panchami, which falls on May 12, 2024. Milagres Saibinn is also believed to cure various ailments, and many people from different religious backgrounds make vows, pour coconut oil over the statue, and offer wax figurines in gratitude for the favours received by them.
The traditional fama was held on April 6, followed by the nine-day novenas, which heralded the culmination of the feast. The novenas concluded with vespers on April 14. The morning masses for the feast day are scheduled at 5.30 am, 6.45 am, 8 am, 9.30 am (feast mass), and 11 am (English). The evening masses are scheduled for 4 pm and 5.15 pm.
All streets leading up to the Church are lined with stalls selling Goan sweetmeats (khaje), roasted gram (chonne), homemade Goan cuisine, toys, clothing, utensils, and furniture.
THE UNIQUE TRADITION
The Milagres feast is more appealing than its religious overtones. The respect that exists between different faiths is reflected in the Goan festivals. In addition to Catholics, thousands of Hindus attend this feast. The feast differs from other well-known festivals in India because of its secular nature.
Two statues are kept in the courtyard for public worship for 15 days to allow those who wish to pay their obeisance to visit them. One is for the oil bath, and the other is for offerings. A stall is set up alongside the statue, providing coconut oil in small vessels for a small sum. Hundreds of worshippers form a line to honour the Saibinn by pouring oil on the statue. Many offerings are made by devotees whose prayers have been answered, including candles, oil, cash, and wax figurines.
The two sisters, Lahirai Devi and Milagres Saibinn, exchange ojem, or gifts, which is an intriguing ritual. On the feast day, Lahirai “sends” Milagres an earthen pot (couso) of oil, and Milagres returns the favor by giving Lahirai a basket of flowers (mogrim) during the zatra.
The specialty of this fair is the numerous food stalls, which serve various types of local delicacies. The stalls sell a variety of eatables, and household items, including pottery and furniture.
ABOUT THE CHURCH
Founded by the Franciscans in 1594, the church dedicated to Sao Jeronimo Igreja em Mapusa was erected in 1594 by the villagers of Mapusa, Cunchelim, and Khorlim. It was rebuilt several times until the 17th century, and a one-story residence was added.
There are Chapels affiliated to St. Jerome Church. These are Our Lady of Carmel Chapel, Camarcasana; St. Sebastian Chapel, Corlim; and the Holy Cross Chapel, Angod.
The parishioners are close to 10,000.
