BELAGAVI
Around 1,000 walking pilgrims from the Upper Ghats region completed their pilgrimage after they reached Old Goa on Monday morning.
Some commenced their journey on November 28 while others on November 29, covering a distance between 150 and 250 kilometres. After their last halt at Bicholim, they started early morning to reach Old Goa around 7 am, covering a distance of about 15 km in the final lap. The pilgrims who offered their Angvonn and Dhinvas to St Francis Xavier, in whom lies their strong faith.
Assembling near the Viceroy’s Arch, these pilgrims proceeded to their designated accommodation and later joined the queue for the veneration of the Sacred Relics of St Francis Xavier.
Later, a special Mass was organised at the pandal, especially for these pilgrims. A candlelight procession was also organised from the Basilica to their area of accommodation.
“It was quite a blissful journey. We used to commence our journey at around 4 am in the morning and take little rest in the noon time so that we could reach our next destination before it was dark,” Richard D’Souza, a young pilgrim said.
Another walking pilgrim, Alexander D’Souza, said that due to the rise in the number of walking pilgrims, there was some chaos in the accommodation and arrangements. “However, the police and the volunteers assisted us in getting our designated accommodation,” D’Souza.
Meanwhile, Santaji Lobo, who was leading the candlelight bhajan and procession, said that many pilgrims, especially those from other faiths, expressed their satisfaction after reaching Old Goa.
Another pilgrim, Manuel Rodrigues, said the pilgrimage was a fulfilling experience. “Most of us offered our prayers and petitions at the feet of St Francis Xavier, while others expressed their gratitude for the favours received, promising to return to Old Goa next year,” said Rodrigues.
