OLD GOA
Even as Goa Velha is only the second place in the world to still hold the Procession of the Saints or Santamchem Pursanv, demand is made that it should be declared as a State festival.
Speaking to The Goan, St Andre MLA Viresh Borkar informed that he has already spoken to the CM Pramod Sawant on granting the unique procession a State festival status.
“It is a unique procession as Goa Velha is the only other place, after Rome, to hold the same,” Borkar stated. He further informed that people from all religions participate in the procession. “It is not only restricted to Christians but Hindus as well as Muslims participate as they believe that their wishes are granted,” the MLA added and informed that communal harmony is in full display at the procession.
On the other hand, Goa Velha sarpanch Iyno D’Souza informed that his panchayat has already approved a proposal for getting the procession declared as a State festival.
“We are going to submit the proposal to the government as well as the local MLA,” D’Souza said and added that it will help in holding the procession in a much better way.
