With novenas and feast of St Francis Xavier approaching, the Goa police has reportedly issued an advisory asking visitors/devotees to keep an identity card on-person and not to carry any kind of baggage or handbag. It is learnt that the advisory has been issued in view of the recent security-related incidents in India as well as foreign countries. All visitors/ devotees will need to carry the ID proof with them for access to the churches.
This is a step in the right direction as such checks are needed to maintain discipline, sanctity of the churches at Old Goa which are heritage sites. However it is pertinent to note that all the services during the novenas and feast of St Francis Xavier are held in a pandal put up outside the Basilica of Bom Jesus. Will the devotees attending the masses in the pandal also be required to carry their ID-Cards? This aspect needs to be clarified. Given the sheer number of visitors/ devotees who come from within the State, from neighbouring states and other countries will it be possible to check the identity cards of all the people at the entrance of the churches? The scene could be chaotic.
If the ID cards are indeed necessary it would be prudent to make it well known by making announcements at the various parishes much before the novenas at Old Goa commence. It may also be necessary to make the announcement in the tourism brochures for the benefit of the visitors. If proper announcements are not made visitors/devotees who do not carry an ID card will have to return without taking the blessings of Goencho Saib.
