Every year on 24 June, the Catholic Church celebrates the feast and birthday of Saint John the Baptist, who prepared the way for Jesus Christ. He is known for baptising Jesus and others in the River Jordan, and for preaching a message of repentance and forgiveness of sins. In Goa, we celebrate the feast in a traditional way by dressing like Saint John the Baptist and calling it the Sao João feast. Goans cook traditional meals and sweet dishes. Since it is the rainy season, we also take the chance to dance in the rain. Seasonal fruits, music played with local instruments, and the mando add charm to the festive mood. It is heart-warming to see people from wards and villages come together to celebrate the birthday of Saint John the Baptist.
However, some groups and individuals are giving the feast a bad name by jumping into wells and other dangerous water bodies. This is not part of the tradition. On the day of the feast, attending Holy Mass at church is important, where the priest explains the true meaning of the Sao João celebration. If someone gets hurt because of reckless behaviour, such as drinking too much or acting foolishly, please don’t blame the Sao João feast. Saint John the Baptist used water to cleanse people of their sins — not for risky stunts. The Church has never told anyone to jump into wells, ponds or swimming pools.
Some people misunderstand the festival. Even after the feast, they continue drinking and dancing in the rain or swimming, which is not what the feast is about. No one has said that jumping into water is part of Sao João — it can be dangerous and even life-threatening. Celebrate the feast the traditional way. No one can stop the Sao João festival in Goa. But if you don’t want to be part of it, it’s best not to join. Remember, safety comes first. Please avoid jumping into wells, ponds or waterfalls, and do not drink and drive. Read the Holy Bible and follow the right path shown by Saint John the Baptist.
Ronnie Dsouza, Chandor
