Team Goemkarponn
VASCO: The fishing community of Kharewado and other coastal areas of Vasco celebrated the Feast of St Peter and St Paul, popularly known as Sangodd, with traditional rituals and religious devotion on Monday, praying for a safe, prosperous and bountiful fishing season.
The annual feast holds special significance for fishermen as St Peter, one of the apostles of Jesus Christ and a fisherman by profession, is revered as their patron saint. The celebration marks the traditional blessing of the sea, fishing boats and fishing equipment before fishermen resume venturing into the Arabian Sea following the annual monsoon fishing ban.
The celebrations at Kharewado commenced with a prayer service at the Old Cross Chapel, where the priest invoked God’s blessings on the sea, fishing nets, boats and the families whose livelihood depends on fishing. Holy water was sprinkled on the devotees, followed by the recitation of the Litany by members of the fishing community.
All Goa Fishing Boat Owners Association President Jose Philip D’Souza said the religious service was followed by a procession carrying the idol of St Peter from the chapel to the fishing jetty. Devotees sang hymns and offered prayers as the procession made its way to the waterfront.
At the jetty, the priest offered special prayers before boarding beautifully decorated fishing vessels adorned with colourful balloons, flowers, coconut fronds and other festive decorations. The vessels then sailed into the Arabian Sea, continuing a tradition that has been faithfully observed by generations of fishermen.
“The priest prayed to Almighty God and St Peter to protect our fishermen as they venture into the high seas during the upcoming fishing season,” D’Souza said.
The celebrations concluded with prayers for calm seas, abundant catches and the safety of fishermen, while reaffirming a cherished coastal tradition that continues to strengthen the bond within Goa’s fishing community year after year.
