Team Goemkarponn
Cuelim: The Feast of Epiphany, popularly known as the Three Kings Feast, was celebrated with deep religious devotion and traditional splendour at Our Lady of Remedios Chapel, Cuelim, drawing thousands of devotees from across South Goa.
The main celebrations began on Tuesday morning with a unique and time-honoured ritual in which three children, portraying the Three Kings, arrived on horseback — a tradition that has been observed in Cuelim for over 500 years. The sight of the young kings riding in ceremonial attire, accompanied by musical processions, set a solemn yet festive tone for the day.
This year’s main feast Mass witnessed an overwhelming turnout, with devotees thronging the chapel to offer prayers and seek blessings of Our Lady of Remedios. The Novena and feast Masses were attended with equal devotion, reflecting the deep-rooted faith associated with the feast.
Adding to the festive spirit, the area around the chapel came alive with makeshift stalls selling Goan delicacies, traditional sweets, toys, clothes and household items. Families and visitors were seen spending hours at the venue, making the feast a vibrant community gathering beyond its religious significance.
Azariah Xavier Da Silva from Cuelim, Jayden Fernandes from Arossim and Liam Antonio Vaz from Cansaulim were selected to represent the Three Kings this year. Each king arrived on horseback from a different route, symbolising the biblical journey of the Magi guided by the Star of Bethlehem, before converging at a designated point near the chapel and proceeding for the Mass.
Explaining the spiritual significance of the tradition, the parish priest said, “As part of the feast, three children from the villages of Cansaulim, Arossim and Cuelim represent the Three Kings. They arrive on horseback, meet near the chapel and participate in the Masses, renewing their faith and reaffirming their commitment to follow Jesus Christ.”
Police Inspector Sherif Jacques, a devotee and native of the village, spoke about the legacy and emotional value attached to the feast. “This celebration has been part of our village life for over five centuries. Being chosen as one of the kings is a once-in-a-lifetime honour. Names are often registered years in advance, and families cherish this tradition deeply. In my case, my father, I, and my son have all been kings, making it a proud three-generation legacy,” he said.
He further said that horses for the feast are specially brought from Kolhapur ahead of the celebrations. “The kings offer symbolic gifts to the church, and the rituals have remained unchanged for centuries. The feast marks the fifteenth day of Christmas and, for many families, brings the Christmas season to a meaningful close,” Jacques added.
The Three Kings Feast at Cuelim continues to stand as a powerful blend of faith, tradition and community bonding, preserving a rare cultural heritage that has been passed down through generations.
