Christians and Hindus of Grand Pulvaddo unite and pray to the Holy Cross

Diana Fernandes

Margao: Keeping an old tradition alive, residents of the Grand Pulvaddo ward of Benaulim comprising Christians and Hindus gather every year at a Holy Cross, popularly called the Sant Khuris, and offer prayers.

According to the villagers, it is a 70-100 year-old tradition started by their ancestors.

For nine days of the novenas and on the feast day, members of the community come together and celebrate their tradition while offering prayers to the Holy Cross.

Residents of the area said this has been a tradition that began during the Portuguese era. Recalling the celebration during his childhood days, Agnelo Fernandes said, “I remember as a child, I would see many fisherwomen carrying their baskets filled with fish to the side of the cross. It was a sort of resting place for their heavy load. I also remember my father and all the neighbours coming together to celebrate the feast of the cross. Even people from other parts of the village come here to show their devotion to the cross.”

Located on the main road, the cross is looked after and managed by the nine members and others associated with it. Every year, one member is given the turn to take the lead in organising the ‘Maadi’, nine-day novena and the feast, which includes the traditionally sung ‘Ladin.’

This year, Ashok Hegde, who runs an insurance business, has been given the task of leading the celebration. Stating that he is overjoyed, Hegde said, “This is a 70-to-100-year-old tradition that we have been carrying on from the time of our ancestors.

The ‘Maddi’ was put on May 25 and novenas began on the 26th. I am overjoyed to get the chance to organise the feast this time. It is something that I look forward to; it fills me with so much of joy,” said Hegde.

The tradition, recalled another resident Antonio Fernandes, began with the carpenters from the village.

“Initially it was the carpenters from the village who began with the tradition. Over time, with each of them passing away, we, as residents and neighbours of the area, decided to carry it forward along with the Hegde and Parodkar families in the ward. There are many who show devotion to the cross, as it has helped many,” said Fernandes.