This feast in Goa is incomplete without cucumbers!

Evelyn Siqueira

THE FEAST DATE

The feast of St Anne (the mother of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and grandmother of Jesus Christ) is celebrated annually on July 26 by the Roman Catholic Church.

Touxeamchem Fest | cucumbers | Talaulim | Santana | St Anne | PHOTO: Rohan Fernandes

IN GOA

The feast is celebrated with pomp and religious fervour at the centuries-old Santana Church, Talaulim, in the Tiswadi taluka.

Touxeamchem Fest | cucumbers | Talaulim | Santana | St Anne | PHOTO: Rohan Fernandes

IN SANTANA

In Talaulim, the feast is celebrated on the Sunday after July 26, and this year, it took place on July 30, 2023.

Touxeamchem Fest | cucumbers | Talaulim | Santana | St Anne | PHOTO: Rohan Fernandes

UNIQUE CELEBRATIONS

The feast is popularly known as Touxeamchem Fest (feast of cucumbers) in this village, and draws devotees from all over Goa.

Touxeamchem Fest | cucumbers | Talaulim | Santana | St Anne | PHOTO: Rohan Fernandes

DEVOTEES SPEAK

The faithful, who received blessings through the intercession of St Anne, shared their testimonies in church.

Touxeamchem Fest | cucumbers | Talaulim | Santana | St Anne | PHOTO: Rohan Fernandes

CUSTOMARY PROCESSION

After the high mass, there was a traditional procession.

Touxeamchem Fest | cucumbers | Talaulim | Santana | St Anne | PHOTO: Rohan Fernandes

SEEKING FAVOURS

The interesting feature of the feast in Talaulim is that devotees offer cucumbers as they pray for the gift of a child or spouse.

Touxeamchem Fest | cucumbers | Talaulim | Santana | St Anne | PHOTO: Rohan Fernandes

FEAST DAY SCENE

Several vendors were seen selling cucumbers outside the church, and these are purchased by devotees to be given as offerings on the feast day.

Touxeamchem Fest | cucumbers | Talaulim | Santana | St Anne | PHOTO: Rohan Fernandes

FESTIVE MUSIC

The delightful music of the Goa Police band added to the festive air of the occasion.

Touxeamchem Fest | cucumbers | Talaulim | Santana | St Anne | PHOTO: Rohan Fernandes

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