Mapusa: Carrying stones on their heads and carrying a statue of St Anthony, villagers of Corjuem on Sunday walked nearly 2.5 km from the Mae de Deus Chapel to the historic Corjuem Fort, reviving a generations-old tradition believed to invoke much-needed rainfall.
The solemn procession, undertaken amid a prolonged dry spell, brought together young and old, who walked in prayer seeking the saint’s intercession for a good monsoon. The last such procession was held around five years ago, when villagers said it was followed by a good spell of rain.
Upon reaching the fort, devotees offered prayers, recited the Litany and placed the stones and flowers at the feet of St Anthony.
Villagers said the custom has been observed for generations and continues to be upheld with deep faith and devotion.
For many, the procession is also a journey through memory. Elderly resident Tecla D’Souza recalled taking part in the ritual as a child decades ago.
“Whenever there was no rain, villagers would gather and undertake a prayer procession seeking the intercession of St Anthony for good rainfall,” she said.
She added, “The tradition in Premeiro Vaddo is believed to be over 60 years old. Our elders taught
us how to pray and seek St Anthony’s blessings. As children, we followed them and learned the customs from them.”
Heritage promoter Sanjeev Sardesai said the procession from Mae de Deus Chapel to Corjuem Fort is deeply ingrained in the history and lifestyle of the island village.
“Recently, when the IMD reported that rain-bearing clouds had disappeared, people turned to St Anthony, the saint of lost and found, praying for the lost clouds to return and bring rain. It is a traditional practice followed in one-two places and is participated in by people of all religions,” he said.
Aldona Congress MLA Carlos Ferreira said that since childhood he has seen people participate in it.
“A large number of villagers attended the event. Corjuem is known for its peaceful harmony, where people of all faiths come together and participate in religious and community events. This spirit of unity is seen not only here but across Goa, where people from different religions join village feasts and celebrations,” he said.
