The Feast of Our Lady of Miracles is celebrated amidst a lot of fanfare and ardent devotion by the followers of Christianty and Hinduism. The event is organised in the Church of Our Lady of Miracles in North Goa. The lady, in the Church of Lady of Miracles, signifies Milagres Saibinn who is also believed to be one of the sisters of the Hindu deities Lairai of Shirgao and Kelbai of Mulago. This festival represents the undaunted unity between Christians and Hindus. Celebrated after 16 days of Easter, this fair-cum-festival is celebrated on the fourth Sunday of May every year. However, later the day of the festival was changed as it coincided with one of the solemnities when no feast could be held. The secular framework of this festival has set an example about how Goa encourages and celebrates festivals where people of all religions and faiths participate with the same fervour and enthusiasm.
Feast of Our Lady of Miracles | Date, Venue, & Tickets
The Feast of Our Lady of Miracles used to be celebrated on the 4th Sunday of every May, after 16 days of Easter. In 2008, this date was changed since it coincided with solemnities that restricted organising a feast on that day. Thus, the date of the Feast varies from year to year. It is organised at the Church of Our Lady of Miracles in North Goa. People of any faith can be a part of the festivities and there is no ticket required to gain entry to this festival cum fair..
History of the Feast of Our Lady of Miracles
Church Of Our Lady of Miracles is a 16th century Church built by the Portuguese rulers. The Church was initially dedicated to St. Jerome, therefore, it is also referred to as St. Jerome Church. Since the Portuguese destroyed a number of Hindu monuments to promote Christianity, it is believed that the church was built over a temple during those times. However, the structure was destroyed in a fire around the mid-1900. After the renovation, it was renamed as Church of our Lady of Miracles. Earlier, the feast used to be held on the 4th Sunday in the month of May. However, in 2008, the date was changed due to some religious reasons.
Major Attractions Of Feast Of Our Lady Of Miracles
The Feast of Our Lady of Miracles is an epitome of secular celebrations. The fair and feast has proved amazing unity between people of different faiths and religions who come together to celebrate this feast with unbridled enthusiasm and excitement. Here are the major highlights of the feast.
1. Church Masses
The masses are generally held from 5 am. However, at various places, it is held at different timelines. For instance, the English mass generally starts around 9 am whereas the high mass starts at 10 am.
2. Fair and Festivities
One of the main highlights of this annual festival of Christians is the fair which comprises various food stalls that serve local delicacies. One can see the adults and children dressed in the best outfits. And about 1,000 devotees with different religious faiths come together to commemorate this fest.
3. Religious Hymns
Devotees sing religious hymns and carols and venerate the statue of Our Lady of Miracles with garlands and candles.
How To Reach Goa for the Feast of Our Lady of Miracles
Goa is one of the most popular and visited touristy places in India. It attracts millions of tourists every year from different parts of the country and world. It is easy to access through different means of transport. Here we bring you the details that can help you reach Goa through air, rail, or road.
- Nearest Metropolitan City. Mumbai
- Nearest Airport. Dabolim Airport
- Nearest Railbase. Dabolim Railway Station
- Distance From Mumbai. 584.5 Km
By Air
Deboard at the Dabolim Airport situated about 30-40 km away. The airport has good flight connectivity via direct and connecting flights from other Indian cities. After getting off the flight, you can easily book a taxi to reach your destination.
- Distance From Dabolim Airport. 27.4 Km
By Train
You can consider deboarding at either Dabolim Railway Station or the Karmali Railway Station. Both the stations are situated within a 40 km distance and have good train connectivity with other Indian cities. After deboarding at one of the stations, you will need to cover the remaining distance by some means of public transport.
- Distance From Dabolim Railway Station. 47.6 Km
- Distance From Karmali Railway Station. 2.6 Km
By Road
You can also consider travelling here by a well-maintained network of roadways and national highways as well. Depending upon your convenience, you can choose to travel by state-run/private buses, taxis or if you prefer to have some fun while traversing the roads then you can take your own vehicle as well.
- Distance From Amboli. 80-90 km via Hathkhamba-Goa Road
- Distance From Belgaum. 90-100 km via SH 54, SH 31
- Distance From Dandeli. 111 km via NH748
- Distance From Belgaum. 90 Km
- Distance From Hubli. 143 Km
- Distance From Kolhapur. 154 Km
- Distance From Delhi. 1869 Km
- Distance From Mumbai. 579 Km
- Distance From Kolkata. 2129 Km
- Distance From Bengaluru. 577 Km
Frequently Asked Questions About The Feast of Our Lady of Miracles
Ques 1. When is the Feast of Our Lady of Miracles held in North Goa?
Ans 1. Celebrated after 16 days of Easter, this fair-cum-festival is celebrated on the fourth Sunday of May every year. However, later the day of the festival was changed as it coincided with one of the solemnities when no feast could be held.
Ques 2. What is the major highlight of the Feast of Our Lady of Miracles?
Ans 2. This festival represents the undaunted unity between Christians and Hindus. The secular framework of this festival is its major highlight which has set an example about how Goa encourages and celebrates festivals where people of all religions and faiths participate with the same fervour and enthusiasm.
You can plan your trip and create your own route to the city with Adotrip’s technically driven circuit planner. Click here.
