Konsachem Fest Celebrated in Taleigao Church

The harvest festival or Konsache fest is celebrated in Goa with great pomp and enthusiasm for centuries. It is a way to thank God for his continuing blessings on the farmer’s community and providing them with healthy crops over the years.

The Konsachem Fest was recently celebrated in St Michael Church Taleigao on 21^st August 2019. The history of the feast dates back over 500 years when Afonso de Albuquerque entered Goa he was attacked by Yusuf Adil Shah with 6000 soldiers. Albuquerque’s soldier’s situation was so desperate that they had to survive on mice. But the villagers risked their lives and started providing the soldiers with grains and food. After successful Conquest of Goa Albuquerque granted the villagers permission to cut the first crop in the Ilhas taluka.

This year the main celebrant of the feast was the Gomes Family. The Vicar Fr. Cipriano Da Silva led the congregation to cut the sheaves of the grain in the field. After the crops were blessed the procession was led to the Church for the main mass.

The next day the grain was distributed among the Gaunkars. The grain was offered at the main altar of the St Cathedral and mass was celebrated on the same day. The families of Gaunkars, along with committee members proceeded and offered grain to the Bishop and the Governor.