Ladainha de Nossa Senhora

The annual tradition of carrying the image of Mother Mary to every house-hold within a village is still carried out with religious fervor. This tradition not only strengthens our faith but also spreads the message of brotherhood and togetherness.

In our good old villages this is a very special day, always accompanied by festivity. Although the actual Ladainha starts only after 8 pm, the preparations begin much in advance. The beginning is marked with the soaking of the Kabuli gram which is later boiled and served piping hot with coconut chips. The children of the house go out to gather the bougainvillea flowers from the neighborhood. A crate of soft drinks is procured from the nearby tavern. And as no Goan occasion is complete without the distilled fluid a bottle of caju feni competes for the list of odds.

As the time approaches the candles are lit and incense is burned. The head of the house brings home the statue of Our Lady from the neighbour’s house, accompanied by the neighbourhood folk. Crackers are burned to signify the start of the litany. The village mestri plays the chord on his violin. The ladinkars begin with high pitched voices followed by the village folk. The elders sing at the top of their voices followed by the village folk. The elders sing at the top of their voices while the children doze off. The atmosphere is humid, everyone sweats behind the collar.

The ladin is followed by the humns also in Konkani. First a hymn is sung to the Patron Saint of the village, then the Patron Saint of Goa followed by that of the Holy Cross. The village recites prayers for the dead.

The final hymn is sung and each one present offers flowers to Our Lady. Crackers are burned. The boiled grams are served, drinks passed and the village gossip exchanged.