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Feast of the Immaculate Conception
Introduction
One of the major Christian festivals in Goa, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception is celebrated all over Goa on the 8th of December. Mary Immaculate Conception Church at Panjim sees the feast in its brightest colors. Panjim celebrates the feast for three days. This feast is reflection of the Portugese influence that permeates the culture of Goa.
Background
The Immaculate Conception mentioned in the Old Testament narrates the holy birth of the Christ. A feast called the Conception of Mary arose in the Eastern (Catholic) Church during the seventh century and spread to the West in the eighth century. It received its present name, the Immaculate Conception, in the eleventh century. In the eighteenth century it became a feast of the Roman Catholic Church following the verdict of Pope Pius IX who defined the dogma of the Immaculate Conception on 8th December 1854. Since then this day is celebrated as a holy day of obligation and feast is held commemorating the holy conception of Christ by Virgin Mary.
Activities
Farmers cut the first harvest of milk-filled corn from the rice field and offer it to God to thank him for a good harvest this year and to ensure one in the coming year. During the Feast of the Immaculate Conception a big fair is held in front of the Mary Immaculate Conception Church around the church square. A firework display is carried on in front of the church gates every night of the week before the feast at 19:30 hrs. The morning Mass under the sun is followed by a colorful procession carrying the Virgin around the town. The Feast is held most significant by the people of Margao and Panjim.
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