Margao : The Feast of the Epiphany, or as it is locally called, the Feast of the Three Kings, commemorating the visit of the three wise men to Infant Jesus was commemorated with great pomp and religious fervour on Saturday
In Goa, the feast is celebrated annually on January 6 with great enthusiasm, passion and zeal, especially in the villages of Chandor, Cansaulim (in South Goa) and Reis Magos (North Goa).
In Cansaulim, the festivities took place at the Chapel of Nossa Senhora dos Remédios (Our Lady of Cures), which is situated on the Cuelim hillock.
The feast, here, has a unique tradition which has been adhered to for many years, which is the enactment of the journey of the magi to present gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh to the Baby Jesus in the manger in Bethlehem.
Three young boys (in the age group of 7-12 years) – representing the three wards of Arrossim, Cansaulim and Cuelim were chosen to be the reis (kings) during the festivities.
Each little king is allotted a horse that will carry him to the Chapel of Nossa Senhora dos Remédios, while the families walk alongside.
One of the attractions of the feast in Reis Magos is the enactment of the adoration of Baby Jesus by the Magi for the Feast Mass. During the earlier days, three young boys used to dress as Magi or Kings and participate in feast Mass and the procession thereafter. Each king would be accompanied by another small boy dressed as shepherd carrying small live goats, which has been since discontinued. Since last 20 years, young boys or men dress as kings and offer the gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh at the crib in the church before the start of the Feast Mass. They later join in the procession at the end of the Mass.
The villagers, both Catholics and Hindus, enthusiastically celebrate the feast with sumptuous lunch in the company of relatives and guests gracing the occasion.
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