Saturday, March 20, 2010

PROCESSION OF SAINTS - Goan Shutterbugs' Preserving Tradition Event

Goan Shutterbugs' Preserving Tradition Event
PROCESSION OF SAINTS
(Konkani: Santanchem Pursanv)
22nd March 2010, 4pm

Every year thousands of people flock from different parts of Goa and the world to the village of Goa-Velha to take part in the ‘world famous procession of Saints’. The Church of St Andrew in Goa Velha, hosts the procession on the fifth Monday of Lent. This tradition began in the 17th century by the Franciscan Order in an attempt to boost the moral values and pious behaviour of the community and inspire them to take to their hearts the teachings of Jesus Christ.

By the 18th century, a total of 65 life-size richly decorated statues of saints, martyrs, kings, and queens were carried in palanquins on the shoulders of Native Christians. In 1835, the event was banned by the Marquis of Pombal and during this period, many images and vestment were left uncared, vandalised and destroyed.

The procession of Saints re-started from the new Church of St Andrew Goa-Velha during the Lent of 1868. New images kept adding to the collection and the image of Blessed Joseph Vaz was added as recently as in 2009.

Local devotees carry lifesize statues of saints on their shoulders in a solemn procession around the village. Though a religious occasion, the evening atmosphere is filled with gaiety as the fair (mela) comes to life on the main road outside the church. Typical of any Church feast, the roads are lined with stalls selling everything from sweets to wind-up gadgets. It becomes a whole family affair as people come out in formal clothes to hear mass, watch the procession, and enjoy the gaiety of the outdoor mela.

Goan Shutterbugs Meeting Point :
The Cross on the main road at Goa Velha at 4pm
Contact: Aslesh – 9823530137, Lynn - 9822151419

“Click! Click! Click! the vibrant colors of SHIGMO” PHOTOGRAPHY CONTEST


Rules and Regulations:
1. The competition is open to all and there is no entry fee. Any type of camera (Cell Phone included) may be used.

2. Contest is in two categories : FLOATS & FOLK DANCES

3. Entrants are allowed to participate in both the categories with a maximum of 10 photographs, per category.
4. Photographs have to be submitted on a CD/DVD in JPG format. Photographs in each category have to be in separate folders, named as per the Category. The name, address & contact no., of the participant must be written on the CD/DVD.

5. Every photo submitted on the CD/DVD, must be named with the Category & Place where the photo has been captured.

6. Photographs have to be in Color ONLY, without any watermark or date on it. Minor editing allowed.

7. Goan Shutterbugs reserves the rights of the submitted photos and they may use any image for non-commercial purposes, giving due credit to the photographer, for any of its print and online products. No monetary liabilities or payment shall be made in such cases.

8. Entries must be the work of the participating photographer. Goan Shutterbugs cannot be held responsible for copyright violation, malpractice, misrepresentation made by any of the entrant/s to this contest.

9. Entries will be judged on the basis of interpreting and expressing the theme, along with the technical and aesthetic quality of the photograph. The decision of the judges appointed by Goan Shutterbugs shall be final and no correspondence will be permitted in this regard.
10. Last date for submission of entries is 25th March 2010.

11. Entries can be handed or couriered, as a CD/DVD, along with a single Entry Form, per participant to:
a. BM Web Studio, Near Torsanzor, Aquem, Margao, ph: 9822151419
b. Supply’s India, Shop No.17, Rosary Apts, Miramar, Panjim, ph: 9881533456

12. Results and prize distribution will be held in April 2010.