As a relative newcomer to Goa (2 + years) I was very happy to participate in the "Saibinn Mae" making her rounds in the village. I was asked discreetly, not to upstage others by offering more "goodies" than the traditional "ukde chonne" and I complied. After all I did not want to upset the apple cart.
Despite it all, at our place, we had 2 or 3 times the number of people who normally attend the occasion. I guess they wanted to see our new home and what was inside this "foreigners" home. No problem. We were delighted and honored to have so many people attend. Also, we have not been here long enough to make any enemies ! Since we (abashedly) do not speak Konkani too well, the rumor mill does not impact us at all. Fortunately we are above it all ! I believe that the Saibinn Mae making her rounds is a great custom, full of reverence for Our Blessed Lady, with prayers (in Konkani) welcoming her to our home, and wishing her farewell on departure. According to custom, I greeted the statue at the gate of our neighbor and since we are a good distance away from our neighbors, I had to carry the statue (proudly declining any assistance) to our home in procession, while prayers were recited and hynms were sung, as we made our way to our home. At our home, my wife waited with a welcoming garland, (jhelo) of flowers for the statue. We had set up a table with our finest linen and candlesticks to place Our Lady's statue and a container of incense was lit. Fireworks were set off proclaiming the arrival of our lady at our home. Besides "Saibinn Mae" making her rounds, now during Lent we also have the Stations of the Cross, with the appropriate prayers for each Station being recited at the gate of each house. It heightens the Lenten experience, and for a "lip service" Catholic like me, it brings me closer to my religion. I believe that we Goans are deeply spiritual, and can only hope that we keep the faith alive, no matter where we go. ########################################################################## # Send submissions for Goanet to [EMAIL PROTECTED] # # PLEASE remember to stay on-topic (related to Goa), and avoid top-posts # # More details on Goanet at http://joingoanet.shorturl.com/ # # Please keep your discussion/tone polite, to reflect respect to others # ##########################################################################