Goa: ‘Hanvem Tumkam Kellam, Toxench Tumi-e Korat’ Theme of the Feast of Holy Epiphany This Year

Vasco: The eagerly awaited Epiphany feast, commonly known as the Three Kings feast, is scheduled for January 6 at Our Lady of Remedios Chapel in Quilim. Father Ave Maria Afonso shared details of the preparations and celebration with journalists on Wednesday.

“Preparations for the Feast of the Three Kings have been going on since December 27 in the Remedios Chapel,” said Fr. Daily masses in the chapel began on December 28, with three sessions at 6 am, 7.30 am and 5 pm, which were attended by a large number of local people.” Afonso.

“From January 1, we organize mass, and people bring their vehicles for blessings. On the feast day, there will be mass at 5 am, 6.15 am, 7.30 am, 8.45 am and at 10.15 am there will be the main mass in which the three kings will arrive on horses from Cansoulim, Quelim and Arosim. This tradition has been maintained for many years. Another mass prayer ceremony will conclude at 4.30 pm.”

Father Afonso explained the historical context of the feast, emphasizing that the three kings were wise men, not saints. They came to worship Jesus on the Holy Epiphany, and this feast commemorates that event. The festival attracts a diverse crowd, including people from other religions seeking blessings.

According to Father Afonso, the theme of this year’s feast for novenas and feasts is “Hanvem Tumkam Kellam, Toxench Tumi-i Korat.” The event is also known for the bustling stalls that feature various businesses during the feast.