JoeGoaUk - GOA

Tuesday, 27 December 2011

Christmas Cribs at Various places in Goa 2011

Panjim Church

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk47/6577101485/in/photostream/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk47/6577104465/in/photostream/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk47/6577107009/in/photostream/

at night

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk47/6577169685/in/photostream/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk47/6577173383/in/photostream/

corte de Oiteiro, Panjim

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk47/6577109311/in/photostream/

Star of Arossim

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk47/6577111655/in/photostream/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk47/6577114211/in/photostream/

Christmas Father riding on a bullock Cart in a lake

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk47/6577116891/in/photostream/

Monteiro Vaddo – Utorda

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk47/6577119591/in/photostream/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk47/6577122279/in/photostream/

Mauli or Cobweb – Adao Vado Majorda

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk47/6577123319/in/photostream/

Mungul in the Lake

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk47/6577125419/in/photostream/

Arossim Falvado

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk47/6577130717/in/photostream/

Tonttem youth – Cansaulim - Castles

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk47/6577133431/in/photostream/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk47/6577136051/in/photostream/

Mexico Boys – Costa Vaddo, Cansaulim – Amballo – with Ship of the Desert

Camel

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk47/6577138423/in/photostream/

Wise men or kings

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk47/6577140911/in/photostream/

Jesuit

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk47/6577143833/in/photostream/

Crib

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk47/6577146803/in/photostream/

Bacardi Boys, Cottar Wado, Cansaulim
http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk47/6577149571/in/photostream/

Your of Belem, Veslao-Pale

Tigur

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk47/6577151931/in/photostream/

Snow falling

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk47/6577154871/in/photostream/

A castle
http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk47/6577156843/in/photostream/

Sancoale Castle

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk47/6577160231/in/photostream/

Agxi Mechanical Crib

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk47/6577163345/in/photostream/

Heaven and heaven’s gate with ‘Bap Putr andi Ispisanto’

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk47/6577166287/in/photostream/

Video 1 ( Panjim Day & Night)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_QEBgbQSMYc

Video 2 (Agassaim Mechanical)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tQPWuOoCOZI

Update: 28.12.11

Cribs from Margao, Raia etc

Star with it’s own reflection - Rachol

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk47/6592361741/in/photostream

Santa on a bicycle - Postman

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk47/6592364165/in/photostream/

Santas’ Rock band – Agalli Margao
on the Main road leading to Gogol Bigfoot junction
Location for St. Anthony boys of Agalli crib
see map (Wikimapia) here
http://tinyurl.com/Margao-Crib-2011

pics

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk47/6592365159/in/photostream/

Crowd puller – Agalli Margao

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk47/6592365763/in/photostream/

about 100M gong Qs
http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk47/6592367417/in/photostream/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk47/6592369019/in/photostream/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk47/6592371009/in/photostream/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk47/6592373125/in/photostream/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk47/6592378469/in/photostream/

Bom Jesus Basilica Replica

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk47/6592374827/in/photostream/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk47/6592376635/in/photostream/

Same area, little further..

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk47/6592380341/in/photostream/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk47/6592382203/in/photostream/

Another, same area wtih mechanical audio show etc

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk47/6592384157/in/photostream/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk47/6592385973/in/photostream/

updated: 29th Dec. 2011

Reminds me of Babush

Santa on his mission (modified bike)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk47/6597024807/sizes/l/in/photostream/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk47/6597027005/sizes/l/in/photostream/

Arlem Margao, Cycling Santa

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk47/6597029957/sizes/l/

Santa on an old scooter

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk47/6597033957/sizes/l/

Boys of Agalli (main road/ bypass leading to bigfoot juction Gogol)

Serenading Santas (on a truck)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk47/6597036505/sizes/l/

traditional Goa
http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk47/6597048535/sizes/l/in/photostream/

Se cathedral – Replica

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk47/6597039657/sizes/l/

Bom Jesus Basilica

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk47/6597042481/sizes/l/in/photostream/

two in one (above)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk47/6597046071/sizes/l/in/photostream/

King’s castle

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk47/6597051149/sizes/l/in/photostream/

Star of MMC (Margao)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk47/6597053433/sizes/l/in/photostream/

with Municipality building

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk47/6597056585/sizes/l/in/photostream/

A castle in the crib (MMC garden)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk47/6597060127/sizes/l/in/photostream/

Video 3 (Margao Crib)

Posted by JoeGoaUk at 4:37 PM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OUkw4XtB9K8

Video 4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=asNAuteG-x4

Updated 3/1/2012

Santo Estêvão (Jua)

Santo Estêvão (Jua)

St. Estevam , Jua

Crib Location

http://wikimapia.org/#lat=15.5338484&lon=73.9515281&z=16&l=0&m=b&show=/22750805/XMAS-Crib

Pics

Star of St. Estevam

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk47/6631447115/in/photostream

Church Crib

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk47/6631466095/in/photostream/

Some angels in the air

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk47/6631483323/in/photostream/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk47/6631489805/in/photostream/

Jingle Bell in the trees

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk47/6631494547/in/photostream/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk47/6631498817/in/photostream/

Santa Claus riding on a chariot

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk47/6631502447/in/photostream/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk47/6631506053/in/photostream/

The Crib at 3 Roste

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk47/6631510565/in/photostream/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk47/6631514013/in/photostream/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk47/6631516857/in/photostream/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk47/6631521701/in/photostream/

At Cupa

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk47/6631527395/in/photostream/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk47/6631544471/in/photostream/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk47/6631532109/in/photostream/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk47/6631538391/in/photostream/

Video with slide show in the end - St. Estevam

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QOcG8HEbmIo

updated on 6th Jan. 2012

As appeared in Herald today
http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk47/6643900453/sizes/l/

Saturday, 10 December 2011

Feast of St. Francis Xavier, Tuem Goa (10.12.11)

Today, we went to Tuem for the first time (?)

Believe me or not, I thought Tivim and Tuem is one and the same. Tuem being Konkani for Tivim, it was only few months ago, I found out Tivim and Tuem are two different villages former being in Bardez and the later (Tuem) in Pernem Taluka.

Tuem is about 16 kms from Mapusa via Dhargal.

All buses going to Dhargal (Sports City), Mandrem go via Tuem. Bus takes about 30 minutes and the fare is Rs.12

The little church is located uphill on a hillock very next to it is Don Bosco Boys School and boarding.

It takes about 10 minutes (Walking) to reach there from the main road. On the way, you first come across a small cemetery (See pic). New cemetery getting ready next tot he church (se slides) Tuem has about 500 Catholics

Guess what? The moment I saw the school, I realised that I had been here some 5-6 years ago with someone but I did not know it was Tuem. Infact, we even went inside the school/boarding and even had tea with the priest. There (in the dining hall) I spotted a ‘Gurgureth’ and I immediately took photo of it.

This one

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk2/121767388/

I even saw the church from outside but honestly did not know it was Tuem Church.

For us, I guess, Tuem is more popular because of the famous tiatrist /Cantorist Francis de Tuem hailing from the village (he now stays at Mapusa, I am told)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk11/1338177628/sizes/m/

more on FDT (Francis de Tuem)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauktiatr12/6480452231/sizes/l/

FTD singing video including in the end

I was hoping to see him at least in the feast procession

Sadly, I have not spotted him there anywhere but saw his nephew Conception de Tuem making trips on his bike though.

It was 10 priests concelebrated feast mass with priests from Pernem, Kerim etc

Main celebrant was Fr. Diogo.

The Church was beautifully decorated

Sadly, there was no customary ‘Pursanv’ nor ‘Festa Muzg’ at the end of the feast mass.

However, there was a ‘Festa Tiatr’ titled ‘Pirai’ by Maxcy Pereira

Some pics below, watch video in the end

The Church

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk46/6486014933/in/photostream

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk46/6486023677/in/photostream/

St. Francis Xavier
http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk46/6486016553/in/photostream/

Main Altar
http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk46/6486017841/in/photostream/

with priests

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk46/6486019943/in/photostream/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk46/6486027087/in/photostream/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk46/6486027573/in/photostream/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk46/6486028021/in/photostream/

Fr. Diogo

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk46/6486022003/in/photostream/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk46/6486026005/in/photostream/

Feast Mass
http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk46/6486019437/in/photostream/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk46/6486021573/in/photostream/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk46/6486026351/in/photostream/

School / Boarding – Don Bosco
http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk46/6486025465/in/photostream/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk46/6486075907/in/photostream/

Pigeon

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk46/6486026677/in/photostream/

Tuem cemetery
http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk46/6486074261/in/photostream

Video 1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LZc-tafDoQY

Video 2 (Photo show)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BmHf1dsveZY

Video 3 Francis de Tuem singing

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aCsFa_iJYSY

Monday, 28 November 2011

St. Francis Xavier (Feast) Old Goa 3.12.11

Today's feast pics and video (3.12.11)

The apostolic nuncio and ambassador of the Vatican in India, archbishop Salvatore Pennachio

Archbishop of Singapore Mgr Nicholas Chia and archbishop Filipe Neri Ferrao

Archbishop emeritus Blasco Colaco, Archbishop emeritus Raul Gonsalves,

Bishop of Sindudhurg Allwyn Barretto, Fr. Jose Remedious Fernandes Vicar General of Goa, Basilica Rector etc

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk45/6445609293/sizes/l/in/photostream/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk45/6445966247/sizes/l/in/photostream/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk45/6445609293/sizes/l/in/photostream/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk45/6445958611/sizes/l/in/photostream/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk45/6445965201/sizes/l/in/photostream/

Feast mass

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk45/6445963397/sizes/l/in/photostream/

Gardens

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk45/6445970527/sizes/l/in/photostream/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk45/6445973759/sizes/l/in/photostream/

Feri crowd

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk45/6445977265/sizes/l/in/photostream/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk45/6445978949/sizes/l/in/photostream/

Video (Feast Mass etc 3.12.11)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AQdDdgUt4rc

below is dated 27the Nov. 2011

Main Altar with theme
http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk45/6411457411/sizes/l/in/photostream/

With Priests

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk45/6411454215/sizes/l/in/photostream/

Mass /Devotees

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk45/6415110353/in/photostream/

Q for the SFX veneration
http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk45/6415094969/in/photostream/

St. Francis Xavier Statue

From Bom Jesus Balilica
http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk45/6415100479/in/photostream/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk45/6415108517/in/photostream/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk45/6415105583/in/photostream/

Mass just got over

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk45/6415122623/sizes/l/in/photostream/

Twin Churches

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk45/6415119653/sizes/l/in/photostream/

Chonne

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk45/6415045659/in/photostream/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk45/6415054303/in/photostream/

Cheurisam

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk45/6415062861/in/photostream/
Reuddio
http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk45/6415068485/in/photostream/

Feast fair, giant wheel Papuji (Gandhi Circle)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk45/6415112223/in/photostream/

Colourful balls

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk45/6415113661/in/photostream/

Empty watch towers

Where is everybody?

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk45/6415076069/in/photostream/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk45/6415114901/in/photostream/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk45/6415125513/in/photostream/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk45/6415132439/in/photostream/

Old Goa Police Station

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk45/6415128581/in/photostream/

Beggars menace

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk45/6415083049/in/photostream/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk45/6415088097/in/photostream

Video 1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=on5SB0oeQtc

Vidoe 2 (Photo show)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HTGgzLAmVyo

Monday, 21 November 2011

A musical tribute to Chris Perry and Alfred Rose

A beautiful Konkani Musical show presented by A Ferns Music to pay tribute to Goa's great music legends - Chris Perry and Alfred Rose

Chris Perry and Alfred Rose – A musical Tribute

What a show it was!
A fitting tribute to Goa’s two great Music Legends -
Chris Perry and the Melody King Alfred Rose.

Thanks to A Ferns Music (Agustine Fernandes, the producer of this show).

It started with little Deeksha who sang so beautifully and with confidence the popular Rita Rose song – ‘Tin Kallzam' then again ‘Gagreachem Mana' (Rita Rose).

Then comes a Melody Princess – Nephie Rod with sweet voice. This is the first time I watched Nephie singing Live, although I heard or read about her a lot in the past. I always wanted to meet this young lady even if I had to go to Bombay to watch her singing live. (..and I even said that on Facebook) and within weeks time, there she is performing Live in Goa at Kala Academy. Her first song ‘ANKVARPONN’ (Chris Perry/Lorna) nearly 8 minutes long, sung so beautifully that it really made my day.

Other songs were ‘Sorga Rajeant’, ‘Calangute’, ‘Red Rose’, ‘Pisso’ besides, a duet with Minino Mario 'Goem Euchinam'(Alfred Rose/Rita Rose).

There comes O’Luv - Goa’s Pop Sensation.

Finally, I met this young guy at Panjim show. Heard or read a lot about him too but never seen performing live. Yes, Olavo did rock the show and I am sure he can do even lot more better than that (Rocking potentials, I mean) as he is young and energetic. He says Chris Perry was his Guru and sung mostly Chris Perry’s songs some of which we never heard before. Poilo Kiss, Amig, O Goa, Carolina (Portuguese), Rock Rock, Cucurucu etc

Then there was a young Hindu duo – Rituja and Siddesh who sung a duet of Alfred Rose/Krishna Kalle/Luiza – 'Vokol Koxi Dista Ayi (Logn Zatam)- which reminded me the time I used to spend infront of Akashwani (All India Radio, Panjim).

Elvis and his brother Francis Marcarenhas sang Alfy’s song ‘Apreciacao’ or ‘Vakanni’ the song we never heard of before. It was a lovely song.

Elvis again sung very beautifully 'Fottoun Gelem' (Alfred Rose)

A Ferns or Agustine Fernandes, the producer of the show himself sang a Alfred Rose song ‘Kochreache Dobeant’.

I must mention here that Mr. Agustine is a physically handicapped person with both his legs affected by Polio since birth. He uses his hands to walk (legs are not even touching the ground - sorry if I shouldn't have mentioned this here) something I never seen before, yet very energetic in the field of Music which, I am sure, made him to come out with this beautiful show. He has his own Music Academy where he trains others on Keyboards etc. Infact, young Caine who handled the show almost single handedly is his one of the trained students. Agustine also produced an Audio CD entitled “Baby, You’re My love” under the banner of A Ferns Music, artistes include Sudesh Bhosle, Sadhana Sargam, Olavo Rodriguez (O’luv) etc. He also sang in the album.

Other artistes who sang in the show..

Young Sharon sang ‘Kalliz Ostorechem’ (Rita Rose), Minino Mario ‘Pornem Volter' (Alfred Rose), George Gonsalves ‘Gozali’ (Alfred Rose), Bushan & Lajja ‘Zolmacho Gaun Goa’ (jivit Goenkaramchem) and ‘Fottkire Agent’ (Alfred Rose/Rita Rose), Elick ‘Sukh ailem lotton’ (Alfred Rose/Boglantt), Clarissa d/o Anthony San beautifully sang ‘Bhuerantlo Munis’ (Asha Bhosle).

Young 13 year old Caine provided music to most of the songs on his Keyboards as said, he is trained by A Ferns.

Where as for Olavo and Nephie Rod, Live Music provided by Joaquim d’Souza (Calrinet/Sax), Victor on Guitar, Mark on Bass, Sancho on Keyboards and Carlos on Drums.

In-between, there were some comedy skits provided by
Com. Ambe, Aurelio and Master Win s/o of Minino Mario

It was a memorable evening with good selection of artistes and musicians who performed to the satisfactions of all.

Sadly, I am told that the show did not get any govt support nor any politicians sponsorships.

Hats off to Mr. Agustne, the show was excellent and will be remembered in the years to come.

Those of you who missed it, pl watch the short video clippings and Pictures.

some pics

O'Luv

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauktiatr12/6298663442/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauktiatr12/6298667304/in/photostream/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauktiatr12/6298663766/in/photostream/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauktiatr12/6298663114/in/photostream/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauktiatr12/6298662746/in/photostream/

Nephie Rod

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauktiatr12/6293428836/in/photostream

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauktiatr12/6292905781/in/photostream/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauktiatr12/6293430252/in/photostream/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauktiatr12/6292994233/in/photostream/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauktiatr12/6293429142/in/photostream/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauktiatr12/6292905191/in/photostream/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauktiatr12/6292905505/in/photostream/

A Ferns (Agostine Fernandes –The producer of the show)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauktiatr12/6298660810/in/photostream/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauktiatr12/6298669764/in/photostream/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauktiatr12/6298661080/in/photostream/

Elvis Mascarenhas

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauktiatr12/6298130203/in/photostream/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauktiatr12/6298130505/in/photostream/

Young Deeksha
http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauktiatr12/6298130931/in/photostream/

another young one

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauktiatr12/6298131337/in/photostream/

Young Caine (13) on Keyboards – Trained by A ferns Music

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauktiatr12/6298664146/in/photostream/

Bushan & Lajja

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauktiatr12/6298133645/in/photostream/

Elvis and Francis (brothers)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauktiatr12/6298665022/in/photostream/

Comedy by Com Ambe, Aurelio and Mater Win
http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauktiatr12/6298665442/in/photostream/

Elick – Music writer/composer
http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauktiatr12/6298134751/in/photostream/

Rituja and Siddesh

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauktiatr12/6298135383/in/photostream/

Sharon

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauktiatr12/6298666922/in/photostream/

The artistes

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauktiatr12/6298668706/in/photostream/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauktiatr12/6298670280/in/photostream/

Video 1 - Nephie Rod

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2GBhdpkTZzU

Video 2 - O'Luv

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MOHpnmGy6Eg

Video 3 (all)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nSLFcTY2rD0

Monday, 7 November 2011

Annual Celebrations at St. George Island

St. George Island

It may also be known as Grande Island.

I always wanted to visit this place, infact 3 years ago, we, a group of 4 did go to Bogmalo Beach to hire a boat to the Island but to our bad luck we had to come home disappointed as that was not the right time to go there due to choppy waters – It was mid April.
Then I have decided to go only on the Tulsi lagan day, to be a part of the celebrations, when both Hindus and Christian Communities visit there for their annual feast.

Last year, we went to Baina beach only to find out the event took place a day before. In order not to miss this time, I had to double confirm by visiting Baina beach i.e. on the 6^th Nov.

Next day, 7th Nov., it is being Tulsi Lagan / vivah (or Vodli Diwali) which come after about a two weeks from the main Diwali ( No fixed date).

Well, we had to get up at 6 am so as to reach the Baina beach by 9.30am from where the canoe motor boats sail to the Island.

I must say here, the small canoe boats are not safe as they are meant for fishing and for up to 6-8 people but on this occasion, I have seen some boats sailing with upto 55 people including children. Ours sailed with about 20.

Tourists boats available from Bogmalo, Baina beach, Panjim etc during the season say Nov-March.

No life jackets used. It is a fisherman folk family and friends traditional festival so they take as much. It's a free ride for all.

Local authorities or politicians should arrange special boats making numerous safer trips on this day.

No pvt or tourist boats were available yet, when available, there is a charge of say Rs.750 per head to and from the Island.

We started our journey at 10.20 am and within 10 minutes we arrived at the nearest Island which can be seen from the shore – The Bat Island or Pequeino Island. Then it took about another 20 minutes to reach at the final destination i.e St. George Island or Grande Island. The distance between the Baina shore to this Island would be around 4-5 KMs (don’t know how to put it in Nautical miles). Nor I could figure out the speed of our boat, it was pretty fast though.

There were over two dozen canoe boats, some making more than one trip.

The crowd there I would put 1,500 upto 2pm. Some boats seen arriving even after 2pm. Some started leaving as early as 11am

Almost equal number of men, women and children

At the Island, there is one old broken or collapsed jetty, some part of it, people using for diving as can be seen from the videos /slides.

To the right, on the big rock, there is a Holy Cross (renovated in 1996) where people sing Ladainhas or Litany in groups. Starting from 10m till 3pm or beyond. Very next to it there is a small St. Francis Xavier statue/Shrine which must be a newest addition – See Pics/Video. After the litany, grams or chonne are distributed to all - see pic

As you go uphill, there is a Hindu Tullasi or Tulsi. People offer fruits/Coconuts and perform Poojas along with the Hindu priest (Bhatt). People also seen adding oil to the huge brass lamps stand (Ponti).

Up on the hill (need walking/ climbing about 15 minutes) there are some old abandoned or dilapidated buildings/houses (Not all are from pre-liberation period). Beautiful view of the Arabian sea and the rocky islands.

There is also a large helipad (Helicopter landing place ) pic can be seen in the slide at 7.36 and 7.58. This is on the way to the Lighthouse.
see pic here
http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk45/6352401176/sizes/l/in/photostream/

Walk or climb further (another say about 15 minutes – Not suitable for aged people or people with heart problem) you arrive at the St. George Light house. One can go up on it, there are 85 steps in a circular stairway. Up there, it is even more beautiful- like a birds eye view of the Island and the sea. I am being acrophobic, was not very confortable up there but did mange to take some pics

Now, I am also told there is a deep well near the light house, which I was not aware of and hence missed out on it. Olden days, ships used to dock there (at the island) for potable (drinking) water from this well. The well is now in abandoned state and water may not be safe.

Back at the beach..

Almost all people/groups come there with food and drinks (some with beer and whisky). No food available on the Island as no one stays or lives there at the moment, not even at the lighthouse. However, there was one launch belonging to Navy I think. see pic

This Island was recently in the news when Indian Navy put a claim before the Goa Govt. to acquire the Islands but people opposed the move.

Sailing to this Island also reminded me of Goa’s Anjediva Island off Karwar Coast. I have been there in a similar motor boat back in early 1980s, it is now handed over to Navy and access there now denied by the Navy on security grounds. Not even allowed on Feb 2, the Feast day although it was agreed in the terms and conditions of handover agreement.

George Island has a small beach, sort of safe swimming or bathing zone even for kids.

We left the Island at around 2.30 and back to Baina beach just after 3pm. On our way back, we could see some peacocks in the Bat Island, could not capture on camera as their colour was almost same as the rocks. We could see Bogmalo beach, Bimvel beach, planes taking off at Dabolim Airport etc – see pics –slide show.

I will certainly go back there again but not by canoe boat.

I took the risk... you don’t have to.

Thanks to the boat master of Sri Ruchika Amba.
I was even served food and drinks

Thanks for your time

earlier...
Celebrations at St. George Island today

Christians had their annual Ladainhas (Ladin) at the corss here, whereas, Hindus performed Puja at the Tulsi here, on St. George Island off Baina Beach.

Today 7th Nov. 2011

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk45/6322201404/in/photostream
http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk45/6322199608/in/photostream/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk45/6321676027/in/photostream/