MAJORDA, Sept. 8 -- A unique and colourful tradition came alive in Majorda on Monday evening, September 7, as beautifully decorated traditional boats were brought to the Mother of God Church, Majorda, ahead of Tuesday's feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

While the religious celebrations of the feast, observed annually on September 8, are similar to those held in churches across Goa, Majorda has preserved a distinctive local tradition involving boats decorated with palm leaves and filled with flowers as an offering to Mother Mary.

The tradition, locally associated with the earlier 'Monte Saibinnchem Fest', has been passed down through generations. According to local accounts, it is linked to an old vow made by seafarers fr...