Experience the vibrant Touxeachem Fest, also known as the Cucumber Feast, celebrated with deep religious fervor and ancient customs at St. Anne's or Santana Church in Telaulim. This picturesque village in Tiswadi has been a magnet for thousands of devotees from all corners of Goa for countless generations. The festivities commence with nine days of novenas leading up to the grand celebration of St. Anne and Joaquim on July 26th, coinciding with Grandparent's Day (St. Anne is Jesus’ grand mother).
Head to Goa for Touxeachem Fest or Cucumber Feast
At the heart of this grand feast lies a fascinating tradition where devotees present cucumbers as offerings to St. Anne in exchange for her benevolence. This unique practice stems from the abundance of cucumbers during the season, making it a fitting symbol of gratitude. Cucumbers is the first harvest of the season as well in Goa. According to the priests, individuals bring two cucumbers, placing one at the feet of Our Lady while touching the other to the sacred statue. The cucumbers offered during the celebration are then distributed among the local community, visiting priests, and neighboring villages. Some choose to enjoy the cucumbers fresh, while others incorporate them into refreshing salads.
During the feast day, in addition to the many devoted followers, you will notice numerous recently married couples visiting the church. These couples come to seek the blessings of St. Anne, who herself was blessed with a child, Mother Mary, after forty years of being unable to conceive. As per an age-old tradition, couples without children offer cucumbers and say a prayer, "Lady, take this cucumber and give us a child." Unmarried individuals looking for a spouse offer spoons, while single women seeking a husband offer lentils such as urad dal. Many newlywed brides offer their bangles, called "chuddo," as a symbol of devotion to St. Anne.
This touching display of faith and tradition can be witnessed during the special Touxeachem Fest celebration. Interestingly, this ritual is followed by all the religions in Goa and lot of Goans across the state witness this unique feast.
Besides the many people who come with offerings, there are also many who come to express their gratitude and thanksgiving prayers. Many people admit how they have been blessed with children through the devotion of St Anne.
Legend behind the Touxeachem Feast in Goa
The legend behind this fest goes back to the Grandparents of Jesus Christ – St. Anne and St. Joachim. It is said that they were childless for almost 20 years. Despite being well-off and happily married, they had to face the ridicule of their town as they could not conceive a child. It reached a point where the priest of their temple refused to accept St.Joachim’s offerings – calling his childless state as a sign of “divine displeasure”. After many prayers, St.Joachim got a dream that he would be blessed with a child who would be in service of God. True enough, at the age of 40, St.Anne gave birth to Mary – a child who she left later in the temple, to serve God.
Over years, St. Anne’s is regarded as a patroness for childless couples, expecting mothers, grandchildren and grandparents. It is to her, that the Touxeachem feast is dedicated. Interestingly, the day on which it is celebrated – 31st July, is also, celebrated as the Grandparents day.
While traditionally observed on the last Sunday of July, this year it is on 30th of July 2023. Immerse yourself in the spiritual aura of this sacred event and embrace the cultural heritage of Talaulim village during the joyous Touxeachem Fest.
Where is cucumber feast celebrated in Goa?
Every year, the enchanting town of Talaulim hosts a unique annual celebration at the Santana Church. Couples longing for a child gather at this sacred site to seek the blessings of St. Anne. As part of this heartfelt tradition, they offer a humble cucumber as a symbolic gesture, fervently hoping for the gift of parenthood. Join in this deeply spiritual event and witness the powerful faith and devotion of these couples as they embrace the profound significance of this age-old ritual.
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