Three kings feast celebrated in Goa

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Keshav Naik

08 January, 2011

According to biblical accounts, the kings were informed of the birth of the Messiah through dreams. They were guided to the stable where Jesus was born by a star, which appeared in the east.

THE TRADITIONAL feast of Epiphany popularly known as Three Kings or Magi feast was celebrated on Wednesday at Cansaulim, Chandor in south Goa and Reis Magos in north Goa. The feast of the three kings commemorates a journey undertaken by three wise men nearly 2000 years ago to the town of Bethlehem to pay homage to infant Jesus.

According to biblical accounts, the kings were informed of the birth of the Messiah through dreams. They were guided to the stable where Jesus was born by a star, which appeared in the east. The Magi feast is celebrated on the 6th of January, in the north and south Goa. Three boys re-enact the three kings coming to see Jesus, each bearing a gift. Each king is especially chosen from Quelim, Cansaulim and Arrosim villages.

These boys are given the honour for the day and their reign continues until the following year. The kings are led by shepherds boy beating a kettle drum and a band marching. Each king takes an individual path and climbs up the Remedios hill on horseback and meet for the high mass. The boys are dressed in elaborate clothing, from decorative crowns and gowns fit for royalty. It is one of the most spectacular sights. After the rituals, an extensive fair springs up covering the entire hilltop.

As the members of the Christian community have been celebrating this feast every year, devotees from all over the state relive this journey and attend the feast at the three places in Goa.

After the mass, the three kings leave the chapel by a different route. Biblical accounts have it that the kings were told by an angel to take a different route to their homelands and avoid meeting King Herod who wanted to kill young Jesus. The feast of three kings marks the end of the Christmas season.