Pilgrim Village at Old Goa gets final touches, PWD completes 10 cottages

Panaji: The first 10 cottages at Old Goa’s Pilgrim Village are ready. Construction of some more is under way to accommodate pilgrims for the Exposition of the relics of St Francis Xavier that begins on Nov 21.

The temporary cottages, built through the state public works department, can comfortably accommodate 10-12 people each and are equipped with lights, fans, and charging points.

The frames of the cottages have been neatly covered with bamboo and coconut palms, giving them an eco-friendly look. Common toilet blocks have also been built outside the cottages for devotees who will stay there.

“This is a very simple accommodation for pilgrims who come without any prior bookings,” said convenor of the Exposition committee, Fr Henry Falcao.

The cottages are a 10-minute walk from the Bom Jesus Basilica. A pathway is being created for easy access to them. The plan is to have around 17 cottages to accommodate 200-plus devotees on a daily basis. The Church expects a larger crowd during the novena and feast of St Francis Xavier, as well as on weekends and holidays.

In the past, govt had set up accommodation facilities for pilgrims in private properties. This time, however, it was decided to decongest the area around Se Cathedral — where the relics will be placed for veneration — and the Bom Jesus Basilica. The Church accordingly decided to accommodate the pilgrims at a special Pilgrim Village set up on its own property

Special barracks for police and fire services personnel have also been set up near the panchayat in the vicinity of the basilica.

The 18th Exposition of the relics of St Francis Xavier will continue until Jan 5. Pilgrims, including walking pilgrims, are expected from neighbouring states. The state and Church are gearing up to receive lakhs of pilgrims for the decennial Exposition.


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