On the auspicious occasion of the feast of St John the Baptist, the villagers of Pedda Benaulim got together to pay homage to their patron saint. This occasion was graced by the presence of the parish priest, Fr Andrew Pereira, Asst parish priest Fr Pedro D’costa, versatile tiatrist, John D’silva and Dr Hubert Gomes.

The compere for the day was Mr Paixao Mascarenhas.

The programme included many activities such as distribution of neem plants and eco-friendly carry bags so as to spread awareness amongst the villagers to reduce the use of plastic and to maintain a clean and green environment. The various fun filled activities included, competitions for best outfit and best ‘kopel’, spot prizes. The whole atmosphere was filled with music as the villagers got together and played various musical instruments.

The people enjoyed eating variety of fruits and Goan delicacies such as the‘sannas’. The villagers wore clothes that had environment related messages printed on them. Some of the messages included -‘say no to plastic’, ‘keep Goa green and clean’, etc. The event was organised under the guidance of Roque Fernandes and John Fernandes. The aim of the event was to make a difference at a small level which could than in turn influence a positive change in the community.

For all sport lovers the 30thSao Joao football tournament held in the evening was one of fun. In this way the Sao Joao festival was celebrated with great pomp and gaiety and concluded with people singing the famous Sao Joao chorus:

“Gumta mure vatt amkam disona,

aicho dis urbecho kon konnak hasona,

chol re piere, tum ilo ghe re,

falleam kaim mevona,

oslim festa vorsak kiteak don pavtti ienam”.