Behind Aldona’s centuries-old ‘Chorachem Fest’

The historic St Thomas Church (also known as St Thomas the Apostle Church or Sao Tome Igreja), in Aldona, Goa, is over 400-years-old. While the feast of St Thomas is its most prominent celebration, the parish also observes Chorachem Fest on October 29, commemorating a dramatic event that took place ages ago.

ORIGINS OF THE FEAST

The origins of the feast are linked to the Dada Rane revolt against Portuguese colonial rule in Goa in 1895. On the night of October 29, a group of around 35 dacoits from the Sanquelim-Bicholim region set out to loot the Aldona Church. Though the Ranes were known for not harming innocent people, these men, operating in the name of the Ranes, terrorised the local population.

The group crossed the Xinquerim River in canoes and entered Corjuem in Aldone, making loud noise with horns and crackers as they travelled. They threatened two fishermen, who were sleeping near the church, and forced them to help cross the river towards the church.

At the time, the parish priest, Fr Jose dos Reis, was ill. His assistant, Fr Jose Bras da Gama, frightened by the approaching attackers, rushed into the church, prayed before the main altar and hid behind it.

Santan, who worked in the church, also took refuge behind the statue of Sao Tome.

The dacoits broke into the church and attempted to open a safe with axes, but failed. When they approached the Blessed Sacrament, local oral tradition recounts that they saw a radiant angel holding a sword, guarding the tabernacle and preventing them from advancing further.

Local accounts recount that, while crossing the river near Sinquerim, the dacoits also came across a child who cautioned them against going any further, warning that their journey would end in disaster. Unfazed by the warning, they laughed at the child and pressed on towards the church.

Meanwhile, the ringing of church bells and chapel bells alerted the villagers. Hearing this, local men, women and children rushed to the church, armed with guns, axes and sticks. Hearing the noise outside the church, the attackers panicked and fled towards the river. In the ensuing confrontation, several dacoits were killed, while others drowned while attempting to escape. Four were reportedly captured for public shaming.

The Portuguese government subsequently praised the bravery of the Aldoncars in its official Boletim. The parishioners believe that their patron, Sao Tome, protected the church and its people that fateful day, and instituted an annual thanksgiving celebration on October 29.

Thus, Chorachem Fest became an annual tradition, preserving the memory of Aldona's deliverance and the community's enduring faith in its patron saint.