The feast of São João is a celebration of the birthday of St. John the Baptist. He was the son of St. Elizabeth, a relative of Mary, the mother of Jesus. The Sao Joao Festival is most pompously celebrated in Goa amongst the Catholic community, on 24th June every year.
Keeping this in mind the feast of Saint John the Baptist was celebrated with great joy on 25th June in SJVIE- various competitions were organized on this day, namely Fruit Basket display, Kopel making and presentation of Best Costume as per theme. Several games were also conducted.
The program started with a short prayer service (Lk 1:5-17). After the prayer service a short quiz for students and staff of D.El.Ed. was conducted on the life of Saint John the Baptist and various traditions and customs of Sao Joao. At the same time brief information about same was read.
A total of 10 groups participated in the competitions. All eco friendly material was to be used, also including a maximum variety of local fruits and flowers. All the students were at their creative best. Three prizes were awarded for each competition.
The program concluded with the distribution of local sweets like patolios prepared by the students. The program ended on a happy note with the message of humility and the true meaning of the São João festival.