Feast of St Francis Xavier: Schedule, Timings, and Visitor Guide.

Novena and Feast Day Schedule

The feast is preceded by the traditional flag-raising ritual known as the Maddi, held on November 23 or 24. A nine-day Novena begins immediately on November 24 and runs daily through December 2. On each novena day, consecutive services run throughout the morning and afternoon.

On the December 3 Feast Day, Masses commence before dawn at 3:45 AM. The main liturgical service of the day is the Solemn Pontifical High Mass celebrated at 10:30 AM. Due to the high volume of devotees, services are hosted outdoors under a large canopy (pendal) in the grounds separating the Basilica of Bom Jesus and Sé Cathedral. The Archdiocese of Goa and Daman schedules services in Konkani, English, Hindi, Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada, and Portuguese.

• Maddi (flag-raising): November 23 or 24
• Novena period: November 24 to December 2 (daily Masses from 6:00 AM to 6:15 PM)
• Feast Day: December 3 (early Masses begin at 3:45 AM)
• Solemn Pontifical High Mass: December 3 at 10:30 AM

Mass Timings and Languages

Daily liturgical services follow a fixed schedule during the festival period. While early morning Novena services are held predominantly in Konkani, an English Mass takes place every evening.

How to Reach Old Goa and Transport Logistics

Old Goa is situated 10 kilometres east of Panaji. Driving via the Ribandar bypass or along the Mandovi River causeway takes roughly 20 to 30 minutes under standard traffic conditions. Karmali Railway Station is the nearest railhead, located 3.5 kilometres east of the Basilica (a 7 to 10-minute drive). Goa International Airport at Dabolim (GOI) lies 25 kilometres south via NH 566 and NH 66, taking around 40 to 50 minutes by road.

To handle festival crowds, the Kadamba Transport Corporation (KTC) runs direct shuttle buses connecting Old Goa with major regional bus stands in Panaji, Margao, Mapusa, and Vasco da Gama. One-way shuttle fares recorded in 2024 were ₹20 from Panaji, ₹30 from Mapusa, and ₹50 from Margao. Taking the shuttle from Panaji helps travelers avoid vehicle congestion on the Ribandar route.

Traffic Diversions and Parking Guidelines

The North Goa District Magistrate and Goa Police enforce temporary traffic restrictions in Old Goa throughout the Novena and Feast days. Heritage roads through the central church complex are shut to non-essential private vehicles. Medium and heavy goods vehicles not serving local destinations are diverted away via the National Highway 748 (Kadamba Bypass).

Private four-wheelers and two-wheelers must park at designated perimeter parking fields. Panaji-bound traffic is routed to the Bhakia property off the Ribandar road or parking fields near the Kadamba bus terminus and Gandhi Circle. Vehicles entering from the east are directed to open parking grounds near Gaundalim. A reserved parking space and drop-off area for senior citizens and persons with disabilities is maintained at the Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) lot near the Old Goa Church junction. Arriving before 7:00 AM minimizes delays.

Dress Code, Security, and Sacred Relic Guidelines

The Archdiocese and church authorities strictly enforce a dress code at all entrance gates to the Basilica of Bom Jesus. Visitors must wear attire covering both shoulders and knees. Shorts, sleeveless shirts, low-cut tops, and beachwear are not permitted.

Pedestrian security checkpoints staffed by Goa Police operate door-frame metal detectors and baggage X-ray scanners. Large luggage should be left at your accommodation to speed up access through the gates.

Photography and video recording are prohibited during active Holy Mass services inside the church and at the outdoor altar. Flash photography is banned inside the Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament and the transept where the sacred silver casket rests. Video recording and photography of the saint's relics are strictly prohibited.

The mortal remains of St Francis Xavier rest atop a Florentine marble mausoleum completed in 1698 by Giovanni Battista Foggini, inside a 32-lidded silver casket built by Goan silversmiths between 1636 and 1637. Every ten years, the silver casket is brought down and moved to Sé Cathedral for public veneration during the decennial exposition, with the 18th Exposition scheduled from November 21, 2024, to January 5, 2025.

The Street Fair and Nearby Heritage Sites

The Feast is accompanied by a large traditional open-air fair (feria) that lines the streets of Old Goa. Hundreds of vendor stalls sell religious articles, household goods, clothing, roasted grams (chana), and traditional Goan sweets such as khaje (fried gram-flour batons coated in ginger and jaggery).

Visitors attending the feast can also tour adjacent historical monuments within the Old Goa complex:

Sé Cathedral sits directly across the square, 150 metres north of the Basilica. Open daily from 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM with free entry, it serves as an overflow venue for festival services.

The Archaeological Museum of Goa, maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) in the convent behind the Church of St Francis of Assisi, is open Saturday through Thursday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (closed Fridays). Entry is ₹5 to ₹10 for adults and free for children up to 15 years.

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Frequently asked questions

When is the Feast of St Francis Xavier celebrated?

The annual feast day takes place on December 3, marking the anniversary of St Francis Xavier's death in 1552. It is preceded by a nine-day Novena running from November 24 to December 2.

Is there an entry fee to attend the feast or Masses?

No. Admission to the Basilica of Bom Jesus, Sé Cathedral, and all Novena and Feast Day Masses is completely free of charge.

What is the dress code for the Basilica during the feast?

Visitors must wear clothing that covers both the shoulders and knees. Shorts, sleeveless tops, low-cut shirts, and beachwear are prohibited at the security gates.

How do I reach the feast from Panaji without facing traffic jams?

Board the direct Kadamba Transport Corporation (KTC) shuttle bus from the Panaji bus terminal (fare ₹20 at last report, 2024). Arriving before 7:00 AM avoids road bottlenecks along the Ribandar causeway.

Can I take photos inside the Basilica of Bom Jesus?

No photography or video recording is permitted during Holy Mass. Flash photography is banned in the Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament and transept, and recording the sacred relics is strictly prohibited.

What is the weather like during the festival?

The feast falls in Goa's post-monsoon dry winter period across late November and early December, with daily temperatures typically ranging between 20°C and 33°C.

Sources

• utsav.gov.in
• goa-tourism.org.in
• clubmahindra.com
• goa-tourism.org.in
• indiago.app
• archgoadaman.com
• indiago.app
• stfrancisxavierofficial.com
• novenaprayer.in
• indiancatholicmatters.org
• miroshotels.com
• thehindu.com
• resortrio.com
• ucanews.com
• goa.gov.in
• mygoa365.com
• explorebees.com
• stfrancisxavierofficial.com
• archgoadaman.com
• gomantaktimes.com

Last checked 21 October 2026

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