Raia reserves the distinction to be the first village to witness mass conversions in Salcete. This village, that once encompassed the Rachol Fort and the Rachol Seminary area, also witnessed the first chapel in Goa built by Dominicans Frairs, who accompanied the Portuguese. The Church of Our Lady of Snow is one of the oldest and like many others in Goa was built upon the site of an erstwhile Hindu temple of Kamakshi , that is now moved to Shiroda in the neighboring taluka of Ponda.
Mary, the mother of Jesus, is known by many titles. In one of the oldest Marian apparitions, a couple in Italy dreamt of a church built on a hill covered with snow. Miraculously, Rome witnessed a snowfall in summers, covering a nearby hilltop. Subsequently, a church was constructed on the site in Mary's honor. This remains one of the most popular titles of Virgin Mary. Our Lady of Snow Church in Raia celebrates the incredibly popular annual harvest festival on 5th August every year. Known locally as 'Konsache Fest', it is marked by the ceremonious cutting of the first sheaves of paddy harvest using a special sickle kept in church. Situated on the highway out (north) from Margao, this church forms a landmark; while seeking directions, simply ask for Raia Church.
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