‘Devache Mae’ Preserves Mother Mary Nativity Tradition in Goa’s Upper Ghats

A local cultural collective known as ‘Devache Mae’ has been staging the traditional Mother Mary nativity scene each year in the Upper Ghats area of Goa. The event, rooted in the region’s Catholic heritage, recreates the birth of the Virgin Mary with figurines, candles and devotional music.

Organisers of ‘Devache Mae’ say the ritual serves both religious and social purposes, drawing families from nearby villages to participate in prayers and communal meals. By maintaining the original format of the nativity, the group aims to preserve a practice that has been handed down through generations.

The celebration has become a focal point for the community, reinforcing cultural identity while attracting occasional visitors interested in Goa’s lesser‑known religious customs. Local authorities have expressed support, noting the event’s role in sustaining the cultural fabric of the Upper Ghats region.