Handi Khuris at Maina Curtorim

Froyla Castanha 

FYBCOM B - C183207 

Goa is known as a spiritual place with churches, temples and other religious structures abounding the whole state. Centuries ago, a small cross was built near the Handi in Curtorim to invoke it's blessings and to ward off the evil spirit and prayers were held at the cross when the handi was banned. As years passed the cross was replaced by a literite stone which was recently replaced by a newer and bigger structure like a small chapel. 

Many people from different parts of Goa come to seek blessings of the Handi andi handi Khuris. People come to pray and have litanies at this cross by lighting candles and putting flower garlands. Many miracles take place and devotees have strong faith on the Handi Khuris. It is said and believed that whatever you ask and pray with faith you will get. Childless couples were blessed with a gift of a child through the intercession of the cross ,sick people got healed ,jobless got jobs and many were blessed .

The Handi Khuris feast is celebrated on 20th August every year. Handi Khuris means cross near the sluice gate. Devotees gather on the feast day in a large queue lining up the narrow road leading to the cross to seek blessings of the 'Handi Khuris '. The Handi Khuris feast is also associated with the harvest by the farmers and  has been celebrated for centuries in Curtorim . It is believed that the Khandi Khuris has the power to grant miracles . Therefore devotees are specifically from the 'xetkar'(farmers) community.  As a committee member of the Handi Khuris once said, "Devotees throng to venerate this miraculous 'khuris' with their deep faith and make their respective 'angvonn'(vows) seeking that they may be cured of their various ailments,  while some seek favours such as employment ,children etc. When their requests are fulfilled, the grateful beneficiaries offer free food to the thousands of other devotees who come for the feast from various parts of Goa.

I visited the Handi Khuris with my friend as we were passing that way.  When we reached there it was a calm and cool place. We entered the Kandi Khuris, prayed for some time and took the blessings of the Holy cross by kissing the statue of the cross. The Khandi Khuris looked beautiful with surrounding lake, lotus flowers in it, birds, coconut trees and paddy and rice fields. The greenery of this surrounding makes the view of the cross beautiful .We enjoyed the cool breeze and the green fields. It was a great experience going there and exploring the beauty of nature.