Mangaluru: Special delicacies, a cauldron full of hot water at home, cleaning of cemeteries and special prayers in churches. This is how coastal Christians observe ‘All Souls Day’, in memory of the departed souls, every year on November 2.
All Souls Day which follows All Saints Day (November 1), is also known as Day of the Dead. Christians celebrate this day as remembrance of kin, friends and loved ones who have passed away. “It is a beautiful way of remembering those who have died,” said a priest during a sermon on Sunday, The Times of India.
Christians in the coastal belt have a unique celebration which is followed from the yesteryears and carried on from generation to generation. Winnifred D’Souza, a homemaker from Bajpe recalls how it was celebrated when her late mother-in-law was heading the family.
She said a day before the All Souls Day, the cauldron which is used to heat water for a bath is cleaned. On November 2, it is filled and heated in the early morning. “We believed that our ancestors, who are no more, would visit houses, have a bath and stay with us on that particular day,” she said adding that special prayers were held at churches as well as at home.
A day earlier, the graves in the church cemeteries are decked up, decorated with flower and blessed by priests. On November 2, family members offer prayers after a solemn tribute for departed souls. This day is considered an expression of a lifelong bond and also as a mark of gratitude to near and dear ones for giving their progeny the gift of life and a good future.
The celebration doesn’t end at the church itself and is followed by a special breakfast and lunch. Winnifred said for breakfast, dosa with sweet liquid made of coconut milk and jaggery is served to all family members. For lunch, boiled rice, special fish/meat curry, staple food of the Kodial Catholics is prepared.