Novidade is a unique ceremony celebrated all over
Goa. It is usually held on the 24th August. The highlight is
Bhandap, a dance form performed by Goa's earliest tribal settlers.
According to the local tradition, the farmers give their first offering to the church before harvesting their rice crop. These offerings take place at the time of Novidade, in which the parish priest himself harvests a sheaf of rice and returns with it to the church. The community members accompany him with music and fire-works.
