Udupi: The Head-load gift offerings or Hore Kanike from the traditionally-dressed parishioners of St Francis Xavier Church Udyavar took place to strengthen the bonding and relationship of the local community on 24 April in preparation for the opening ceremony of the new church.
People of all communities gathered together near the Jai-Hind Complex on NH 66 Udyavar. Parishioners from all the wards dressed traditionally to symbolize the original tradition of the community and gathered ward by ward with a variety of gifts.
The Hore-Kanike procession was symbolically inaugurated by Vinay Kumar Sorake district minister in-charge along with H D Mendonca SP Lokayukta Karwar, Dinakar ZP member, Rajani TP member and Riyaz Palli by releasing the balloons.
The procession passed through Jai-Hind Complex, Melpete and culminated at the Church premises. The procession was accompanied by various Chande, Music, Brass Band and various folk troupes.
The head-load gift offerings of a variety of gifts from the parishioners and from other local religious community members residing in the neighborhood were brought to the Church in a procession. Neighboring temples and parishes also joined in the Hore Kanike procession. The Occasion and the ceremony reflected and celebrated the unity amongst all the community members of Udyavar and the neighboring areas. The head-load gift offerings were ceremoniously accepted by Fr Dr Roque D’Souza parish priest of Udyavar Church.
Fr Clement Mascarenhas, Fr Romeo Lewis, Fr Steevan D’Souza, Fr Alban D’Souza, Fr Roshan, Lawrence D’Sa, Michael D’Souza and others were present.
I’m no big fan of religions. But, I have to appreciate good things when I see them. This shows how Catholic community has learned to adopt certain sanaathana traditions. The ‘hore kaanike’, the ‘chende mela’, the term ‘devaalaya’ in place of ‘church’ and men/women in traditional dress shows how there is no conflict between this group and mainstream. Nobody tries to punish these folks for these blasphemous acts!!! LOL This shows how certain religions are willing to adopt local cultures and assimilate. I know most of religious Hindus living here in US regularly celebrate Christmas!! This is why you don’t see a Hindu or Christian suicide bomber!!
Pai, when people follow certain traditions especially hindu, you call them adopted otherwise you accuse them of aping. Can you please explain this double standards.