Our Lady of Immaculate Conception Church

 Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church 

The Panjim Church or the Church of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception is located in the heart of Panaji City near the Municipal Garden. As history goes, the church was first built as a chapel in 1541 to serve the religious needs of Portuguese sailors at their first port of call as they disembarked before proceeding further. The Chapel was replaced by a bigger church in 1609 to minister to the sailors and the residents too.The distinctive feature of the Panaji church are the zigzag symmetrical stairs which were later added around the 18th century.The church also houses the second largest bell in Goa. The exterior of the church proudly displays architectural elements of the baroque style.The interior of the church sees the main altar dedicated to Mother Mary. The church also conducts mass everyday in English,Konkani, and Portuguese. 

About the feast

On the 8th of December the feast of the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary is celebrated with great solemnity in Panjim.The church during this time is colurfully illuminated.During these three days, there is a fair held in vicinity of the church that provides a lot of shopping options for tourists. 
The fairs run for several days before and after the feast, displaying all sorts of articles ranging from furniture to condiments, utensils,toys,clothes etc.
There is a firework display carried out every night during the feast days.