Goa, Nov. 11 -- Thousands of devotees gathered in the early hours of Monday to take part in the traditional lantern procession of Our Lady of Rosary at Navelim, marking the beginning of the annual novenas ahead of the feast.

The solemn procession began at Mount Carmel Chapel, Telaulim, and wound its way through the village before culminating at the Rosary Ground in Navelim just before dawn. The event marks the start of the 10-day novenas leading up to the Feast of Our Lady of Rosary Church, Navelim, celebrated every year on the third Wednesday of November.

The twin villages of Telaulim and Navelim came alive with a festive atmosphere, as the three-kilometre route was beautifully decorated with illuminated arcs and lights, adding a spiri...