The 18 th Exposition of the Sacred Relics of St Francis Xavier, popularly known as Gõycho Saib is being held from November 21, 2024 to January 5, 2025. This important religious event of Goa is taking place at Se Cathedral, in Old Goa, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The 17 th century cathedral is famous for many reasons — mainly its history, architecture, and overall grandeur.
However, there's another aspect that easily captures the attention of plant enthusiasts, and that’s the beautiful Pink Trumpet Tree (Tabebuia rosea) in the vicinity . Pink Trumpet Trees can be seen just outside the cathedral and the Basilica of Bom Jesus. And, if you happen to be there in the months of December and January, you will be greeted by this stunning flowering tree in bloom.
These trees will be filled with pretty light pink flowers, making you feel like you are in some kind of dreamland. Horticulturist and tree expert, Miguel Braganza, mentions that these trees were probably planted by the ASI (Archaeological Survey of India) before the 1974 exposition. “They were most probably planted by N Rama Rao, the botany graduate who was in charge of landscaping for the Directorate of Archaeology & Museums, Goa, before the 1974 exposition.
” This means that these flowering trees, in Old Goa , are at least 50-years-old. This tree is not very common in urban spaces of Goa, unlike the rain tree or copper pod tree. It blooms for only a few months each year, and for the rest of the time,.
