Visitors to the Mount Mary Church during the Bandra fair believe that prayers, accompanied with an ‘appropriate’ candle, do not go unanswered.
People believe that the candles offered will help cure illnesses, and any other wish to come true
Visitors to the Mount Mary Church during the Bandra fair believe that prayers, accompanied with an ‘appropriate’ candle, do not go unanswered. Arthritis? Offer a leg-shaped candle. Want a child? Offer a wax doll. Wish for a safe journey? Offer a plane made of wax.
These are only a few examples of exotic candles that faithfuls offer, along with prayers, at the Mount Mary shrine. People believe that the candles offered not only help cure illnesses, but also help any wish to come true.
The stalls just outside the church sport candles of all shapes, each having special significance. One can choose candles shaped like eyes, ears, nose, legs, houses, dolls, aeroplanes or even a currency notes.
However, most stall owners concede that no matter how many new shapes they come up with, the straight traditional candle remains the most popular. Says Anthony Kini, a stall owner, “People prefer simple candles as offerings to Mother Mary.”
Next in line come the house and doll candles. Many young couples who want to have children choose doll-shaped candles. Housing remains a major cause of concern for the people of Mumbai. People buy house-shaped candles to pray for a better house. Those intending to move to a new place also opt for these candles.
Then follows the other major concern -- health. Among the body parts, the heart, legs, eyes and ears seem to be the most popular. “Increasing incidence of heart ailments in the society accounts for the higher sale of heart-shaped candles,” says Mangal Koli, another stall owner. Also popular are the eye and ear-shaped candles.
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