Established in 1575 on the shores of Erangal, Malad, the sea-facing St Bonaventure Church has stood steadfast against the tides of time. Built by Fransiscan priests during the Portuguese reign in Bombay, this church has seen the arrival of the British, the handover of Bombay’s reins from Portuguese hands to the British and the eventual exit of both colonisers, as well as the emergence of independent India. This year, this historical church marks 450 years of existence, a major milestone that devotees will celebrate at the annual Erangal Feast next Sunday, on January 12.

The feast, also known as Baravi Cha Sann (Festival of the 12th day, which celebrates the baptism of Baby Jesus) is famously hosted there on the second Sunday of January every year, when the small parish comprising the nearby Erangal and Bhati villages is abuzz with devotees visiting from the farthest corners of the city and beyond. “Visitors come from as far as Dombivli, Kalyan, Uran, Virar and Colaba to celebrate Mass and enjoy the daylong fete or mela set up by the sea. Last year, more than 1.5 lakh devotees came to celebrate,” says Fr Sandeep Borges, the parish priest.