Keeping with age-old traditions, after the harvest is collected, it is transported on bullock carts much as it was done in the past before the invention of motorized transport.
The procession passes along Dongri Road, passing old-style bungalows. Traditional East Indian houses feature tiled roofs, which help keep the interiors cool during hot summer months. They also have large verandas or porches that serve as spaces for socializing.
The bullocks (and horses) are specially adorned with garlands, floral tassels hanging from their necks, and peacock feathers attached to their horns. Embroidered body covers are placed on their backs.
Our Lady of Bethlehem was originally built by Franciscan missionaries in the 17th century CE and dedicated to Mother Mary. Its neo-Baroque façade is influenced by Portuguese-era Catholic churches in Goa. Over the years, the church has undergone several renovations and expansions to accommodate the growing congregation.
On this special day, East Indian women wear their traditional attire, a nine-yard sari worn in the Maharashtrian kashta style, known as the Sonkari Lugra. The Lugra is distinctive for its pink or red colour and intricate embroidery along its border.
Residents of Worli Koliwada draw rangoli on the procession route. Making rangoli is a communal activity that fosters a sense of togetherness and shared celebration among the participants.
The procession starts from the temple around five in the evening, takes a round of Worli Koliwada, and returns to the temple around three in the morning. Koli children dress up for the occasion and join the procession.
A Koli lady carrying a container of holy water moves ahead of the procession and sprinkles water on the path using a genda phool (marigold flower). This practice symbolizes the purification, sanctification, and blessing of the path to ensure the smooth and auspicious progress of the procession.