Siparia's La Divina Pastora at the start of the street procession in Siparia 15 May 2011. | Photograph courtesy Jason Nicholas S.
The feast day of the patroness of Siparia will be held next Sunday (May 15). This is the day when mainly Catholics attend, with a sprinkling of people from other faiths. There will be Mass at 10 am followed by the usual procession through the streets of Siparia. Archbishop Gilbert will preside.
Siparia was originally the site of a Spanish Mission and a Capuchin pilgrimage church which houses La Divina Pastora, a statue of the Virgin Mary. The statue is venerated by the Roman Catholics as well as Hindus who see her as Mother Lakshmi or the Goddess Kali.