'Ladainha', a thanksgiving tradition in which litanies are sung before village crosses, is mainly celebrated in:

Ladainha is a Catholic thanksgiving tradition of Goa, in which communities gather to sing litanies (prayers of praise and petition) in front of the crosses and small chapels found in villages and neighbourhoods across the state. The word "ladainha" means "litany" in Portuguese.

Ladainhas are held mainly in the month of May, which is dedicated to the Virgin Mary in Catholic tradition, although they are also held at other times of the year, such as on the feast day of a local saint or to give thanks for a special blessing. The prayers are traditionally sung in Latin, Konkani and Portuguese, usually led by a lead singer, with the community responding. They are accompanied by musical instruments such as the violin. After the prayers, the families who organise the ladainha distribute sweets, snacks or a meal to all those who attend, as a sign of thanksgiving and sharing. The ladainhas bring neighbours together and strengthen the bonds of the community.

Goa has hundreds of wayside crosses (cruz), many of them beautifully decorated and painted, which are cared for by local families or communities. The ladainha tradition has been passed down for generations since the Portuguese period, and it is regarded as an important part of Goa's cultural heritage.

Goa was ruled by the Portuguese for about 450 years (1510-1961), and many of its Catholic traditions have Portuguese roots. Other Catholic festivals of Goa include the Feast of St. Francis Xavier, held on 3 December at the Basilica of Bom Jesus in Old Goa, Sao Joao, Sangodd, the Goa Carnival and the Konsachem Fest.

Why not the other options?

• ✗Kerala has ancient Christian communities, with festivals such as the Arthunkal feast.
• ✗Puducherry was a French colony.
• ✗Mizoram is a largely Christian state, but the ladainha is a Goan tradition.