Raia

Igorchem bandh

Raia is a quiet and picturesque village located in the Curtorim constituency. It has the distinction of being the first village in Salcette to have been Christianised, when its inhabitants were converted as a group to Christianity in 1560.

Darkness is considered a synonym of negativity. People fear at night due to darkness. Well, the real things start here. What if I say ghosts roam and attack in daylight as well? Do not believe me? Read on!!

Igorchem bandh, situated in Raia behind the Church of Our Lady of Snows is considered as one of the most haunted places in Goa. It is said that possession of many people takes place here.

The haunted place has endless spirits residing within. From believed local tales, one who crosses this bandh between 2pm - 3pm in the afternoon is taken possession by dark evil spirits.

According to local folklore, evil spirits always look for a man with low self-control. They can target to possess them. Their eyes become red and the colour of the body turns into pale. Evil sucks blood from their bodies.

 The only way to free yourself from being possessed by evil is to build up a strong relationship with God. 

Seminary arch

Rachol, also known as Raiturais, is a village on the banks of Zuari River and home to another tale of supernatural haunting in Goa. The arch leading to the seminary of Rachol in the village is said to be haunted by the spirit of a sentinel,i.e, a soldier or guard used to keep watch, dated back to the Portuguese era. 

The locals have eventually weaved a gripping rich tale about a dead soldier, who is still not ready to leave his post! They believe that on special days, the spirit of the sentinel is seen in his full uniform walking to and fro under the arch. He even denies entry to anyone, whom he deems unworthy of a pass.

These sightings have added seminary arch under the scanner of top haunted places in the state of Goa. 

Reyhan Mesquita