The Heart of Ponnjekars: 425 Years of Panjim Church | Where History, Faith and Community Meet

In English we say 'Panjimites', in Konkani we say 'Ponnjekars'. Both speak of the same people and the same shared story.

"The Heart of Ponnjekars" is a short documentary that traces the 425-year journey of the Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception — Panaji’s most loved landmark and one of Goa’s oldest living symbols of faith.

From its beginnings as a small chapel in 1541, to its elevation as a parish in 1600, to the iconic façade and stairways that define Panaji today — this church has grown alongside the city and its people.

In this film, parish priest Fr. Cipriano Da Silva and lifelong parishioners share their memories, experiences, and the deep connection Ponnjekars feel with this hilltop church. We also revisit the story of its famous bell, its role in Goa’s cultural identity, and how it became a familiar backdrop in Bollywood films — drawing visitors from across India.

More than a monument, this church is a living part of Panaji — a place where history, community, and devotion meet.

Watch the story of a church that became the heart of a city.

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