The highly anticipated weekend finally arrived. After months of planning and rehearsals, locals revelled on the streets as Bonderam magic took centre stage on Divar Island.
The Malar Bonderam was truly a celebration of culture and camaraderie with deeply rooted traditions, festive cheers and performances that got even the audiences grooving. Organised by the St Mathias Sports Club on August 17, 2024, the festivities commenced at 11.30 am.
The celebrations unfolded with the Patoienchem Fest that focused on making patoleos through an informative session and practical demonstration. Simultaneously, workshops on mollam and rotecao showcased ancestral wisdom and transported those present to the olden days.
Speaking at the occasion, vice-president Remy Almeida, informed the press about the change brought to this year’s festival to ensure it was holistic, educational and musical. “We have introduced GED Talks, which is all about making Goa sustainable,” he said.
At its debut season, Rajendra Kerkar and Ross Picardo were guest speakers at the GED Talks (Green Education Talks). Kerkar illuminated the listeners on a greener tomorrow and sowed the seeds of love for nature in them and Picardo deliverd a talk on bamboo 'fotash'.
As ‘Malarchi Motiem,’ a village band, entertained the gathering, the Bonderachem Jevonn was served comprising some time-honoured Goan delicacies. After a meal that energised all, they headed for the annual Bonderamchi Pasoi, with the flag bearers leading the way.
As the pasoi culminated near the St Mathias Sports Club, Akaisha D’Silva who had participated in the event, looked a bit tired, but continued to capture memories on her phone. “I’m a third-year student at Carmel College,” she smiled, adding, “Around 60 students from my college are here.”
Sharing her experience Akaisha revealed, “It’s been fun, and something really new, but I’ll be honest, it was quite tiring,” she said complaining about the unbearable humidity in the morning. “But the people here are kind and I love the place,” she added as she joined her fellow classmates who were heading back to South Goa.
But as the evening progressed, the clouds turned grey, it felt as though the thunder had timed its arrival perfectly with a gentle drizzle providing much-needed relief. Goan Singer Seby sang his famed ‘Mira Mira’ prompting many to lip-sync along to its lyrics.
The traditional coconut-breaking competition, Katodio was held which was followed by the fancy dress competition. “Mhaka Xetkar zavpak zai. A country without farmers, is a tree without fruit,” the young participant dressed as a farmer, gave a thought provoking message to all.
Offering a glimpse into Goa’s local culture, the floats presented by the four wards of Malar— Church Ward, Goddar, Amboi, and Belsur— showcased traditional themes. Ashbel De Souza, representing the Amboi Ward, was visibly excited.
“Our ward has presented ‘Goenchi Girestkai,’ depicting historical Goa. Featuring temples, mosques and churches, we’ve highlighted the unity between Hindus, Muslims, and Christians,” he shared with his mind on the winner's trophy.
And the night was still young and so was the energy of the crowd as they grooved to the tunes of the band Lynx and the electrifying beats of DJ Macattack.
As revellers immersed themselves in the spirited festivities, it became clear that this year's festival had been memorable. With Bonderam fever still high, anticipation is already building up for next Saturday's extravaganza.