Venita Gomes
Huge crowds of devotees visit Mapusa's Bodgeshwar Temple to attend the famous Bodgeshwar jatra which takes place annually at this time of the year.
Devotees make various offerings such as beedis (local cigarettes), fruits and flowers to Kanakeshwar Baba or Lord Bodgeshwar, locally known as Bongini.
Lord Bodgeshwar is also considered the rakhno (caretaker) of the lost.
The festival begins with a pooja in the afternoon, followed by maha prasad.
The temple is beautifully decorated with flowers, lamps and lights during the jatra days.
A large fair is held around the temple premises and attracts a lot of people throughout the jatra days.
It is quiet interesting to see people from all walks of life, including students, businessmen and farmers, visit the temple to seek the blessings of the deity.
This jatra is one of the most awaited jatras for the people of Mapusa and the neighbouring areas.