Rohan Fernandes
The Potekar festival is celebrated for three days in Divar, alongside carnival and before Ash Wednesday.
Potekar means shabby in Konkani. Men wearing masks go around the village and scare children in the village.
Most of the masked men do not reveal their identities till the end.
During the three days before Lent, one can see Potekars in any corner of the island.
The jingling sound of the small metallic bells tied around the waist are enough to warn children that the Potekars are near.
The festival has its origin in the pre-Portuguese era.
Halloween and Potekar have some similarities, but the latter is a local festival.
This festival is unique to the island of Divar.
The origin of Potekars has many hidden tales ranging from village beliefs to traditions.