Chaturthi in Goa is a time for reflection and renewal

Goa has always been a peace-loving State and this is visible among the people who reside here. From celebrating festivals together, helping out and running errands, it’s all a part of the Goan community living as one.

Goa’s most awaited festival is almost here. From decorating homes to helping out in making neuriyos (pastry stuffed with a filling of sweet mix) to setting up the traditional matoli (decoration above the idol of Ganesha), Ganesh Chaturthi is a festival which brings not just families from all corners of the world back to Goa but also brings friends from other communities to join in the celebrations.

HELPING HAND

Goa’s villages are a mix of Hindu and Catholic populations, so it’s common to see Catholics at a Hindu home and vice versa. This is especially evident during the festivals.

Growing up in a small village in Ponda, which is mostly Hindu dominated, a Catholic Fernandes family would be seen helping the Hindu family set up their home. The Fernandes’ daughter would help the Naik family in putting up the matoli, so much so that even the sons would accompany the family during aarti and bhajans.

FOOD BRINGS PEOPLE TOGETHER

Ganesha in Goa is a time to deepen the neighbourly and friendship bonds, and it is a moment when people irrespective of their religious affiliations visit their Hindu brethren to see the beautifully decorated idols.

Chaturthi is also a time when the kitchens go on an overdrive churning out some of the finest vegetarian dishes in Hindu households. The mugachi ghati (dish made of lentil) and chanyacho ross (coconut-based curry) with some piping hot piping puris go down real fast.

Visiting homes on Ganesh Chaturthi is about warmth and hospitality. At the end of the visit, everyone goes home content filled to the brim with the food offered in the homes of their Hindu friends.

This is the same when it comes to celebrating Catholic or Muslim festivals. Amger Chonneacho Ross kela, Eid-ak maka biryani dovor and Christmas-ak maka Bebinca dor, (We have made gram gravy, save some Eid biryani for me, save me a slice of bebinca at Christmas) are statements which are heard at every festival.

TRAVEL ACROSS TO BE WITH EACH OTHER

I believe friendships transcend religion and that Ganesh Chaturthi was and is a time when this is evident. It is the time when families and friends travel to be with each other irrespective of the distance, and this is what adds meaning to the celebration.

Despite all the hate in the world, it is festivals like these that keep bonds of friendship and peace intact. Here is wishing everyone a happy Ganesh Chaturthi!