GOAN FEASTS

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DUSSEHRA

The Goan festivals this month were quite visual as far as their intrinsic aspect was concerned. Except for the Navratra celebrations, the festivals were not of the physical type like those we had witnessed during the previous month. And even Navratra with its dandiya ras, which is gaining popularity in Goa now, was more of the Gujrati origin.

Of course, there were several zatras, which were related to the Dussehra, which was celebrated with much gusto here. Dussehra is generally considered as the triumph of good over evil. It is celebrated with a lot of colour, particularly with garlands of marigold flowers. Virtually, everything from the vehicle, house to the cow is garlanded with marigolds on the auspicious occasion. It was also an occasion for the Hindu community to buy new things, particularly vehicles, besides house warming ceremonies.

Also on the occasion, the famed Pernem Dassra was celebrated with 9 days of festivity, ending in the palki and sone luttop (stealing the gold) Some persons climb on a three, which has roundish small leaves. In a quaint custom, they shake the tree and drop down the leaves, which the people rush to collect. Some distribute it to their acquaintances whereas others hide them in their trunks.

PILAR FEAST

The feast of Our Lady of Pilar was celebrated at the Monastery of the same name. They say that St Tiago, who was disappointed with his failures in preaching the gospel, saw the vision of Our Lady on a pillar, being taken by angels. The miraculous pillar is still their in Saragossa in Spain. Of course, the angels are missing.

At Pilar, known for the novenas of Padr Agnel, the Capuchos brought the statue of Our Lady from Spain. The statue is kept in a special niche. On the day of the vespers, they take out a long procession with the statue with all the students for priesthoods and villagers from Pilar, Agassaim and Goa Velha joining in.