DECEMBER definitely
proves the busiest month for most of the Christian folk as they
prepare for the joyous Christmas Season. The ladies, in particular,
have so much to achieve within those few, busy days. Preparation of
kunsvar (sweets for Christmas) is, of course, the biggest
preoccupation for them during the period preceding Christmas, when
one hardly gets the time to think of anything or anyone else.
However, a small group of elderly ladies, who call themselves the
"Good Samaritans", seem to be an exception, in the sense that they
give a thought to the needy and helpless people in
society.
In their own
little way, the Good Samaritans try to spread a little bit of cheer
in the lives of at least a few of the havenots. For this purpose,
they comanise an one-day "Christmas Bazaar" at the Institute Piedade
in Panjim since the last couple of Decembers. They prepare at home
the traditional Goan sweets like nevreo, kolkol, dhodhol, bebinca,
ghons, batica, etc. and keep the much sought after goodies for sale
at the special Bazaar. The sale proceeds go to help the needy
through medicines, medical attention, clothes, etc.
This year, the Good
Samaritan Bazaar had kept for sale several other homemade items like
cheurisam (pork sausages), vinegar, a variety of massalas,
besides beautiful articles of decoration, ceramics, gift items,
embroidery work, donated clothes, etc. Some of the special items
were special homemade chocolates, the likes of which Joyce Fernandes
is famous for.
There were some
commercial stalls too, who contribute a percentage of their profits
for the Samaritan cause. These were generally dealing in Christmas
decorations, wax figuries, gift items, ceramics, embroidery items,
etc.
There was a virtual run at the Bazaar this
year. By midway, most of the important items were sold out, bringing
a smile on the faces of the dozen or so kind-hearted and energetic
ladies, who in turn will transfer the smile to the needy
people.
Cheers to the Good Samaritans and the other kind-hearted
souls who lend a hand to them. May the tribes of both
multiply.
DECEMBER definitely
proves the busiest month for most of the Christian folk as they
prepare for the joyous Christmas Season. The ladies, in particular,
have so much to achieve within those few, busy days. Preparation of
kunsvar (sweets for Christmas) is, of course, the biggest
preoccupation for them during the period preceding Christmas, when
one hardly gets the time to think of anything or anyone else.
However, a small group of elderly ladies, who call themselves the
"Good Samaritans", seem to be an exception, in the sense that they
give a thought to the needy and helpless people in
society.
In their own
little way, the Good Samaritans try to spread a little bit of cheer
in the lives of at least a few of the havenots. For this purpose,
they comanise an one-day "Christmas Bazaar" at the Institute Piedade
in Panjim since the last couple of Decembers. They prepare at home
the traditional Goan sweets like nevreo, kolkol, dhodhol, bebinca,
ghons, batica, etc. and keep the much sought after goodies for sale
at the special Bazaar. The sale proceeds go to help the needy
through medicines, medical attention, clothes, etc.
This year, the Good
Samaritan Bazaar had kept for sale several other homemade items like
cheurisam (pork sausages), vinegar, a variety of massalas,
besides beautiful articles of decoration, ceramics, gift items,
embroidery work, donated clothes, etc. Some of the special items
were special homemade chocolates, the likes of which Joyce Fernandes
is famous for.
There were some
commercial stalls too, who contribute a percentage of their profits
for the Samaritan cause. These were generally dealing in Christmas
decorations, wax figuries, gift items, ceramics, embroidery items,
etc.
There was a virtual run at the Bazaar this
year. By midway, most of the important items were sold out, bringing
a smile on the faces of the dozen or so kind-hearted and energetic
ladies, who in turn will transfer the smile to the needy
people.