Atmaram Naik, Passionate taxi driver – 93 years old

Atmaram Naik, Passionate taxi driver – 93 years old

Many must have heard stories about driving Passionist, racing drivers or off-roading drivers but meet this legend who has carried his passion to his earning. Atamaram Naik, from Arabo-Pernem drives vehicle at the present age of 93 years. Atamaram Naik, born in village of Arabo in 1926 did his schooling in Portuguese medium. He has gone through various phases in his life and it is very uniquely interesting to know about this personality who at his early age of around 15 became post man, his 1 st job which he…

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The Raaj Angaan of Hindu Homes

The Raaj Angaan of Hindu Homes

The words “Raaj aangan” brings in a feeling of nostalgia and the long gone moments spent in these courtyards or raaj aangan’s. An integral part of many Goan Hindu and Portuguese houses, the courtyards are centrally located and its history can be traced back to the Harappan Civilization. A quadrilateral building plan sees an open centre and thus allowing nature into the house. Courtyards were also incorporated into the architecture for environment, culture and social reasons. Centrally located, it provides ventilation to innermost rooms even on the ground floor. As…

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‘Mhalo’ or ‘The Local Barber’ | Traditional Occupation in Goa

‘Mhalo’ or ‘The Local Barber’ | Traditional Occupation in Goa

“Mhalo” the traditional name used for Goa’s barber, would probably bring memories to most Goan’s. Today with more professional approaches to the business, this traditional name has been replaced as hair stylist. Here is the story of one such “Mhalo” of Arabo (A village in Pernem taluka), Mahadev Bala Navelkar  from the traditional occupation of ‘Mhalepon’ who has been in this profession for close to 60 years. Mahadev Bala Navelkar Recalling his first day at work, 84 years Mahadev says “I got together my barber kit and sat down under a…

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Gulalotsav | A Traditional Bridge in Margao and Zambaulim

Gulalotsav | A Traditional Bridge in Margao and Zambaulim

It is best described by the colour pink which is the colour in vogue at Zambaulim, a picturesque village on the banks of the river kushavati about 21 km from Margao which comes alive today by extending Goa’s version of Holi to mark a centuries old tradition of Gulalutsav during the festival of Shigmo in Goa There are no records of when the festival began, but it is said that during the Portuguese regime, some temples were destroyed including the temple of Shri Damodar in Margao. The devotees tried their best…

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Pejechem Fest | A Tradition Kept Alive, Siridaò

Pejechem Fest | A Tradition Kept Alive, Siridaò

The Village of Siridaò Village and its History Siridaò is a small hamlet surrounded by Curca and Bambolim village separated by a branch of the Zuari river. A major portion of the Catholic community living here, are fisher folks and toddy tappers. The village had a main Church built in 1603, dedicated to Santa Maria Magdalena, which collapsed in 1869 and then Parish was shifted to Goa Velha Church. In 1877 at the same place, Chapel dedicated to Holy Souls (Santa Almas) and Our Lady Of Rosary was built and it was elevated to…

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Procession of Capas Magnas | World Famous Procession of Capes in Goa

Procession of Capas Magnas | World Famous Procession of Capes in Goa

Image Source: Daijiworld.com A Lenten ritual whose origins are steeped in time is the “Procession of Tails” led by Goa´s archbishop as part of Good Friday services lasting four hours in the Se Cathedral.The archbishop and Canons of the Chapter of the Cathedral wear black cowled robes with tails that trail two meters behind them in what is officially called the “Procissaum das Capas Magnas” (Procession of the Great Capes). As the robes sweep the floor, a 16-century coffin with a life-size statue of Jesus laying in it is carried…

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Procession of Saints, Goa Velha | Unique Procession to Mend Ways

Procession of Saints, Goa Velha | Unique Procession to Mend Ways

Image Source: daijiworld.com “The Franciscan priests, who resided on Pilar hillock, decided on this procession of saints so that the faithful could mend their ways, as the saints are leaders who should be an inspiration to all”. Goa is the only other place besides Rome that such a procession is held since centuries. The two unique processions that continue to the day are the procession of ‘Capas Magnas’ at the Se Cathedral, commonly known as ‘Xeppedeochea Pursanv’, on Good Friday and the Procession of ‘Ordem Terceira’, known as ‘Santachem Pursanv’, at Goa…

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Santos Passos & Motets | Tradition of Christian Sacred Music for Lent

Santos Passos & Motets | Tradition of Christian Sacred Music for Lent

pic source: saligaoserenade.com Lent is a very special time for every Christian faithful. The 40 days represents the time Jesus spent in the wilderness, enduring the temptation of satan and preparing to begin his ministry. In the Konkani language,  Goans commonly use the term ‘korezm’, which is derived from the Portuguese ‘quaresma’, meaning forty – evidently signifying the forty days in imitation of Christ’s sojourn in the desert. Christians are called to prepare for this time through prayer, reflection, penance and charitable works, during Lent. Goa has a rich tradition of…

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Urus | A Festival Celebrating Goan Communal Harmony

Urus | A Festival Celebrating Goan Communal Harmony

This unique event unknown to a majority of Goans, is an event that portrays the ethos of the Goan ethnic populace – Communal Harmony. ‘Urus’ is known as an annual festival which commemorates the death anniversary of the Saint Hazrat Abu Shaikh R.A, whose Dargah is present on the border of Arabo, Pernem. ‘Urus’ is a festival celebrated by a huge community of Muslims, for over 40 years after the discovery of the tomb. The Festival – URUS On this day, the Muslim congregation pray at the Dargah, followed by…

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Shri Sateri Mahalasa Narayani Zatra – Mardol, Goa

Shri Sateri Mahalasa Narayani Zatra – Mardol, Goa

Shri Mahalasa Narayani Temple Festival in Goa is observed in Magh month. The festival is observed for 7 days. The most important event during the festival is the jatra. Mardol Shri Mahalasa Narayani Temple Festival 2016 date is from February 26 to March 4. The annual festival is observed from Magh Krishna Paksha Chaturthi to Magh Krishna Paksha Dasami – the fourth day during the waning phase of moon in Magh month to the tenth day during the waning phase of moon in magh month. The Rathostsava is observed on the last…

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