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 a procession to the palatial mansion of the Desai’s of Arabo, Pernem. This Hindu house has been a host to this event for the last 40 years. It is tradition to carry with them a new ‘Chaddar’ called ‘Galaf’ to be put on the Holy Dargah.
This crowd then proceeds to the beat of the cymbal drums to enter the house and go up to the first floor. At the first floor is a tall pole with a flag called as ‘Behrag’ from Iraq.
The community then say their prayers systematically and pay the ‘Sundal’ and return back with the new ‘Chaddar’ which is beautifully embroidered, only this time it is opened and carried over their heads. This is then laid over the Holy Dargah.
The event ends with community prayers and a program of ‘Quawalli’, followed by a well spread dinner.
History Connection
The village of Arabo, Pernem dates back to the Arab Rule in Goa, which incidentally is the influence to the name Arabo which comes from ‘Arab’ who it is suggested ruled over this island centuries back. It is said that the ‘Behrag’ – flag pole was brought sailing from Iraq to ‘Arabo’, the unique island village.
So when the Arabs left Goa, they handed over the house to the Desai’s on the condition that ‘Behrag’ in the house must be venerated every Muharam 1st Month and Urus(month called Rabbit Akhir) of Muslims and tradition says, that the Desai’s would in turn donate sacks of rice to the muslim community.
This tradition of the veneration of ‘Behrag’ dates back centuries ago, ever since the Arabs left Goa and handed over the house to the Desai’s, while the tradition of offering the chaddar by carrying the same to the Desai’s house to pray has been a part of the festival just about 40 years after the discovery of the Tomb.
The festival stands testimony to the great bond of friendship and communal harmony in Goa. Moharram festival in the village of Arabo was a festival celebrating the Hindu-Muslim unity wherein the Muslims from Arabo as well as Dhargalim would meet halfway and take a procession towards the river.
The House
The Desai House has 24 rooms which are built around a central courtyard. Upstairs one can see large halls and twin towers set in exposed laterite that give a great view of the Chapora river. This stone structure is known to be built by Jaywantaji Roasaheb Jaiwantrao Desai.
Pic Credits: Mr. Sanjeev V. Sardesai
