Goans just need an excuse to celebrate their Goan identity, and this time there were seven. The villagers of Socorro along with Socorro Socio-Art and Culture Association came together to celebrate the ‘Feast of Our Lady of Assumption’, ‘Independence Day’, ‘Patolienchem Fest’, ‘World Goa Day’, ‘Konkani Day’, ‘Ghumttachem Fest’ and ‘Goenchem Jevonn’ on August 15 at Socorro church ground.
The one of its kind festival saw a huge turnout. The villagers put up traditional dances, while the students of Our Lady of Socorro enthralled the audience with their umbrella dance.
The participants of the event also attempted a world record by with the making the largest ‘ghumot’ which measured 48 inches height and 155 inches in circumference and the ‘mandala’ measured 48inches in height and 63 inches in circumference which was at display at the venue and could accommodate around 54 playing simultaneously. “It was a proud moment that the ghumot was finally legal as it was made from the goat and sheepskin and not from the monitor lizard, which is illegal. People now can take the ghumot to various parts of the world and play it as an instrument,” said socio-cultural activist, Marius Fernandes.
The event also saw the sale of more than 100 ghumots, which were a part of the festival since the theme for World Goa Day was the ‘ghumot’. Cartoonist, Alexyz painted a ghumot to give it a Goan touch, while singers Shakuntala Bharne, Oluv and others added to the musical quotient.
Promoting the spirit of unity people from all walks of life made it an effort to be a part of the event, including the 29 Royal Enfield bikers who rode from Cabo de Rama to be a part of the festivities. “This is among the first crowd funded festival. If you want to save your history and heritage then you need to start putting in your efforts,” added Marius.
Supporting the efforts of the people involved Porvorim member of legislative assembly, Rohan Khaunte said that these events highlight the true essence of Goa and preserve our traditional customs.
At the festival, participants were served patolieos, pole and sannas besides authentic Goan cuisine – rice, curry (with tirphal), fish, kismur, pickles, and seasonal fruits such as pineapple, jackfruit and papaya.
Stating that this event was a result of people’s efforts, Goa Convenor of AAP, Elvis Gomes said that these festivals are a medium to unite and connect people to their original roots.