By Minoo Fernandes
MARGAO: With just about a month of summer remaining, a rush is witnessed at the beaches of Colva, Majorda, Betalbatim and Varca, for the purpose of bathing in the sea.

Though a number of foreigners and Indian tourists too have a dip in the sea to beat the heat, the locals from several villagers, particularly from the interiors like Verna, Curtorim, Chandor, Davorlim located in Salcete taluka come to the sea in order to have their annual ritualistic and traditional dip in the sea waters. It is believed that a dip in the sea in late April and in the month of May cures one of prickly heat and other ailments like rheumatism, pain in the joints and limbs, etc.
Some families residing in Raia, Nuvem  and even in Margao city disclosed that they have been visiting either  Colva, Majorda or Betalbatim beaches for this yearly bath, since these beaches are quite close to the place of their residence. They said one should have this sea water bath atleast for three days continuously, adding that during this time one should not wipe the body or wash it with fresh water till late in the evening. They explained that this is so as to allow the body to absorb the sea salts, which has medicinal properties and which would benefit the body.
Some people who were at the beaches for this traditional ritual said that the rush these days was due to the hot and humid weather conditions. They however informed that they were there for their annual bath and wanted to finish the same before the sea gets rough and stormy.
Mr Thomas Baptist, a fisherman from Majorda, agreed to this saying that it is dangerous to venture into the sea at the end of May, as there are deep currents working in the sea, that could carry people to the open seas, unexpectedly, even if they are in the shallow areas. He advised caution and said that the red flags indicating ‘safe swimming areas’ should be observed. He said the it is difficult to predict the behaviour of
the sea
Ms Maria Fernandes from Davorlim and her husband Mr Jacob, who came to Colva on Tuesday, with their two children, said that they come to this beach every year, as it keeps them in good health.
Mr Luis Rodrigues, a villager from Curtorim said that his entire family and some of his friends have been visiting Colva or Betalbatim for the purpose of having the annual bath in the sea for several years now. He said that this was also done by his forefathers as it was good to have a dip in the sea during the summer months.
A villager from Colva said that if one suffers from scabies and other such skin diseases, it is good to have a bath in the sea as the salty sea water kills the germs.
‘The sea is a gift to human kind, not only because of fish that we get to eat and other riches such as the petrol etc, but also because it is blessed with several wonderful things that humans may not yet know about’ said Mr Camilo Rogtao from Betalbatim, adding that one therefore must be very grateful to God for having created such huge oceans for the good of mankind.
Ms Remie Gracias e Cota from Majorda said that Goa in particular is very lucky to have such vast area of seashores, where people can enjoy the bounties of
nature.
It was informed that the annual bath involves staying at the seashore or visiting it for three to four days, so that the sea can have a good effect.