People find different ways to showcase harmony during Ganesh Chaturthi and a Goan musician has also been, quite literally, drumming up support towards this cause.
Carlos Gonsalves, a drummer from Mapusa, has been visiting Hindu homes during Chaturthi and has been playing his drums to seek blessings since the last six years.
“From a very early age, I had been hearing aartis in the neighbourhood and would also go for the immersion of the idols. He would attend lunches in the homes of neighbours,” says Gonsalves.
“During this this time, he learnt Indian music. The rhythms were buzzing around in the neighbourhood and seeped into my bones. When we were young, we used to go for Prasad and I loved the rhythms and today when I play this music, I am giving something back through my rhythms.”
This year, Gonsalves posted a small portion of him playing the drums on social media and it generated much interest.
“I received a lot of positive responses which made me very happy. I even received several invitations from people all over the State. However, I decided to stick to people who invited me first and they are my friends,” he said.
“My message is very simple. Let us be united irrespective of creed or caste. Music is a universal language. My message is at the end of the day is that we should have peace in life.”
Gonsalves said being a musician, he has been liberal and believed in all religions.
“I believe in equality, humanity and for me, rhythms are more important than day-to-day life. With my rhythms, I like to participate in any festival, be it Eid, Christmas, Ganesh Chaturthi or Diwali. Through my drum and rhythm, I worship my Lord,” said Gonsalves.
Describing music as a universal language, Gonsalves said he could go to any part of the world and play any kind of music and it did not have to be in any language.
As a musician, Gonsalves has performed all over the world and has also played for FC Goa and Royal Challenges.
“I am Catholic and my way of showing my devotion is through music. Wherever I go, I play my small solo to Lord Ganesha in form of rhythms and I take blessings and I want to show the world that we are all united. It does not matter that I am Catholic. I go to all festivals and perform my music. It is a universal language. I want to pass on this message of unity peace, love and affection,” adds Gonsalves.
