VASCO
Several people from in and around Vasco assembled at the Khapreshwar Belabai Temple at Vasco on Monday to follow the century-old ritual of offering coconut and flowers to mark the commencement of Holi.
The ritual of offering a coconut to the God has been followed for more than 100 years and is still followed by many people across Vasco.
As a part of the ritual, there was also a gharane prayer offered by the priest and it is believed that all evil spirits or negative energy associated with a person is cleared with the gharane put by the priest.
Speaking to media persons, temple president Sadanand Mahale said many people rush to the temple on the day before Holi to offer prayers and coconut.
"This traditions have been here for more than a hundred years. We first cut branches of mango tree and set up here and perform Pooja. After the Pooja, coconuts are offered and individual prayers are made by the priest. Prayers and offering begin at around 6.30 pm and could go on till early morning hours as people arrive here to seek blessings here since many years. The Dhul Vaati celebration lasts for 7 days along with various social and cultural programmes and it is after 7 days that the Holi comes to an end in this area,” said Mahale.
