the goan I network
PANAJI
‘Ghumot’, the State musical instrument, took centre stage at the ‘Ekvottachem Fest’ and its beating enthralled participants and brought smiles on the faces of dozens of differently-abled at the festival of unity on Sunday evening in the capital city.
The event, which was supposed to held at the Garcia de Orta (Panaji municipal garden) was shifted indoors to the Pharmacy College at the eleventh hour due to the uncertainty of weather. It kicked off with the ‘Ponjechi Pasoi’ where dozens of differently-abled joined many others to walk the streets of the capital some in wheelchairs and others with walking aids.
Cultural performances including tribal dance, traditional Goan eats among other acts consumed the nearly four hours of non-stop entertainment organised by Goemcho Festkar Marius Fernandes in collaboration with Disability Rights Association of Goa (DRAG) on the occasion of the latter’s sixteenth anniversary.
Opposition Leader Digambar Kamat also joined in the activities and later tweeted about his participation: “Participated in ‘Ekvottachem Fest’ and ‘Ponjechi Pasoi’ on the 16th Anniversary of Disability Rights Association of Goa (DRAG) with Goemcho Festkar Marius Fernandes, Avelino D’Sa, Prakash Kamat and the talented Special Goemkars at Pharmacy College, Panjim today.”
“It was a pleasure to watch splendid dance performances by the talented artistes overcoming their disabilities,” Kamat said, adding that he participated in the event to show solidarity with the people with disabilities.
Meanwhile, the star of the show inadvertently turned out to be the ‘ghumot’ which was recently notified as the State musical instrument.
The percussion instrument made from an earthen pot with both sides open but one covered with a drum membrane usually of monitor lizard skin made its presence felt with goat skin. The instrument was up for sale at the event.
