THE GOAN NETWORK
CANACONA
For nearly half a century, residents in Gaondongrem in Canacona have been celebrating the Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav with traditional fervour and festivity.
According to Gaondongrim Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal President Anand Tashildar, the enthusiasm among residents in the village over the years have led to the extension of the festival from five days to nine days.
This year, the eco-friendly Ganesh idol, which has been decorated by villagers led by village artist Rupesh Velip, is being worshipped in the panchayat compound for nine days.
Briefing about the history of the Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav in Gaondongrem, Tashildar said he and five others in the locality, Dessai, Shashikant Pagi, Tulsidas Kale, Suresh Gaondongrikar and late Chandravati Vishnu Devidas began worshipping the Sarvajanik Ganesh idol in a small Gramshekar Quarter in 1976.
“At that time, only two Ganapati idols, the other being at Kudewada, were worshipped in the village,” said Tashildar.
“With donations ranging from Rs 1.25 to Rs 5, we used to manage to bring a Ganesh idol and set it up for a five-day worship by spending anything between Rs 500 and Rs 1000.”
Tashildar said the duration of worship was then extended to seven days over the next few years, before it was further extended to nine days at a more spacious pandal erected within the Gaondongrim panchayat compound.
“During the initial years no other activities were conducted besides the Arti and Mahapuja. But with the active participation and enthusiastic involvement of our womenfolk and youth, the Gaondognrim’s Ganeshothav presently conducts several public-oriented programmes and activities,” informed Tashildar.
Gaondongrim Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal Secretary Anand Gaonkar, informed that in order to give a push to local talent, village artist Rupesh Velip and his team created all decorations
Gaonkar informed that besides the Arti performed twice a day and Mahapoojan Prasad everyday up to September 15, programmes include a Rangoli competition, Sangeet competition, Coconut breaking competition, Slow motor-Cycle Race, a musical performance by the Orchestra ‘The Rocks’, Satyanaraan Pooja and draw of donation coupons, and a Konkani Natak ‘Direct Chandrar’.
On September 15, the idol will be taken in a procession for Visarjan at 5 pm.
Gaondongrim Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal Treasurer Gaja Gaondongrikar expressed gratitude to Gaondongrim Sarpanch Dhillon Dessai and others for their overall support towards the Sarvajanik Ganeshothav celebrations every year.
