OLD GOA
The Sao Mathias village came alive as the Malar Bonderam were celebrated on the island on Saturday.
As usual, the float parade was the attraction of the flag festival, with the four wards of the village presenting their respective floats based on various themes.
The Church Vaddo kicked off the parade with their float ‘Goenkar Hanv Kharvi Hanv’ focusing on the fishing community.
It was followed by Belsur Vaddo with their float highlighting the importance of local salt. Titled ‘Mittha Vinn Oinni Jinn’, the audience was given the message of the various uses of local salt.
Goddar followed next with their float throwing light on the importance of a cook.
To wrap up, Amboi Vaddo presented their float with the theme ‘Goenchi Girestkai’ highlighting the rich heritage of Goa belonging to various religions.
All the floats were accompanied by melodious Konkani music related to the respective theme which kept the audience on their toes. Girls, boys, women and men dance to the music to bring added attraction.
Earlier, famed musician Seby Fernandes of ‘Meera Meera’ fame entertained the participants with his hit Konkani songs. The ‘Meera Meera’ song was particularly a hit among the audience and Seby had to present it twice.
The fancy dress competition was also organised for the juniors and the seniors.
The Katodeo was also held in which the women participants emerged victorious by breaking the coconut blind-folded.
In the morning, the Patoienchem Fest was held in which the participants got a hands on experience of preparing the patoleos.
Environmentalist Rajendra Kerkar gave a talk on the importance of a Tiger Reserve in Goa while a senior citizen Ross Picardo took the audience back to the olden days highlighting how the Bonderam festival was celebrated back then and how it flourished as the years went by.
The Bonderanchi Passoi, curated by Goencho Festakar, took the participants around the four wards who were given information on the heritage and cultural importance, while also getting an opportunity to taste the traditional Goan sweets.
The flag march was also held with the brass band accompanying the flag bearers.
In the afternoon, the Bonderamchem Jevonn with traditional Goan food was served to the participants.
