OLD GOA
Curated by Goencho Festakar Marius Fernandes, Gwendolyn De Ornelas and supported by Goa College of Agriculture, Old Goa, the Patoiechem Fest was celebrated at Carambolim on Sunday with multiple workshops, music, folk dances and interviews keeping the participants engrossed.
Among the workshops held included that on Patoieo, Batica, coconut leaves weaving (mollam) among others.
Participants trying their hand at preparing Patoieo at the Patoiechem Fest at Carambolim. Photo Manuel Vaz
Students of Goa College of Agriculture, Carambolim youth, and others gave various performances to keep the crowd entertained.
Later, speaking to reporters Marius Fernandes informed that the first Patoiechem Fest was held in Socorro, followed by Salvador do Mundo and then at Madkai.
“This year we are celebrating it in Carambolim and the idea is to showcase the amazing sweets of Goa like the patoieo. Many like-minded Goans participated at the festival which is inclusive and most importantly people funded,” Fernandes stated while adding that focus is also laid on the importance of millets by Goa College of Agriculture like Goa’s own ‘nachnem’ which is the food of the future.
When questioned what keeps him going, Fernandes said that in Goa one can organize festivals without much fuss.
“I can organize festivals anywhere be it in a temple, church or a football ground with freedom and without any money, as everybody contributes to such festivals in their own way,” Fernandes added.
Participants getting a lesson on weaving of coconut leaves or ‘mollam’. Photo Manuel Vaz
Goa College of Agriculture principal Dr Suresh Kunkalikar informed that he felt being part of the festival so that the students and teachers get to know about the culture and heritage of the State.
“There is a scientific reason behind preparing the patoieo during this time of the year and this knowledge needs to be propagated along with cultural ethos and heritage of Goa,” Dr Kunkalikar informed.
Among the popular faces present for the festival included DRAG president Avelino D’Sa, Miguel Braganza, veteran journalist Prakash Kamat, and others.
