Valpoi
Sattari is gearing up to welcome Lord Ganesha, with families completing preparations for Monday’s Ganesh Chaturthi. Homes have been decorated, puja materials arranged and traditional Matoli items collected. A respite from heavy rains has brought relief and helped devotees visit markets and relatives’ homes for Ganesha darshan.
Market rush
Valpoi, Sattari’s main commercial centre, witnessed heavy crowds on Sunday as people arrived for last-minute shopping. Shops and roads were packed with buyers purchasing puja materials, clothes, fruits, flowers and decorations.
The stretch near Fatima Convent was particularly crowded with people buying Matoli items, including local fruits, vegetables, roots, leaves, flowers and forest produce. Masurde Road also saw a rush for clothes and festival essentials.
Traffic woes
The rush caused considerable congestion, with roadside parking, narrow roads and limited parking inconveniencing motorists and pedestrians. Residents urged authorities to make arrangements as crowds are expected to continue.
Matoli and prices
Matoli, decorated with local fruits, vegetables, roots, plants and forest produce, remains popular and reflects Goa’s biodiversity and close relationship with nature. However, rising fruit prices, particularly sweet lime (mosambi), have increased festival expenses. Consumers urged authorities to monitor prices.
Families and Ganeshotsav committees are also opting for eco-friendly decorations using natural materials and avoiding plastic. With aartis, bhajans, cultural programmes and family gatherings planned, Sattari is set for several days of festivities.
