PANAJI
The Purumentachem festival (stocking up for monsoon) in Goa, celebrated annually as the monsoon nears, has been a longstanding tradition uniting people across diverse backgrounds.
However, in recent times, the essence of this tradition seems to be fading amidst the evolving lifestyle trends, particularly with the surge in online shopping and readily available goods in stores.
Traditionally, Purument was a time for locals to gather essentials like dry fish, local onions, pickles, furniture, utensils, and spices to prepare for the monsoon when such items become scarce. Yet, with the convenience of online platforms and supermarkets, the fervour surrounding this tradition has diminished.
Despite these changes, there remains a group of individuals who still value the authenticity and local flavor of traditional items. They make an effort to visit markets like Mapusa, Panaji, Margao, Ponda and Sanvordem ahead of the monsoon to procure these essentials.
The Purumentachem fest holds deep roots in Goan tradition, signifying not only spiritual nourishment but also an opportunity to prepare for the rainy season. Derived from the Portuguese word 'provisao', meaning provision, the festival serves as the final celebration before the onset of the monsoon.
In the past, families would gather provisions necessary to endure the rainy months, considering the challenges of navigating through the state during the monsoon. Fresh fish, in particular, becomes scarce due to fishing bans during rough sea conditions, leading to increased demand for dried fish.
During this time, the markets offers a wide array of items for sale, ranging from garden vases to traditional cooking utensils like the 'budkulo', used for boiling rice, dry chillies, vegetables, fruits, kokum, local onions and more. Even unique items like the 'Adoli', a coconut grater attached to a traditional Goan stool, and the 'Mill’er', a type of piggybank and more.
Speaking to vendors in Mapusa and Panaji markets, it was evident that while online shopping has altered consumer behavior, there's still a demand for traditional items. Many people continue to visit these markets to stock up, appreciating the quality and authenticity offered by local vendors.
Matilda Fernandes, a dry fish and kokum vendor at Mapusa market, mentioned a decline in footfall this year, especially for certain items. She noted that while the demand for dry fish remains high, there are fewer customers compared to previous years. Matilda highlighted that despite the availability of items online or in stores, regular customers still visit the market to stock up for the monsoon, particularly to make preserves like pickles. She emphasized that the demand for kokum remains high among Goan families who understand its value.
Balbina Gonsalves, selling Goan sausages at Mapusa market, stated that there has been no decline in demand for Goan sausages. Although overall market visitors have decreased in recent months, Balbina's home-based sales remain strong. She emphasized that people still prioritize purchasing sausages for their homes, considering it a part of their tradition and the Purument festival.
Sunita Salgaonkar, selling local onions at Panjim market, noted a slight decline in demand this year. She mentioned that while people usually start purchasing local onions by May or late April, this year's demand has been lower. Sunita expressed confidence that demand would increase in the coming days as people realize the unavailability of items like local onions in stores. She stressed that traditional vendors like her offer the best quality local onions, kokum, and Goan chilies, which cannot be found in stores or online.
Bappa, a vendor selling dry chilies, dry fish, and rock salt, highlighted the importance of traditional and local items. He mentioned that families usually stock up ahead of the monsoon by the first week of May to mid-May. However, this year, the stocking up trend has not yet begun. Bappa expressed optimism that in the coming days, people who understand the value of these items will visit the markets to prepare for the monsoon. He emphasized the significance of maintaining cultural traditions despite the convenience of online shopping.
However, amidst the tradition, vendors acknowledge the changing times. The convenience of online shopping and modern supermarkets poses a challenge to the traditional practice of stocking up ahead of the monsoon.
Overall, while the scenario of shopping ahead of the monsoon may be changing with the advent of technology, the tradition of stocking up ahead of the monsoon still holds significance for many in the Goan families. The continued patronage of local markets reflects a desire to preserve tradition and enjoy the unique flavors of Goan culture.
