the goan I network
PANAJI
A riot of colour, music and dance had people from across Goa and tourists from across the globe thronging to Malar on the picturesque island of Divar on Saturday to partake in ‘Bonderam’.
The traditional festival, organised annually by St Mathias Sports Club in association with Tourism Department and Directorate of Art and Culture, was flagged off at the Sao Mathias Church this year.
A new feature of the event this year was the ‘Pasoi’ -- Bonderam Heritage Trail. The Brass Band played outside the heritage homes of Bridgida Menezes and Crystal Menezes at Church ward, Rita Diwadkar at Goddar ward, Rosy Noronha and Ross Picardo at Amboi ward, Santana Da Costa, Francis Vaz and James Fernandes at Belsur ward even as the procession of floats marched past.
The Kattodia started near St Mathias Sports Club at around 4 pm with the mood-setters William Anes, Arantxa Azavedo and Macxi Picardo guiding the proceedings, according to Ivo Azavedo, the president of the host St Mathias Sports Club, Malar.
‘Pasoi’, was well received by the crowd. It is for the first time that such a heritage walk was organised at Bonderam where around 500 people walked through the village,” said Marius Fernandes, cultural activist from the island who conceptualised the idea.
Prominent Goans, Miguel Braganza, Prajal Sakhardande, Sanjeev Sardesai, Eric Pinto joined the ‘Pasoi’ who walked along with the locals.
RJ Joed Almeida informed the public about the history of the village and the festival, and the famous personalities from the village.
The participants tasted various Goan delicacies on the streets where local talent performed.
“Our village was preparing for almost a month for this festival and it was a mind-blowing experience for all of us, this year,” a local said.
Dr Glenis Mendonsa, a professor at the Carmel College, Nuvem was seen strumming a guitar throughout the procession which lasted almost two-and-a-half hours. Her 60 students danced and played the ghumot, guitars, and kottyo (coconut shells) on the streets both in the sun and rain.
Dr Mendonsa enthusiastically joined her young students, most of who were from Salcete and had never been to Divar or to Bonderam.
Students from Dhempe College also performed three skits of 15 minutes each spreading awareness on why Konkani language should be protected and how it’s a misconception that all Goans are alcoholics.
Nikita Chodankar, assistant professor at Department of Mass Communication of Don Bosco College, Panaji led a team of students including Assis Shaikh, Jasfica Fernandes, Neha Rawale, Sierra Frias, Shripad Kudtarkar, Hiren Vadgama and Pranali Mantri to document the entire festival as it is an unique one.
“We wish to promote and preserve our Goan culture through a documentary. Apart from an introduction to the historical facts, the entire documentation of this live programme will offer a learning experience to our students,’’ Chodankar said.
A popular figure from the island Tony Divar London, a well-known sponsor and organiser of Goan Tiatrs in UK, Europe, USA and Gulf was the chief guest this year.
Johny B Gud with Valarie performance and Mando by Brigida & Co as well as Konkani singers - Elaine Pinto and Pierson D’Costa mesmerised the audience.
A fancy dress competition and felicitation of dignitaries as well as the prize distribution ceremony was held before ‘Brothers in Arms’ began their performance.
