Traditions reign supreme at Vasco Sao Joao
THE GOAN NETWORK
VASCO
Politics and revelry reigned supreme at the Sao Joao festivities in the port town, with different celebrations attended by various political leaders.
The Bhute Bhat Sports Club was supported by Vasco MLC Carlos Almeida with Deputy Chief Minister Francis D’ Souza as the chief guest, while the Vaddem Boys who were former supporters of Dabolim MLA Mauvin Godinho celebrated the festival on their own.
While Godinho organized the festival at Chicalim, New Vaddem and at Vaddem lake, the Vaddem Boys led by Gracious Coutinho and Bhute Bhat Sports Club organized the festival in the traditional way with a brass band. After offering prayers, the groups took plunges in the neighbouring wells.
Former Revenue Minister and NCP president Jose Philip D’Souza also organized the festival at Pixe Dongri Khariwada with ex-PDA chairman and city councilor Krishna (Daji) Salkar and councilor Lavina D’Souza sharing the dais.
D’Souza also organized the festival with rain dance at Sasmollem Baina and at Khariwada and took part along with his family.
Addressing the Bhute Bhat Sports Club, Deputy Chief Minister Francis D'Souza urged them to maintain discipline while jumping in the wells and not to be rough with anyone while dancing their way to the wells.
“I am happy that the tradition is kept alive with people irrespective of religion taking part in the festival. There is no such celebration in Mapusa as there are no wells, but people do celebrate the Sao Joao festival with great pomp and gaiety,” he said.
When the Goan sought to know whether he has witnessed any change in celebrating the Sao Joao as compared to yesteryears, D’Souza replied, “Earlier, it was the festival where the newly-wedded couple were invited to the wife's house during the Sao Joao festival. Now, it has changed and locals celebrate the festival to keep the tradition alive.”
In his address at Sasmollem-Baina, D’Souza complemented the Fantasy Youth of Sasmollem Baina for organizing the festival in the traditional way.
“We should strive to preserve our tradition and I request not only the organizers of Baina but other youth from Vasco and all over Goa to keep all our traditions alive by organizing such festivals,” he said.
