Vasco is all set to celebrate Lord Damodar Saptah on Monday. rnThe religious ceremony that lasts for 24 hours will start on Monday afternoon with the placing of new sreefal (coconut) at the feet of Lord Damodar and conclude on Tuesday afternoon after immersing the old one at Vasco beach.
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VASCO
While the religious ceremony will conclude on Tuesday, the fair will last for seven days and will end on Sunday.
The stall owners had started erecting their stalls from Friday to avoid delay due to the incessant rains. To avoid any confusion at the last minute in allotting the stalls, Mormugao Municipal Council had started the process of marking areas and issuing licenses almost a week in advance.
Though the stall owners have erected their stalls without any disturbance from the rain, they’re wary that it may spoilsport during the seven days of the festival.
The major stakeholders for the seven days Saptah fair are the garment stall owners who make brisk business.
Speaking to The Goan, a garment stall owner Shaik Ali who comes all the way from Maharashtra said there is a fear among all the stall owners that rain this year might spoil their business.
“We start selling garments in Vasco and from here we go to other places across the State till December wherever festivals take place. If we make good business at Saptah, then it’s a good sign. If not we suffer major loss,” said Ali.
“We are wary of the rain which leaves our stocks wet. At the end, we are forced to sell the garments at much cheaper rate and whatever remains is waste,” added Ali.
Saptah is a good time for locals to buy furniture and utensils. “Saptah is one festival we look forward to so that we can buy furniture and other utensils which are kept ready for any marriage in the family,” said Ramesh Shet.
