Historical evidence proves that the old inhabitants of Divar Island were originally located in Old Goa but had to leave due to a disastrous plague that vastly influenced the population of the state. Divar was said to be inhabited by Hindus and hosted the temples of Shree Saptakoteshwar, Shree Ganesh and Shree Dwarkeshwar. But in the 16th century during Christianization of Goa many of these locals were shifted by the Portuguese to different localities and were asked to take the Ganesh idol along with them. Divar Island is said to be one the first places the Portuguese tried to convert into Roman Catholics.
Divar is not only known for its rich historical background but also the festivities that light up the place. On the fourth Saturday of August, the people of Divar bring in ‘Bonderam’, a festival similar to carnival. It is celebrated in memory of the fury of the villagers over the Portuguese system of resolving disputes. Visiting Divar on this joyous occasion is a must as you soak in the ambience and tap your feet to the melodious music while watching the colorful floats pass by. The fun does not end here, if you step into Divar three days before Lent begins, you will witness a horrifying start on seeing the youth dressed up in masks, costumes, cowbells roaming around the village demanding food and drinks from locals and scaring children. This festival is known as ‘Potekar’ and is very similar to Halloween.
Located approximately 10 km upriver from Panjim. The Konkan Railway passes through the village and the nearest stop is Carambolim. The drive to the village is scenic and is a must visit to soak in Goan beauty.
Brahma Temple

The glorious Kadamba dynasty, which ruled Goa hundreds of years ago, was a rich period in terms of cultural and socio-religious history. The state abounds in ancient temples which were founded during the flourishing reign of the Kadamba kings who ruled Goa and parts of present day Karnataka. 
One such temple is the Brahma temple, now located in Nagargao, Valpoi, completely off the mainstream tourism circuit. 
The unique aspect of this temple is the form of deity Lord Brahma, which is carved into an exquisite stone sculpture dating back to the 12th century. A view of the stunning sculpture alone makes the 50 kms odd trip to Nagargao from the state capital worth it. 
Lord Brahma is considered the God of knowledge and the maker of the universe and is usually depicted as an integral part of the divine trinity along with Lord Vishnu and Lord Mahesh. 
Historians say, that originally the deity was housed in a temple in Karmali village near Panaji but the advent of the Portuguese forced the worshippers to re-locate the deity in the remote Sattari region, in north-east Goa, which had still not been conquered by the Portuguese rulers.
Brahma temple

Nagargao, Valpoi
