On the island of Divar, people may meet each other every day, share conversations, and go about their usual routines. But as Bonderam draws closer, there is one thing they do not share. The theme of their ward’s float remains a closely guarded secret. Behind closed doors and preparations, nobody knows what the others are creating until Bonderam Day. For every Divadkar, however, Bonderam is much more than the competition that unfolds on the day. It is a cultural legacy that has remained part of life on the island for centuries.
Traditional roots
Often regarded as a harvest festival, the Bonderams, or flags, are an essential part of the celebration. Traditionally, these flags were used by ancestors to demarcate boundaries. The celebration begins early. Around 5 am, the brass band moves through the village; its music is the traditional wake-up call. The excitement is palpable as people greet one another with a cheerful, “Viva Bonderam!” What began as a festival managed by the communidades was later handed over to the Piedade Youth Association in 1982. Since then, the PYA has continued to carry the legacy forward.
“Bonderam is when the entire village comes together! No matter if you talk or you don’t talk to each other, for that one day, all Divadkars celebrate together,” remarks Salvador Clen Gonsalves. When an entire village brings its talent together, the result is something special. From each ward preparing their own song to suit the theme to making the floats, the festival makes sure that everyone is involved. Clarence Fernandes, who is the President of Piedade Youth Association this year, believes creativity that comes out of the island is unmatched! “In no way do I demean the Carnival floats, but I know for sure that Divar Bonderam produces the best float parades.”
Childhood memories
For many, the festival is deeply tied to childhood memories. Fernandes remarks that he has been celebrating this festival since the time he was born. “Being a part of the festival once and now organising it, the experience has really shaped me,” he states. Sheena Alphonso recalls the time when she was not allowed to participate. “I was too young to participate, so when the leader of our ward’s floats didn’t allow me to participate, I didn’t talk to him for almost a year,” she laughs. While the incident is funny, it goes on to show how deeply rooted this tradition is in Divadkar’s lives.
Not even the rains dampen the celebration. By the time the float parade begins at around 3 pm, the competitive spirit is at its peak. “Since everyone is so secretive and competitive, the reveal is exciting to watch. It is like the World Cup… that could be biased, but not Bonderam,” says Freddy Ferrao, a resident of Divar.
Growing popularity
With extensive media coverage, Bonderam has been gaining popularity with each passing year. For those who have grown up with the festival, the fame is not necessarily a concern. “I don't think it is a bad thing as long as our traditions and legacies are carried forward the way it has been for so many years,” Sheena Alphonso hopes, adding that, on the contrary, she thinks the fame helps people reach out to learn about Bonderam and experience the culture that Divadkars have been keeping alive. Being part of the organising team of the Piedade Youth Association fills Kimberly D'Mello with immense pride. “One thing I really value about PYA is that they always try to support local businesses and encourage local talent as much as possible,” she adds.
Healthy rivalry
Commenting on the increasing hype and fame, Fernandes remarks: “The question shouldn’t be if Bonderam is being commercialised; rather, it should be how, despite all the commercialisation, the festival has lived on as a festival of Divar by the people of Divar for the people of Divar. “When it comes to our ward, Romantic - we want to give our best and create something so meaningful that it captures the hearts of people that watch us,” remarks Alphonso. While preparing, things can get really hectic, especially when it comes to getting enough manpower, coordinating practices, preparing the floats and the costumes, and handling all the last-minute work. “Yet no matter how tiring it gets, we all stay committed and give it our best to put on a show that we can be proud of,” reckons D'Mello.
The big reveal
Then comes the moment when everything finally comes together. On Bonderam Day, the sleepless nights, the stress and the hard work begin to make sense. The floats roll out, the village gathers, and the competition takes centre stage. Perhaps it is this sporting spirit and the healthy rivalry between the wards that keep people coming back every year. The themes may be secret until the big day, but the effort behind them is shared by the entire village. And when the celebrations end, Divar has once again done what it has been doing for generations: brought its people together to keep the legacy of Bonderam alive.
