Regina Martyrum High School, Assolna organised a three-day exhibition titled 'Goenchem Daiz’ exhibiting true Goan culture through various exhibits displayed. The exhibition aimed to relive the past for the older generation and enriching information for the younger generation.
The exhibition was declared open by the Chief Guest, Simitra Rodrigues, Ex. manager in quality assurance, Pfizer Pharmaceuticals, Verna, who said that the entire school team gave a beautiful glimpse into the heritage of Goa.
The exhibition was a walk-through of the various cultures and traditions of Goa. The entire school was transformed into a village of a sort where one could find the Goan household with Portuguese influence. This included the parlour, the dining room with the display of various dishes of the Goan cuisine, the kitchen with all the traditional equipment such as the ‘kandon’, ‘matul’, etc. The library displayed various works by Goan authors, famous Goan celebrities and Goan freedom fighters.
There was also the representation of the various traditional occupations such as the ‘pader’ (Goan baker), dudhkar (milkman), ‘xetkar’ (farmer) and ‘nustekar’ (fisherfolk). A full section was dedicated to the equipment of the coconut tree.
The lifestyle of the Kunbis was depicted beautifully through their household. The various tools they used for their occupations, the herbal medicine and the fashion of the Kunbi Sari, how each colour of the sari signifies the identity of a woman. There was an informative set up of the prominent figurines and festivals of Goa, such as Diwali, Christmas, Eid, etc.
The key highlight of the exhibition was the Museum of Christian Art. The artefacts displayed were divided into wooden sculptures, textiles, paintings, precious metals, ivory sculptures, crucifixes and furniture. One of the most important pieces in the wooden sculptures was the Infant Jesus on the cross. “This exhibition was organised so that we could bond over a healthy socio-cultural environment. The main aim was to highlight Goenchem Daiz explaining the priceless heritage of our beautiful Goa,” says Rev. Fr Mansueto Fernandes, Manager of Regina Martyrum High School.
‘Goenchem Daiz’ was beyond just the exhibits displayed; food stalls, games, ice cream stalls were set up so that the people could have quality time with their family and friends. Live performances were put up by the students of Regina Martyrum.
On the final day, Rev. Dr Aleixo Menezes, Rector of Rachol Seminary was invited as the Chief Guest. He congratulated the manager, headmistress, staff and students for the beautiful exhibition. “A lot of hard work and pains are put in. It should have been for more days so that more people could enjoy it.”
