During the run up to Chovath, or Ganesh Chaturthi, the importance of buying fruit, vegetables and leaves to build the matoli is immense. Matoli is the decoration or a canopy that is placed above Ganesh and it doesn’t just represent the offerings by his devotees, but it also represents the beautiful biodiversity of the region. In the last few days before Chovath, you’ll find vendors lining up the pavements opposite the Old GMC building in Panaji or on the outskirts of Margao and in Mapusa, Vasco and Ponda too. Thousands of Goans throng the venues to pick up the choicest fruit, vegetables and leaves and plants from across Goa. They are carefully chosen, as each matoli is special for every family and certain picks are passed down through the generations.
Ganesh also represents Mother Nature and hence herbs, wild flowers, shoots and leaves are picked up from far regions of Goa and brought into the towns and villagers so that devotees can pepper their matoli with these special offerings. It is indeed a unique experience to walk past the stalls, admiring the colourful produce that represents Goa.
Our photojournalist Narayan Pissurlekar did just that and took some amazing and colourful pictures that we couldn’t help but put together for you to experience too.
