From Caisua to Carmona: Notes on a new life

SUJATA DABOLKAR | NOVEMBER 08, 2020, 12:29 AM IST
From Caisua to Carmona: Notes on a new life

I was born and brought up in Caisua, a very beautifulvillage situated on the banks of river Chapora in Bardez taluka in North Goa.My childhood was spent playing in the sand and swimming in Chapora river. Earlymorning, I could see the sunrise from my backyard. I admired nature sitting onthe terrace of my house. Looking at the river and enjoying the evening teawhile hearing the sound of the birds became routine.

I still remember the days when I used to go for mymorning walks on Vagator beach and also to the Chapora fort, the archaeologicalmonument. From the top of the Chapora fort, one can see the Morjim beach on theright side and Vagator beach to the left and Indian ocean to the north. Whilecoming back home from the fort along with my friends and cousins, we used toenjoy cashew apples, chunna (ziziphus rugosa), karanda (carissa carandas) onthe way. I also used to do photography and watch birds such as peacocks. I usedto go for boat rides from Chapora to Morjim beach with my dad who is a verygood underwater diver, swimmer and a curious person. The time spent with my dadwas the most memorable. 

I did my schooling from St Michael Convent, Vagator, andlater for travelled everyday to Mapusa for higher education.

In Caisuva, we celebrated Ganesh Chaturthi, Diwali, Holi,Christmas, along with other festivals such as dhurvot, palki and punyatithi. InChapora, we have the temple of Swami Achutanand Maharaj who is considered the protectorof the village. Every Monday, mahaprasad is offered in the form of lunch to thepeople. The punyatithi celebration at the temple is famous where people fromdifferent parts of the state come to worship.

Christians along with Hindus celebrate Sao Joao at theChapora jetty. Entire year one can experience cultural activities in thevillage. Then we have the famous temple of Siddheshwar. It is on the beach andthe statue of Lord Siddeshwar (Shiva) is located inside the cave. Every year,Mahashivratri is celebrated by the people. Caisuva village is famous for itsChapora jetty and fish where one can find fish of different diversity.

Domestic and international tourists visit Chapora and onecan find a lot of crowd in September through March, especially at Chaporamarket and fort. One can find Western culture in the village due to theinfluence of visiting tourists. The primary occupations of the people inChapora are tourism and fishing.

I spent 27 years of my life in Chapora village and thenmoved to Carmona village after my marriage on June 15, 2020. Moving down fromnorth to south happened faster than expected and I feel equally blessed inCarmona, though it is far away from home. Carmona lies on the banks of riverSal, 13 kms away from Margao. The village has the scenic Zalor beach. It sharesboundary with Orlim village to the north and Cavelossim village to the south.River Sal flows through the Carmona village to the east, which later enters theCavelossim village and meets the sea at Mobor. The green carpeted paddy fieldsof Carmona village never fails to captivate me. A walk through the lushgreenery fills my mind and soul with its freshness. I visited the Zalor beach,which is among the cleanest and very less populated beaches of Goa. The road whichgoes to the beach will take you through beautiful grazing fields.

Carmona village has churches and temple. Our lady ofSocorro church is famous in the village which was constructed in 1607 and is animportant landmark. Next to the church lies the Sacred Heart Jesus High Schoolwhich is the only educational institution in the village. It also has chapelssuch as St Sebastian’s chapel at Xiro, Holy Cross chapel at Tambdeg.

One of the interesting natural ponds in the village isGavona pond which is a water body now used by Hindus for visarjan of lordGanesh. Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated with full vigour in the village whereChristians also join in. I feel equally blessed to be in such a peacefulvillage where I wish to spend the rest of my life.

 (The writer is PhD Research Scholar at MycologicalLaboratory, Department of Botany, Goa University)

 

 

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