Goa's vibrant cultural heritage and deep-rooted traditions are central to Goan weddings, celebrated with great solemnity. Planning begins a year in advance, with substantial financial investments made. One unique tradition among Goan Catholic families during wedding preparations is 'Bhikareanchem Jevonn,' where meals are provided to the needy ('bhikari' meaning "beggar" and 'jevonn' meaning "meal"). For the Christian community, this gesture seeks blessings for the soon-to-be-wed couple through their generosity to the poor, reflecting the Biblical principle: "He who has compassion on the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his good deed" (Proverbs 19:17). This tradition echoes the miracle of Jesus feeding the 5000, recounted in Mark 6, Luke 9, and John 6, where human generosity and faith played a pivotal role as Jesus transformed what was offered to meet the hunger of many.
A few days before the wedding, typically on a Tuesday, an elaborate meal is arranged where 7 or 9 individuals from the underprivileged in the village are invited to the bride and groom's homes. This lunch holds deep significance as it commemorates and seeks blessings from deceased ancestors for the engaged couple. Whenever feasible, the poor guests are selected to correspond with the age and gender of the departed souls, symbolising the presence and blessings of the family's ancestors through these individuals during the meal.
Numerology assigns particular significance to odd numbers, attributing them with unique and dynamic energies that symbolise creativity, action, and individual expression. Numerologists view odd numbers as representing opportunities for growth, change, and progress across different facets of life. The number 7 holds deep symbolism in Eastern and Israelite cultures and literature. It signifies completion, perfection, pardon, healing, and the fulfillment of promises and oaths. According to Genesis, God created the heavens and the Earth in six days and rested on the seventh day, marking it as a day of rest (Genesis 1; 2:1-2). Seven is notably significant in the Bible, appearing over 700 times. Similarly, the number nine is associated with completeness in the grace and power of God in scriptural contexts. It symbolises forgiveness, compassion, and positive success, according to interpretations by numerologists.
This is a special occasion for the extended family, neighbours, and relatives come together to prepare, serve, and enjoy this meal. As they prepare the lunch, they sing traditional songs known as 'Zotim,' which are prayers for the happiness, longevity of married life, and blessings of children for the engaged couple. In earlier times, the hosting family would hire 'randpinni' from their village or nearby. They are generously compensated and received feni, viddi, sari, gifts from the bride or groom as tokens of appreciation.
On the day of the ceremony, a special mass is held at the local church to honour the souls of the departed. During the lunch, esteemed guests are seated in groups of 20-25 on spacious 'souiem,' which are bamboo mats traditionally used when floors were coated with cow dung. In the past, every family would dry their harvested paddy on these long mats. Each guest receives a 'potravolli,' a plate intricately woven from jackfruit tree leaves and coconut tree sticks ('vir'). Coconut or cashew feni is also served prior to the meal. The bride or groom (in their respective house) overseeing the event serves food on these plates as often as required.
Before serving the guests, it is customary to place a plate outside the house for the crows to eat. Once the crows have consumed the food, the meal is served to the guests. The bride, groom, and their families then graciously serve the food to the invitees as many times as necessary.
The meal typically consists of boiled rice (ukddea tandvanchem xit), pork, beef, fish, 'melgor' (spiced pumpkin or vegetables) and a special curry called 'Samarachi koddi.' This aromatic curry, known for its flavour, is prepared with various spices boiled with dry prawns and mano sol (dry, unripe, salted mango slices). Additionally, 'Vodde' made from rice and urad dal is also offered. After the meal, guests are served a sweet dish ‘Von’ made from gram dal, wheat, or semolina ('soji'), accompanied by a banana. Guests are also offered a cigarette or locally made beedi based on their preference. Parting gift is also presented.
Regrettably, this beautiful tradition is fading with time. If no Bikareanchem Jevonn is given, the bride/groom donates rice and money to the poor. For some, the jevonn has evolved into a meal for relatives, friends, and neighbours held a few days before the wedding. Some couples donate cash to charity instead of hosting this meal which required a lot of preparation. The good thing is that many brides and grooms still love to follow this Goan custom in the villages.
(The author is a Scientist and a freelancer)
