Goans flock to villages
for Chovoth
PTI,
Panaji
19 September 2007
Urban areas in Goa are wearing a deserted look with most
Goans going to their native places to join the ten-day Ganesh
Chaturthi festivities.
With the beginning of Ganpati revelry in the coastal state,
it's time for homecoming for many. The festival, which began
on September 15, has 70 per cent of the Hindu population in
Goa getting busy with worshipping their favourite diety.
The capital city of Panaji is almost isolated with offices
and other establishments closed till Tuesday.
The elephant headed god is worshipped in almost all households
here and nuclear family units in the city rush back to their
villages to enjoy the traditional rustic atmosphere welcoming
the lord.
Fugadi, a traditional folk-dance is performed in all the
households while the aroma of sweets engulfs most kitchens.
"This is the time when I return back home and try to
catch up with my friends," Ramarao Borkar, a 60-year-old
professional, who lives in Mumbai and returns to his home
town Borim in North Goa, told PTI.
"This, once-a-year meeting brings back lot of childhood
memories wherein we used to go around the houses to see ganesh
idols," he says.
Contrary to the tradition in rest of the country, large amount
of fire crackers are burnt during Ganesh Chaturthi, the system
which is usually synonymous with Diwali.
For many, the festival will culminate this evening after
two days of ganesh idol worship while elaswwhere it will continue
for five days or even ten days.
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