There are many who speak about the values of Goenkarponn but there are a few that genuinely walk
the talk. Over the last few years, a template has been created, to revive and
celebrate the Goan way of life, traditions, folklore of the state, through a
variety oof themed cultural festivals.
And as each of these festivals grow bigger and bigger, it
creates awareness among the public especially the youth. This was seen at the
colourful Aboliachem Fest, which was not only rich in local flavours but
also paved the way for the future, by training young festakars. This was
also the first festival without the original festakar of Goa -Marius
Fernandes; who has been associated with all such festivals and whose indelible
mark was very much a part of this fest. Besides, the likes of O’luv Rodriguez,
Miguel Braganza, Clarice Vaz, ALexys, Wilfred Goes, Dr Glenis Mendonsa and many
more helped make this a spectacular event.
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An event that celebrated old Goan traditions, games, dances,
music and flowers, the Aboliachem Fest, held at Nirmala Institute of
Education, captured the Goan ethos brilliantly and was a vivid and vibrant
display of Goan culture
From dancing to the beats of the ‘Musal’ dance, to participating
in traditional games like ‘logoria’ (seven tiles), Hopscotch Cock fight,
‘Biyani’, ‘ringani’, ‘fatarani’, ‘bangle bits’, ‘lensani’ and ‘gilli-danda’
(‘Koyandi-bal’), the festival had singing and other performing events had it all.
Moreover, Lemon grass tea, Goan Sannas and ‘Penagre’, and other Goan delicacies
were a big draw. The creativity of the students and the staff was seen through
their artworks like Abolim lanterns, fridge magnets, sea shells, hair bands
which turned out to be a big hit with the audience at the Abolianchem Fest.
The programme also included the performance of a brass band,
dances like Dhalo and Fugdi, Cantaram, interviews with eminent
Goans, Ghumat and rhythms, tiatr, talk on medicinal plants and
demonstration on making Abolim garlands and Mollam.
The
objective of the Aboliachem Fest, a rechristened name for Goa Day, was
to document, generate knowledge, sharing for a sustainable living for the
present and future generation through a revival of art, craft, traditions, Goan
food and dance forms unique to the state of Goa.
