Padvo, a cow
Puja ritual associated with Diwali, was performed in Goa with gratitude and worship of cattle for their
assistance in a great harvest. Cattle were washed and decorated with rice flour
batter, garlands and hanging flowers known as ‘gone’. The rim of a steel glass
or a small pot was dipped in the batter and used to decorate the cow’s body. A
‘tika’ was then placed on the cattle and the ‘puja’ was conducted the same
manner it would be conducted for a goddess.
Another
equally important festival, ‘Dhendlo’, dedicated to Lord Krishna, who is the
companion of cowherds. An idol of Lord Krishna in the form of ‘Dhendlo’ was
carried on the head of a villager from house to house in the shape of a box
called ‘Devaro’ to the beats of the ‘dhol’ and ‘tashe’. He was welcomed in
every home with the washing of his feet, application of kumkum on his forehead
and offering of flowers and produce like rice, jaggery and coconuts.
