SIOLIM/PERNEM: The worship of Ganesh idols during Chaturthi is the common ritual in Goa. However, Chodankar families from Siolim and those who have migrated to other villages, towns and city in the State worship Shankar-Parvati along with Lord Ganesh.
The tradition of worshipping Ganesh and his parents is years old in Ramtariwada, Oxel and is observed by 22 houses. Out of 22, 17 families worship Shankar-Parvati alongside Ganesh while the rest five venerate only Shankar-Parvati.
The ward has a tradition of celebrating Chaturthi for one and a half day one year and five days the next year. The Chaturthi this year at Ramtariwada was observed for one and a half day.
"We don't really know since when exactly the tradition of worshipping Shankar-Parvati along with Ganesh came into practice but we have continued with the same. In our waddo, this tradition is observed only by the Chodankar families. One can also notice that the same tradition is followed by families with the same surname who reside outside Oxel as well," said one of the locals Sarvesh Chodankar.
Meanwhile, another Chodankar family from Chopdem, Pernem who originally hail from Gudem, Siolim have also maintained this tradition.