Team Herald

PONDA: The steep rise in prices of essential items has impacted the Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations of Vanarmare Tribe forcing them to shorten the festivities by two days to five days; though their festive spirit and excitement have remained unaffected.

The Vanarmare Tribe lives in Bethora jungle; they used to celebrate Ganesh Festival for seven day; but since last couple of years, they have curtailed their celebrations two days owing to the rising cost of goods.

While most Goans spend thousands of rupees on the celebrations which include painting and decorating their houses, shopping, preparing/buying expensive sweets, the Vanarmare community celebrates the festival only with devotion to the elephant-headed god.

Around 80-100 people of the Vanarmare tribe live in 17 huts in Bethora jungle, where they have installed Ganesh idol in a hut. 

The plight of Vanarmare Tribe came to focus in 2016 when on the eve of Diwali celebrations some unknown people damaged 13 of their huts. Following this, some NGOs approached the Human Right Commission which directed the government to provide them at least basic facilities. However, the living condition of this tribe has not improved much since then.

The Vanarmare community members say that their dream is getting proper houses, poverty alleviation, education and jobs. “We want our children protected from rains, wind and sun,” said a community leader.