Ardent Madgaokars hope history & faith will allow this year’s Zambaulecho gulal

Will it, won’t it are questions that are being routinely asked in this day and age as the virus has taken over as the final arbiter. And a celestial date with Lord Damodar) is no exception. The Zambaulim Temple Management commitee has stated that Gulal Utsav at Zambaulim would be called off but there is still speculation as to whether it will still be held with all the sops being followed since it is not the committee but the Margao based Mathagramasth Hindu Sabha which organises the Shigmo festivities that encompasses the Zambaulim Gulal festival. Bhai Naik the head of the Mathagramasth Hindu Sabha told Herald Cafe that the head of the temple committee would be sending him a letter soon about their decision. He said “Shigmo is organized by the Mathagramasth Hindu Sabha and more specifically people from Margao. We explained that we would follow all the sops. In the first meeting we were not interested in organising the Gulal utsav in full swing but we would do it as per the sops of the government. There was a difference of opinion with regards to some religious rituals having to be done. We said we had the puja and God wanted us to do all the rituals. We said the Gulal Utsav will be limited and we will follow all the rituals as per the instructions of Lord Damodar. We will not take a step beyond that. We suggested a joint Prasad so that Gid would show us the way and help us decide whether we do the Shigmo or not. They promised to revert in three days, which is today (Thursday). I am confident they will revert with a positive decision”. Asked what would be his course if they reverted with a no, he said they would call for a general body meeting on Monday. He said various zatra’s like the Mangeshi Zatra were on. The subject has certainly generated discussion. Shailesh Naik, a businessman said whatever religious activities had to be conducted should be done by the temple committee and the Margao Mathagramasth and the general public should not be allowed. He said “Don’t invite the general public. People from various religions visit Zambaulim. I will not go, I will go one day ahead of the celebrations and avoid the crowds”. Abhishek kakodkar, a businessman, was blunt when he said it should happen. He explained his stance by saying “Offices have started, markets has started, the Carnival was held and why not. Ok it was a bit low key but why not. Everything is open so then Shigmo and gulal should happen. I was at a function recently where there were around 800-1000 people in an area. If such functions can take place, then Shigmo and gulal should happen.” Prakash Kunde President of Zambolim Devastham said a meeting was held on Feb 8th with the Mathagramasth and they informed them of the way to celebrate this year. He said “They accepted all the conditions and then on Feb 11 they had a press conference and informed everyone they were going to celebrate in a larger way like every other year.” On the 8th it was decided to not have any cultural programs, no ferry and no Mahaprasad lunch. Importantly Gulal would be very limited without crowds. Either way one hopes that a considered decision is taken keeping all points of view in mind.