These have been rather strange and worrying times. Communal riots in parts of the country and in Goa, political leaders trying to vitiate the atmosphere. However the people of the State have displayed what they are made of. This week three major festivals across three major religions are being celebrated. Eid is being celebrated by the Muslims, Milagres feast in Mapusa by the Christians and the Shirgao jatra has commenced which brings Hindus together from all over the state. The peaceful nature of the proceedings was no surprise to the residents of Goa.
A devotee attending the Milagres feast said many people come in faith with garlands and they want to show they enjoy good health because of their prayers. He said it was fantastic to be back here because for two years it was not possible due to the virus to have the gathering.
Sandeep Kotecha a professional from the film industry said “Goans of all religions are celebrating festivals like Eid which is celebrated by Muslims, feast of Our Lady of Miracles by Catholics and the zatra of Bicholim is celebrated by Hindus. Goa, he said, was a peaceful place but politicians were creating differences in the name of religion. He said “What you get here you will never get elsewhere in the world. I wish all the 3 communities’ celebration of festivals all the very best.”
Swapnaa Puujari a marketing professional had very clear ideas of what it meant to be a Goan. She said, “I am a born Hindu, and very proud about my religion at the same time, ever Since my childhood my parents have taken me to dargah for prayers, I have attended mass and light candles in front of cross often, I studied in a convent and as a kid I never felt we are any different, We were taught by our elders that there is one god in many forms, it is important to respect one’s views, if we can’t support it we must not try to disturb one’s belief, Goa is and has been a harmonious place to live and I wish and pray to god that it remains this way Wishing all the readers Happy Eid, feast of Milagros and Akshaya trithiya.”
Parag Loliyekar, an entrepreneur, felt Goa was a model state for communal harmony. He said “We have individuals with vested interests trying to disturb this harmony amongst the varied community but belief of Goan people has always over powered these negativities. We Goans visit all our friends during festivals, irrespective religion and cast. The best practices by Goans need to be promoted in the entire country and we will have peace and harmony within all of us in India”.
For Dr Lloyd De Souza had a very interesting take on what it meant to be Goan and to live in Goa. He said “We Goans are like a pack of magical crayons. Individually unique, but when put together the picture is magical. We get a combination of communal harmony, kindness and peace. We just need a reason to celebrate life and these festivals provide just that”.
Beverly Mendes was blunt when she said “Goa loves to celebrate in her beauty and diversity. We won’t let anyone take that away from us. The future is inclusive”.
Heta Pandit author and long time resident in Goa said “It’s no coincidence! We celebrate all the festivals with our neighbours and friends. There’s no denying that we are a syncretic society. Our deep rooted traditions are carried forward from one generation to the next and from one culture to another. It’s in our DNA. It’s part of our collective memory”.
One can only sincerely hope this remains because without its syncretism, Goa will not be the same.
