There is a buzz of excitement in the air as an atmosphere of
zealous preparation and frenzied practices is witnessed on the campus of one of
Goa’s premier institutes, Nirmala Institute of Education. The institute is all
set to host the 4th edition of Abolianchem Fest on March 4 from 10 am to 5pm at
the NIE Grounds, Altinho, Panjim. Every year, the theme of the festival is one
that resonates with the Goan ethos. In 2018, the focus was on the significance
of the ‘Abolim, the emphasis was on the coconut tree in 2019 while in 2020 the
fest was about ‘Goenchim Matti’. The theme chosen for this year’s festivities,
is ‘Water- the Elixir of Life,’ which will include a thematic display of the
scientific and cultural elements of water.
“This year, we decided to focus on water
as it plays an important role in giving society, its cultural identity – be it
in the area of faith and traditions, trade and occupations, health and
well-being, leisure and literature. It is a matter of very grave concern that
six of the major rivers of our state are highly contaminated with garbage and
untreated/ partially treated sewage that is discharged into the rivers. It is
high time we created an awareness among our people about the importance of
water and the need to conserve it for our own survival.” explained Dr Delia
Antao, officiating principal.
The genesis of the festival can be traced to the English
projects of Sharmila Veloso, former assistant professor in English methodology,
who was one of the pioneering forces behind this celebration. Since 2001, it
was known as the Goa Day celebrations which encompassed a myriad of events
focusing on the rich cultural heritage of Goa. In 2018, through the impetus and
efforts of Festakar Marius Fernandes a unique festival was born. “This festival
is an expressive way to celebrate our glorious Goan heritage, culture and
traditions and hopefully the future teachers of Nirmala Institute of Education
will take a little of Goa from this fest wherever they teach or travel across
the globe” says Marius.
The festival is organised in collaboration with the Department
of Art and Culture, Government of Goa and aims at reviving the traditions and
culture of Goa by celebrating its dance, music, arts, crafts and theatre of the
yesteryears. The students and faculty members are also filled with excitement
as the institute approaches its 60 years celebration this June. The festivities
entail various exhibits and props centered around the main theme of water,
musical performances, folk dances.
The fest also includes interviews of eminent alumni of the
institute Chandrakant Shinde, Cheryl de Melo e Noronha and Elvis Goes and a
prominent farmer Varad Samant. Elements of the Goan theatre form such as street
play and Khel tiatrs will surface in the dramatic performances put forth by the
students. A variety of stalls showcasing various traditional plants including
the famed abolim and medicinal plants will be displayed. The potential and
creativity of the teacher trainees will surface in the form of captivating
stalls of handicrafts such as theme-based fridge magnets, crochet articles,
candle stands and other handmade items. “Students have highlighted the
significance of recycling through the creative items made of upcycled bottles
upcycled bottles- planters, decoupage and eco-friendly outdoor decorations”
voices Raymond Pereira, assistant professor in Visual Arts.
The preparations commenced for an entire month. The campus has a
transformed look as teacher trainees and students learn the skills of
traditional mollam weaving, immersing themselves in folk dance forms such as
Kalshi Fugdi, playing and understanding the games of our forefathers. “Our
teacher trainees have played a pivotal role in preparing for the upcoming
Abolianchem Fest. They’ve added a fresh perspective, zest and enthusiasm to the
entire planning process,” expresses Sr Millie Pereira, assistant professor in
English methodology.
Over a 100 female teacher trainees are being trained by renowned
ghumot player Carlos Gonsalves who has provided the teacher trainees with all
the necessary information such as the make and the rhythm and has been training
students for the past three editions as well. “I’ve had five sessions with the
team so far and the girls are wholeheartedly learning the art of the ghumot. In
a short span of time, they have picked the skill and are playing the beat with
the melody and musicians. They have so much potential” says Carlos. The mission
that Carlos has is a dream of promoting the ghumot, the world over.
The event will also witness a brass band which will be led by
Maestri Philip Peixoto who has been a part of the fest since the last three
editions. In the past, renowned artists such as cartoonist Alexyz,
environmental activist Tallulah D’Silva, educator Glenis Mendonca, singer Oluv
and many others have been associated with the fest.
Nophia Carvalho one of the teacher trainees who will be
demonstrating the traditional games spoke of the variety of games that the
festival will display. The games that would be demonstrated would be Kombbea
zuz, Ringani, Boddeani and Khambiani. While in the recreational area one could
partake in games such as Tablam, Fatrani, Goddeani and Lobeo. “I was able to
teach the traditional game of tablam to my classmates from the knowledge passed
to me by members of my society. Tablam is an local form of snakes and ladders
played on a wooden platform with the help of four sticks.” A game that was once
very popular in Salcete is being revived through this fest.
Swizel Pereira is a teacher trainee who was introduced to the
folk-dance forms of Mussoll and Chapay for the first time. “Through Abolianchem
Fest, we are given an opportunity to revive our culture and traditions as well
as learn the significance of both folk dance forms. As a future teacher, this
will also help me to pass on these beautiful traditions to the coming
generation of students” she states.
The institution houses a pre-primary section whose tiny tots will
be performing a drill at the Abolianchem Fest for the very first time. “The
young ones are thrilled at the prospect of performing the drill, they also
participated in the colouring of the logo and the videos made by the media
team” expresses Sr Gracia Lobo, who heads the pre-primary section. The media
and publicity team has been instrumental in creating awareness and spreading
the enthusiasm about the event through their fascinating reels and videos that
have been showcased on the institute’s social media pages.
Alumna of the institute Ana Fay de Souza, who participated in
the very first Abolanchem Fest expresses, “Having been a part of it was a
living experience of the yesteryears and a memory to be cherished forever.” The
festival has played a crucial role in the shaping young teachers who take the
ethos of the land to the various institutes they are employed in. Another
Alumnus Dale Dias, who was a part of the Cantaram group nostalgically recalled
the month-long preparation that went into the event and the Mando that he and
his group composed, “It was quite a task juggling submissions and preparations.
I’m quite elated to be going back as a spectator this time” says Dale.
Every year, teacher trainees from the institute intern at
various schools of Goa. This year, most of those schools will be participating
in competitions organised for them in the form of an exciting treasure hunt and
a poster competition. Colleges too will be provided a platform through a
photography competition and a costume competition exhibiting costumes made of
waste collected from water bodies.
Attendees
are welcome to come to witness the magic that will unfurl in the form of
dances, songs and dramatic performances. The demonstration of the age-old games
will bring back cherished childhood memories. The Goa Day Celebrations that
started as an idea have now blossomed into a movement to treasure the very
essence of Goa.
