What started
out as a small idea has turned into a movement. One that covers the breadth and length of the state.
It also covers all the elements true to Goa and Goa’s culture, so much so that
several forgotten traditions and customs of the state have been brought back to
life.
It brings together
people of Goa, from various communities and backgrounds, to curate and
celebrate festivals, throughout the year. The man behind this idea of coming up
with a calendar of Goan festivals is none other than Goemcho Festamkar (Goa’s
Festival Man) Marius Fernandes.
“Seventeen years ago,
when I started this, it was about doing something for the people, by the people
and of the people. An eco friendly festival with no alcohol, no chief guest, no
competitions, no prizes and no sponsors; it was just to create awareness about
the many facets of Goa and the Goan way of life,” says Marius.
Over the last two
decades, these festivals have collectively become a brand by itself, where you
have a blend of various activities that promote things like the ghumott,
organic farming, traditional dance forms and folklore, fruits and Goan foods,
bread and toddy, and much more.
“Goychem Jevon (Goan
food), Konkkni Gitam (Konkani songs), Guhmtancho Gaaz ani Naaz (dancing to the
beats of the ghumott, these are some of the features of these festivals,” says
Marius, who is perennially clad in his famous shorts and slippers at all
events, meetings and festivals.
So far, his
trailblazing stint has been about conceptualising these events but now he feels
it is time to hand over the reins to others. He points out that anyone and any
group that has the interest and passion can do it. “Through these festivals, I
wanted to show that when a group applies their mind, there can be no
obstacles,” he says, while pointing out that there used to be doubts about
resource mobilisation, be it volunteers or materials.
“One of the most
important aspects of these festivals is that they are driven by the energy of
the volunteers. With it, everything else falls in place,” he adds.
Having set up the
model for these festivals and worked with institutions and village based
communities, Marius is set for another chapter in his personal life but will
continue to stay connected and monitor these festivals. While he will be moving
out of the country for some time, his friends and those who have worked with
him at these festivals have decided to organise ‘one last hurray’ – the
Festamkarachem Fest in his honour.
“I personally invite
all my friends and fans of our festivals around Goa, one last time, to the
beautiful village of Socorro for the Festamkarchem Fest, supported by Fr
Santana Carvalho and Socorro Socio-Art and Cultural Association, Socorro/
Porvorim. I would like to thank the countless friends who have been kind enough
to document the many festivals in a book with beautiful photographs and
articles. The book will be available at the Fest on January 28, 2018, from 11am
to 3pm,” says Marius.
Stating that he is
overwhelmed by this gesture, Marius adds that he is very happy that all the
festivals and the people behind the festivals are coming together on one
platform as this would mark the new chapter for such festivals in Goa.
He also adds that
each festival had its own uniqueness, be it the Muzgachem Fest, Ekvottachem
Fest, Patoienchem Fest, Poderanchem Fest, Ghumtanchem Fest , Ramponnkaranchem
Fest or the upcoming Abolianchem Fest. “What is great about these festivals is
how we now have an audience not just at the festival itself but a following
across the world,” he adds, expressing happiness that the objective of the
festival to build curiosity amongst Goans about their roots and traditions was
met.
Now that he has set
the ball rolling, Marius believes the best tribute will be to watch the
progress these festivals make in the future.
“So
many people, of all ages, have learned how to do this. The seeds have been
sowed, and this generation will pass on the fruits of the generations gone by,”
he concludes.
