The Festival of Flags is here in Piedade – Divar

The Piedade Youth Association and the village of Divar are gearing up to celebrate the 35th Traditional flag festival ‘Bonderam’ on August 25, 2018 at 3pm onwards. It’s the fourth Saturday of August and as the annual tradition goes, the island of Divar in Goa comes alive as ‘Bonderam’ is celebrated to usher in ‘Novidade’, which villagers observe as a harvest festival on the next day (Sunday). At the harvest festival, the sheaves of the first paddy crop are ceremoniously cut and brought to the church as a thanksgiving offering to God. This quiet little island is located at a distance of 12 kilometers from Panjim, you can reach Divar by ferry from Old Goa or Ribandar. Earlier, it was the frequent disputes which occurred between two wards (section of the village) – Piedade and Sao Mathias – over property matters often led to bloody duels, and sometimes death. Subsequently, the Portuguese introduced a system of demarcation of boundaries with flags of various nations. However, the rival groups would knock down the flags with stones to show their protest. Bonderam was then celebrated in memory of these protests by the various Communidades and was confined to parading the different countries flags fixed atop bamboo stems and preceded by a brass band. On the day of Bonderam, the quaint land of Divar, away from the hustle and bustle of Panjim, is agog with excitement. The festival of Bonderam is unique to the island of Divar and is celebrated with much fervor and enthusiasm. The event kicks off with traditional flag march through the village and this is followed by the colorful tableau of exotic floats which is put forth by the talented villagers by six wards from the village. Adding to the flavor of the festival is the vibrant and pulsating performances by Goa’s top musicians, bands, and entertainers throughout the evening. The association strives to bring in at the Bonderam, not only the tourists but also the Divarkars who have settled in various parts of Goa, and in the world to enjoy a day of unity and brotherhood. The celebrations on the island will begin as early as 5am with the Alvorad by the brass band. The flag parade from the Club House en route Communidade of Goltim/Navelim to Vitozem, will begin at 3:30pm followed by the All Goa Fancy Dress Competition, float parade of six wards will showcase their float, music and dancing talent. The float parade will begin at 4pm with the Premiero ward float followed by Vitozem ward, Divar Centre ward, Jingle Bells ward, Romantic ward and Maddant Stars ward. The music for the night will be performed by Goan bands, True Blue and NH17. The Chief Guest will be Governor of Goa, Mridula Sinha and the SBI officials will be the guests of Honor. The compere will be RJ Jessica Sharma. A lucky coupon draw will also be held.