Dolcy D’Cruz
Still nestled in green pastures is
the picturesque island of
Divar; it was, after
all, a land of farmers who took great pride in their traditional
occupation. Still keeping this love of their forefathers alive is the Bonderam
festival that will be
celebrated this Saturday.
What’s even more interesting about this festival is that it
is not just surviving but thriving
with new energy as the
youngsters of the island join in every year. No matter how far the people of
Divar might have moved to,
they are always home for Bonderam. A week prior to the festivities, one will find children and
grandchildren travelling across the neighbourhood to get their routines set for
Bonderam. Everyone,
from the young to the young at heart, are busy at work,
eager to be a part of the festival, no matter what the responsibilities.
Right from sewing the costumes for the dancers and participants, to creating
the decoration for the floats and setting up a dance routine for the procession,
the island is buzzing with activity.
Matias Fernandes now lives in Central London in the United Kingdom, but Divar is always on his mind. “I lived in Divar during the 1970s and enjoyed every festival
on the island. I have been coming to Goa every year since we moved to the UK, but for the last three years, I plan the visit around Bonderam. I
have been to various carnivals
in Europe but Bonderam is completely different as it is led by the local
community. The festival brings back wonderful old memories of our childhood here and the feeling of
celebrating and preparing for it lends a homely feeling,” says Matias, who will head back to the UK in about a week.
William Anes is the President of the Sao Matias Sports Club that is celebrating its golden jubilee this year. “No
matter where a Divadkar lives, they all come back to Divar for Bonderam. It is
not only Bonderam as those who are living in Panjim and around Divar are here
in their homes over the weekend. It is the place and the people which makes Divar
special,” says William.
Nigel Quadros is a digital marketing entrepreneur based in
Doha, Qatar. He plans
his holidays to spend time in Divar and attend Bonderam, not just as a spectator but also as an enthusiastic participant of the
float procession. “I make it a point to participate in the float. This year
too, we have been practising our dance steps in the evenings, perfecting our routine for the float
competition,” says Nigel.
The Bonderam celebrations include breaking of coconuts
called, ‘kathodio’, and an all-Goa fancy dress
competition with junior and senior categories. This year, the festivities will
conclude with live performances by Kantte ani Fullam, Raagas2Riches and DJ Ryan
Nogar. The show will be compered by Alisha Da Cunha and William Anes. The Chief
Guest will be Power Minister Pandurang
Madkaikar, while Konkani film actress and singer Ester Noronha will be the Guest of
Honour.
Bonderam at Malar, Divar will be celebrated on September 2, 2017, 3pm onwards
