CUNCOLIM: In a remarkable display of communal harmony, Cuncolim sets an example for unity as Catholic priests are extended invitations for the traditional zatra, while Hindus are invited to the upcoming Catholic feast.
As the zatrotsava of Shantadurga Kunkalikarin commences on January 15, representatives of the twelve clans, known as Vangdi Gaonkars or Barah Vangadh, along with the temple committee, extended a special invitation to the Catholic priests associated with the Our Lady of Health Church in Cuncolim. The invitation was presented through Parish Priest Fr Edmond Barretto, in the presence of Confraria president Irineo Coutinho, Chieftain Memorial Trust president Oscar Martins and Wendy Gomes.
Mhal (Head) Gaonkar Deepak Desai personally urged Fr Barretto and Irineo to join the zatra, while appealing to other Christian brethren to partake in the celebration.
Earlier, representatives of the church committee visited the Shantadurga Kunkalikarin temple to present the first invitation for the Our Lady of Health feast on February 2. The invitation was extended to all twelve clans and the temple committee. In a symbolic gesture of unity, the church representatives presented an invitation and a sari to the Goddess Shantadurga at the temple.
Oscar Martins expressed pride in their shared Desai ancestry, highlighting that despite following different religions, the sense of brotherhood prevails.
“Though we are Christians today, we take pride in the fact that our ancestors were Desai,” said Martins. Mhal Gaonkar Deepak Desai highlighted that, historically, Hindus and Christians were united before the arrival of the Portuguese, and the message of unity they showcase continues to inspire. He added that they would participate in 12 different church feasts celebrated in their locality this year.
Catholic Cunkolkar to release musical tribute to Goddess Shantadurga
Former Superintendent of Police and Cuncolim resident Sammy Tavares will add a musical touch to the celebrations at Shree Shantadurga Kunkallikarin Zatra with the release of his special Konkani song. The song will be officially presented at the Shantadurga temple on Monday, in the presence of twelve Vangods representatives and members of the Devasthan committee.
Renowned for his directorial contributions to tiatr and his previous hit song ‘Mahan Kunkolcho Ganv’, which was very popular on YouTube, Tavares, a longtime devotee of Goddess Shantadurga, aims to capture the essence of the zatra through his latest musical offering.
Former Superintendent of Police and Cuncolim resident Sammy Tavares will add a musical touch to the celebrations at Shree Shantadurga Kunkallikarin Zatra with the release of his special Konkani song. The song will be officially presented at the Shantadurga temple on Monday, in the presence of twelve Vangods representatives and members of the Devasthan committee.
Renowned for his directorial contributions to tiatr and his previous hit song ‘Mahan Kunkolcho Ganv’, which was very popular on YouTube, Tavares, a longtime devotee of Goddess Shantadurga, aims to capture the essence of the zatra through his latest musical offering.
