In the quaint village of Ganapoga-Raia, a house called ‘Devagharr’ stands out as a hub for a unique family tradition. Prakash Fernandes, aged 30, and his wife Linda continue the age-old practice of meticulously crafting religious statues from wood, a fading art in contemporary times due to its rarity and expense.
Prakash, who learned the craft from his father Fermino at the age of 18, dedicates long hours to maintaining this traditional skill. ‘Devagharr’ now showcases an array of religious artifacts, including statues of Christ Jesus, the Virgin Mary, various saints, the Crucifix, and an ongoing depiction of the Last Supper.
Commencing his work at 8 am and often concluding as late as 11 pm, Prakash’s schedule is dictated by the volume of orders and delivery deadlines. His hand-carved wooden statues grace several Goan Churches, including those in Fatorda and Loutolim, as well as churches in Mumbai and other parts of India. Notably, a seven-foot statue of St. Francis Xavier crafted by Prakash adorns the St James Church in the United Kingdom.
While his art involves traditional techniques, Prakash occasionally employs an electric grinder for final touches. Speaking about the craft, he emphasizes the importance of patience, time, commitment, concentration, and dedication, all of which contribute to the intricate detailing of the statues.
Despite the accolades and orders flooding in from various parts of the country, Prakash expresses concern about the dwindling interest among the youth to pursue this unique occupation. Trained apprentices often quit after three months, citing the demanding nature of the work. Prakash, however, remains steadfast, asserting that hard work ultimately yields rewards.
Beyond sculpting religious statues, Prakash extends his creativity to crafting decorative vases from discarded roots and branches of trees. When not immersed in woodwork, he tends to his buffaloes and cows in the adjacent cattle shed.
Prakash credits his continued dedication to the unwavering support of priests and well-wishers. While he thrives on preserving this traditional art form, he hopes for a renewed interest from the younger generation to ensure the legacy endures.
