Revelry marks Malar Bonderam

OLD GOA, AUG 21
The Divar Island was abuzz with revelry on Saturday, as large numbers of people witnessed the Annual Malar Bonderam festival with traditional fervour.
The Malar Bonderam Festival started of with the march past parade, which included flag bearers carrying the Indian tri-colour, Portugal flag and the Malar Youth Association flag, accompanied by a brass band.
This was followed by the All Goa Fancy Dress Competition and Coconut Breaking competition, known as Katoddeo.
“This year’s Bonderam Festival was of more of family floats, especially with the Family Dress Competition which was different from other Bonderams, which we normally had for so many years,” remarked William Anes, president of Malar Sports Club, organisers of the Malar Bonderam.
The competitions were followed by the float parade put up by the five groups from Divar, consisting of ‘Lognachi Famil’ (Amboi), followed by others wards from Amboi, Goddar, Churchward and Nagoa.
Minister for Water Resources Felipe Neri Rodrigues was the chief guest at the function, while the guest of honour was Cumbarjua MLA Pandurang Madkaikar.
Speaking on the Occasion, Rodrigues said: “I congratulate the organizers of the festival, as Bonderam gives an opportunity to talented people to come and display their talent.”
When asked about his reaction to agricultural lands being converted into commercial complexes, he said: “I would appeal to the people that through this ancient Bonderam festival, people from the State should not keep their land fallow. People should cultivate the land to ensure that greedy people do not grab it for their own vested interests.”
Cumbarjua MLA Pandurang Madkaikar stated that Bonderam is known all over the world where people from all religions participate in the festival every year.
“Bonderam has been an old tradition which has to be kept alive by people from all walks of life. Even the state government has tried to help the Malarkars to organize the festival in the best possible way,” said Madkaikar.
Old Goa Police had made elaborate security and transport arrangements to ensure the peaceful celebration of the Bonderam festival in the island.