Team Herald
PANJIM: While the whiff of patriotism in the Goan air could be abundantly experienced on August 15, the aroma of the freshest of seafood delicacies in Ribandar fought in close competition.
Like every year, the good folks of Ribandar held the 18th edition of the annual All Goa Fishing Competition and Sea Food Festival, thereby celebrating a piece of tradition embedded in the Goan soil.
Organised by the fishing enthusiasts of Ribandar, along with the Ribandar Fisherman Association, and in collaboration with Rotary Club of Porvorim, and Herald Publications, the event was an occasion to celebrate the true Goemkarponn by coming together and celebrating the good life.
The function was held in the memory of the late Gabriel Rodrigues, who was a member of the Ribandar Fisherman Association. Gabriel was posthumously honoured and his widow, who was present, was handed a cheque of Rs 1 lakh. He was insured as per the insurance policy scheme launched by Ribandar Fisherman Association that protects the kin of fishermen who are victims of fatal accidents at sea. While this was a collective effort, the tireless work of Michael Fernandes, who takes the initiative to organise this event annually, needs special mention.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Guest, Sujay Gupta, Group Editor Herald Publications, spoke about how traditional fishermen and their occupation were at the core of the spirit of Goem, Goenkar and Goenkarponn. “Goa’s progress cannot be isolated from their needs, demands and necessities. Even in their battle with the big trawlers and mechanised fishing, traditional and small fishermen need our support,” he said.
Ribandar resident and activist lawyer Aires Rodrigues, the Guest of Honour, spoke about the needs of the village and the apathy and neglect the area has faced though it adjoins Panjim and urged Herald to highlight issues of Ribandar more extensively. He said, “Herald is the true watchdog of Goem, Goenkar and Goenkarponn.”
The Additional Commissioner Customs, I R Gajalaskhmi (IRS) was also present at the function as a Special Guest.
The competition commenced at noon and with the flagging off of the competition, participants started rushing to the judges to register their respective catch. And while the competition kept things busy in the afternoon, the delicacies at the seafood festival gave the locals, and tourists alike, a ‘taste’ of the wholesome Goan culinary experience.
The stalls were seen serving Recheado Mackerels, Prawns Ambotik, Prawns Caldeen, Prawn Xecxec, Sardines, Fish Curry and Rice, Chicken Xacuti, Pulao, Chicken Kebabs and a Pure Vegetarian Thali.
