Team Herald
MARGAO: Three Salcete villages of Assolna, Ambelim and Velim that are dominated by the fishing community will celebrate the traditional Sangodd to mark the feast of St Peter with a lot of pomp and gaiety.
On this day, instead of venturing out to catch fish, the fishermen tie traditional wooden canoes together to form the Sangodd and the locals chant ‘Viva Sao Pedro’ as it ventures into the river.
Palm leaves and other flora are used to decorate the Sangodd which is made to resemble a chapel and the day also marks the feast of St Paul.
This has been celebrated across Goa over the last 150 years in other places like Ribandar and Candolim as the fishermen in Goa consider June 29 as the sacred day which has been traditionally dedicated to their patron saint, St Peter.
The Sangodd is celebrated at Assolna at round 2.30 pm along the river Sal at three different places. The first point is at the jetty behind the Church, the next one is at Collean Dando at Assolna and the third one is at Ambelim. The fishing boats together and a stage is erected on board the raft. Various artistes sing on these Sangodds which draws a large crowd along the banks of the river.
Once the gathered crowd is entertained enough, the Sangodd moves to another location to regale another section of the crowd at another point down the river. After the first point, five more stops are made as the artistes perform much to the excitement and thrill of the large gathered crowds.
Young and the old participate in the celebration after the Sangodd ventures in the river Sal following blessings by the priests.
