The renowned Jatrotsav of Goddess Shree Devi Kelbai, the presiding deity of Mulgaon village in Bicholim taluka, was celebrated with deep devotion and traditional fervour, drawing thousands of devotees from across the state.
Popularly known as the ‘Pethechi Jatra’, the annual festival holds immense cultural and religious significance in Goa. The day began with a series of rituals performed at the temple, setting a spiritual tone for the celebrations.
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In the afternoon, devotees known as Dhonds, who observe ritualistic vows, took a holy dip in the sacred temple tank located adjacent to the shrine before proceeding for the Goddess’s darshan. The temple premises later came alive as the Dhonds performed energetic and vibrant dances inside the pavilion, moving in rhythm to drum beats while chanting ‘Har Har’, captivating the large gathering of devotees.
At midnight, in the presence of village dignitaries (Mankaris) from Mulgaon and neighbouring Mayem, ritualistic supplications known as Garhane were offered. Following this, during the divine trance (Avsar), the Goddess—symbolically represented in the form of the Peth—began her ceremonial procession towards Mayem.
The procession passed through Vhalshi, Borde, and Bicholim before reaching Mayem in the early hours of the morning.
The festivities concluded with the traditional Kaulotsav ritual, where divine counsel is sought, marking the ceremonial end of the Jatrotsav after the Peth returned to Mulgaon.
