SIOLIM: The annual festival of Zagor was celebrated with great pomp in Siolim, on Monday. Thousands of Christian and Hindu devotees from across Goa flocked to the festival.
The feast of the Jagreshwar Devasthan at Dando, Siolim symbolises Hindu-Christian unity. This is a temple without an idol and thousands come to seek the blessings of an invisible god.
The ‘Zagor’ festival has a cultural and religious significance and brings together two main religious communities of Goa. It is held on the first Monday after Christmas. On the night of the Zagor, devotees offer oil, candles and garlands to the invisible god.
It is a night vigil which begins with prayers at the ‘mand’ (a sacred spot in the village), from where the torchlight procession called ‘mashal’ proceeds to the stage to enact a form of Goan folk drama to the beat of the ghumot. This dance-drama has all local actors in it and is written as well as directed by the locals. This vigil finally concludes at daybreak.
Thousands of devotees come to fulfill their vows, seek favours and stay in the temple vicinity till late in the night. There is also a big fair which is open the entire the day.
During this festival there is a provision for food made in every house. The poor as well as the upper caste communities partake in each other’s meal and sit together.
A local from Siolim, Paulo Correia told Herald that he has been attending this festival since last several years. “The amount of people that flock to this place is unbelievable. People come with wishes and problems which are solved 110 percent. The visitors can enter anyone’s house and have a wonderful meal on this day. All caste and creed is forgotten for this day and everyone is welcomed. People go up to Malvan and Margao to buy fish. On this occasion alcohol is served to the people,” Paulo said.
