Thousands throng Divar for Bonderam
HERALD CORRESPONDENT
OLD GOA, AUG 28
Thousands of revellers witnessed the annual Bonderam festival organised by the Piedade Youth Association at Divar on Saturday.
Bonderam derives its name from the Portuguese word ‘Bondera’ signifying flags and is celebrated every year on the fourth Saturday of August.
The Bonderam festival began with the march past which consisted of a number of flags, including the Indian tri-colour, Portugal flag and the Piedade Youth Association flag.
The march past was accompanied by a brass band and this was followed by the all-Goa Fancy Dress competition.
Though Tourism Minister Nilkhant Halarnkar was to be the chief guest for the festival and Cumbarjua MLA Pandurang Madkaikar the guest of honour, both Halarnkar and Madkaikar did not attend the function due to the state mourning over the demise of veteran writer Ravindra Kelekar.
The other guest of honour, former minister Nirmala Sawant, said the Bonderam had kept alive Goa’s rich traditional culture, even though the State had changed over the years.
Later, the floats were presented by the five groups of Divar. The ‘Stars and Goan Artifacts’ float by Romantic won the first prize, followed by ‘Amchea Purvozacho Dondo’ by Vitojem (second),
‘Gavan Gauia Vazoia Nachuia’ by Maddant (third), ‘African Culture, the Rhythm of Unity’ by Premeiro (fourth) and ‘Sports and Youth Power’ by Divar Centre (fifth).
As the floats wended their way through the main road, the crowds lined on both sides of the street cheered the participants by chanting “Viva Bonderam” and dancing on the tunes of the music.
Said Goltim-Navelim Sarpanch Mario Pinto: “The Bonderam festival is a festival of joy, happiness which has been kept alive till date by the Piedade Youth Association. I appreciate the people of Divar for supporting the PYA to make the Bonderam Festival a great success.”
Old Goa police and the traffic police had made elaborated arrangements to maintain disciple and traffic order during the Bonderam festival.
Thousands throng Divar for Bonderam
OLD GOA, AUG 28 Thousands of revellers witnessed the annual Bonderam festival organised by the Piedade Youth Association at Divar on Saturday.
