PONDA: With Ganesh Chaturthi fervour sweeping through the State, youths from various villages have begun training for an integral ritual of the celebrations – the ‘Ghumat Aarti’, featuring Goa’s own heritage earthenware instrument, the ghumat. However, the once readily available ghumats from Shirvai-Quepem, which have been synonymous with quality, are becoming increasingly scarce. Fortunately, for the past 25-30 years, local restaurateur Nana Velgekar has taken up the mantle of sourcing and supplying these precious pot-shaped instruments in the Saterimal-Nirankal area of Betoda panchayat.
The unique ghumat from Shirvai-Quepem has enjoyed a prominent position on the State’s cultural landscape for decades. While ghumats were previously crafted in Kumbharwada-Nirankal, Udhalshe-Sacorda, Advoi-Sattari, and other regions, the artisans preferred the unmatched robustness of the ghumats from Shirvai. Over time, the art of crafting the earthen instrument in Shirvai has faced a decline, leaving only one individual in the village engaged in their production. Nana Velgekar, realising the cultural importance of this craft, acquires approximately 40 to 50 ghumat domes annually from this artisan. He then ensures their availability, especially to the youth in rural areas, who seek to participate in Ghumat Aarti competitions held across the State during the festival.
Despite his profession as a restaurant business owner, Velgekar regards his efforts as a humble attempt to preserve a traditional art form. His contributions have attracted people from various parts of Goa, who recognise the authenticity and craftsmanship of the Shirvai ghumats. Youths from Panjim, Aldona, Madkai, Mollem, Usgaon, Ponda, and beyond frequent Nana’s establishment to secure these ghumats for their participation in the upcoming festival. Some enthusiasts even make their way to purchase the earthen marvels on the day of Ganesh Chaturthi.
Velgekar underlines the urgency of encouraging future generations to uphold the legacies of their ancestors. As traditional professions face dwindling interest among the youth, he emphasises the need for governmental initiatives to foster the continuation of these time-honoured crafts, highlighting the role that collective efforts play in safeguarding Goa’s cultural heritage for the years to come.
