In preparation for the highly anticipated Saptah Festival, Vasco's municipality Chairperson, Girish Borkar, has called for meetings involving various departments. The Saptah Festival has been a cherished tradition in Vasco for over a century, with its origins dating back to 1898 during an epidemic.
According to legend, the locals sought help from Lord Damodar, an incarnation of Lord Shiva, as health facilities were scarce and inadequate at the time. They visited the Zambaulim temple of Lord Damodar near Margao and obtained a coconut as prasad, which was then installed in the Damodar temple in Vasco. Miraculously, the epidemic subsided, and the tradition of the Saptah Festival began.
The festivities commence in a make-shift temple, still attached to the original house of a leading business family from Vasco, where the first installation of Lord Damodar's idol took place.
To ensure a successful and safe celebration, representatives from various departments gathered to address essential aspects such as parking arrangements, CCTV deployment, traffic management, and stall organization. Recognizing the significance of the occasion, the Indian Navy will collaborate with the Goa police to enhance surveillance during the Saptah fair, which is scheduled to begin on August 22.
As the festival is expected to draw a vast gathering of Lord Damodar devotees, additional security measures have been implemented. Ten watchtowers equipped with CCTV cameras will be strategically installed to bolster security and monitor the event effectively.
With comprehensive preparations and robust security measures in place, Vasco's Saptah Festival promises to be a joyous and safe celebration, uniting the community in their devotion to Lord Damodar.