Margao: Members of Cuncolim’s Hindu and Catholic communities alike celebrated the annual festival of umbrellas, ‘chatrotsav’ or ‘sotreo’ as it is popularly known, with much fervour on Tuesday.
Chants rent the air as the palanquin procession of Shree Shantadurga Kunkalikarin wended its way from its temple at Fatorpa to Cuncolim and back. Celebrated on the day of ‘panchami’ in the month of Phalgun of the Hindu almanac, the ceremony is replete with history and tradition.
History has it that Cuncolim was the original site of the idol of Shree Shantadurga, but the temple there was demolished by the invading Portuguese. The idol was taken to Fatorpa where a new temple was built in the goddess’ honour and named Shree Shantadurga Kunkalikarin. Catholics reverentially refer to Shree Shantadurga Kunkalikarin as the ‘Mamai Saibinn’.
Twelve silk umbrellas representing the 12 ‘vangodds’ (village clans) accompany the palanquin. The procession passes through the same route taken by the Hindus who fled with the idol when the Portuguese invaded. Revellers also traditionally apply ‘gulal’ to each other and the palanquin.
All Comments ()+^ Back to Top
Refrain from posting comments that are obscene, defamatory or inflammatory, and do not indulge in personal attacks, name calling or inciting hatred against any community. Help us delete comments that do not follow these guidelines by marking them offensive. Let's work together to keep the conversation civil.
HIDE