Goans celebrate Sangodd with renewed zeal post COVID

The picturesque riverbanks of the Cumbharjua canal, on Monday, was thronged by effigies of, and people dressed as, mythological characters, as part of the Sangodd traditions. The sangodds - two canoes tied together to form a raft - set afloat under the Marcel-Cumbharjua bridge, are unique to this place.

“On the seventh day of Ganesh Chaturthi, the Lord Ganesha idol at Shantadurga Cumbharjuvekarin Temple is immersed in the Cumbharjua canal, which is followed by this unique procession. This traditional visarjan, which began in the 15th century, is supposedly only seen here. The main sangodd is decorated with flowers, bonderams (paper flags); the others have various scenes recreated from the epics such as Mahabharata and Ramayana, and various social issues,” says Mrugaya Phadte, from Cumbharjua.

Ponda-based Praveen Naik visits here every year. “My father would bring me here. The floats and the concepts have changed with time, but the enthusiasm in the festivities remains. I feel a sense of pride when I bring my kids here. I hope this tradition continues. The enthusiasm is at a higher level as compared to what it was before the pandemic,” he says.