Tag: Goan traditions

Books & Literature

Parra’s First-Ever Book Chronicles the Soul of a Quintessential Goan Village

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

Parra, the quaint and age-old village located just outside Mapusa in North Goa, will soon see its story preserved in print with the release of Parra: The Quintessential Goan Village, the first book dedicated entirely to the village. Authored by Cosme Lobo, a former English and Mathematics teacher and a well-known local resident, the book is an attempt to record the memories, traditions and cultural identity of Parra at a time when the countryside is rapidly changing.

Through its winding lanes, age-old fields and lived experiences, the book takes readers on a nostalgic journey into the heart of Parra. Lobo revisits the village’s heritage, traditional lifestyles and landmarks that shaped its identity over generations. He presents a concise history and geography of Parra, Verla and Canca, the three original aldeias collectively known in the past by the acronym ‘PVC’.

Highlighting the spirit of religious harmony, the author writes about the earliest place of worship known as the ‘Deusan’, where people of different faiths continue to gather in reverence of the lord of all creation. He also documents a small dome-shaped chapel dedicated to the Holy Cross, believed to have once been devoted to Brahmadevi Khelbika Laxmi Mata. Despite changes in religious affiliation over time, the site remains a shared space of prayer for both Hindus and Christians.

The book walks readers through Parra’s temples, chapels and the St Anne’s Church, which continue to be central to village life. It pays tribute to the hardworking farmers for whom Parra has long been synonymous with its famous watermelons, while also recalling the toddy-tappers of the past, noted musicians, sports personalities, freedom fighters and community leaders who shaped the village’s destiny.

In more recent times, Parra has gained widespread recognition for its iconic Madanni road lined with coconut palms, now a popular spot for photography. At the end of this road stands the church, often compared to Rome’s Sistine Chapel for its painted ceiling and fresco-lined corridors. The village is also home to one of Goa’s earliest English medium schools, Sacred Heart School, founded in 1912, along with institutions such as the Comunidade, which played a vital role in cooperative farming, planned water bodies and flood prevention through carefully constructed bunds and lanes.

Lobo also documents Parra’s religious institutions, including temples dedicated to Lord Bodgeshwar, Sateri Verlekarin Devi, Shree Nagnath Mahadev Prasanna, Shree Vishwati Vishweshwar Shivshankar and Shree Varad Siddhivinayak Mandir, the latter being well known for its Sarvajanik Ganesh Festival. Cultural traditions such as the singing of Moteti during Lent, Saint John’s festivities marked by well-jumping and gumot playing, and weddings once held under mollam pandals are vividly recalled.

The book also shines a light on present-day trendsetters from Parra, including coconut shell artists, a reviver of the mollam craft, a Hollywood actor and a young woman aircraft pilot. It acknowledges the village’s sporting legacy, noting athletes and players who excelled in football, hockey and athletics, alongside the contributions of freedom fighters and political leaders.

Parra: The Quintessential Goan Village will be released on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, during the Festival of Stars at the Parra Tinto. The foreword is written by Parra parish priest Fr Pedro da Gama, who appreciates Lobo’s dedication to documenting the village’s legacy. The book is published by Goa,1556, marking an important milestone in preserving Parra’s cultural memory for future generations.

Events in Goa

Taj Cidade de Goa Celebrates International Chef’s Day with a Heartfelt Tribute to Goa’s Home Chefs

Tanisha Cardozo

In the world of gastronomy, the most cherished recipes often begin at home — simmered over slow flames, seasoned with memory, and perfected through generations. This International Chef’s Day, Taj Cidade de Goa celebrated those quiet creators of tradition — Goa’s home chefs — with an event that beautifully blended professional artistry and heartfelt heritage.

The resort’s special initiative, Home Chef Interactions, was designed as a bridge between Taj’s culinary experts and Goa’s passionate home cooks. It celebrated the idea that culinary excellence isn’t confined to professional kitchens but thrives equally in households where recipes are family heirlooms and every spice tells a story.

During these interactive sessions, the chefs of Taj Cidade de Goa came together with local home cooks to exchange techniques, flavours, and stories rooted in Goa’s rich gastronomic history. From the delicate balance of spices to the intuitive use of local ingredients, the sessions offered a deeper appreciation of the skill and creativity that define Goan cuisine.

Among the featured home chefs were Guilhermina Fernandes, who is known for her creative use of pepper — a spice she calls “the heart of Goan aroma and versatility”; Succorina C. Fernandes, celebrated for her soulful rendition of Samarachi Kodi, a monsoon favourite; and Sharmila Fernandes, whose Xacuti represents the complexity and warmth of traditional Goan cooking.

Their stories went beyond food — they spoke of heritage, of mothers and grandmothers who cooked by instinct, and of families for whom food has always been a language of love and belonging.

While professional kitchens around the world celebrated the artistry of chefs, Taj Cidade de Goa expanded that recognition to the unsung storytellers of Goan cuisine — home chefs who preserve authenticity through everyday cooking. The celebration culminated with a curated menu at BLD, the resort’s signature multicuisine restaurant, featuring dishes inspired by these talented cooks.

Through this thoughtful initiative, Taj Cidade de Goa reaffirmed its belief that true hospitality is rooted in culture and community. In honouring home chefs, the resort not only celebrated the spirit of International Chef’s Day but also ensured that the essence of Goan cuisine — humble, heartwarming, and steeped in history — continues to thrive for generations to come.

Human Interest

Sanjeev Sardesai Warns: “Forget Your Heritage, and It Will Be Wiped Out”

Tanisha Cardozo

“If one doesn’t respect their heritage and lets it slip away, then there is every possibility that a foreign culture comes in and wipes out the original culture,” said Sanjeev Sardesai, heritage promoter and cultural storyteller, during a compelling session of the Centenary Lecture Series organised by Clube Tennis de Gaspar Dias in Panaji.

Speaking on the theme ‘Unknown Goa, Unknown Goenkar’, Sardesai underlined that heritage is not just about the physical — it includes every intangible tradition passed down over generations. From culinary styles and farming rituals to language and daily customs, he stressed that ignoring these cultural markers leaves communities vulnerable to cultural erosion.

To illustrate, Sardesai referred to a carved stone outside a cemetery in St. Inez that lies neglected despite its historic value. He lamented the lack of brochures and credible information for the millions of tourists who come to Goa but leave without a deeper understanding of its soul.

Sardesai traced Goa’s cultural mosaic with historical anecdotes, including how the Portuguese were aided by the villagers of Taleigao in 1510 after nearly perishing at sea. That single act led to a yearly harvest ritual still observed today — a living tradition that has endured five centuries.

He highlighted Goa’s unique natural heritage as well. From the flame-throated bulbul (Goa’s state bird) to the Terminalia eliptica or crocodile bark tree, Sardesai connected ecology to cultural identity. He shared that this particular tree can provide drinking water in emergencies — a little-known fact that hints at its life-sustaining powers.

Turning to monuments, Sardesai explored the Immaculate Conception Church in Panaji and how it came to house the second heaviest bell in Goa. Originally from the St. Augustine’s Convent, the bell was temporarily housed at the Aguada Fort before making its way to Panaji when the lighthouse was modernized. These silent relics, he argued, have powerful stories that remain largely untold.

Sardesai concluded with a call to action: Goans must fiercely protect both their monuments and their memories. “Until and unless our roots are strong, you will not get a good tree, nor will you get good fruits,” he said. “You must understand that heritage is something which is part of our life.”

Events in Goa

Shravan Special Cookery Contest Sees Enthusiastic Participation in Fatorda

allycaralgoa

Fatorda, July 28, 2025 – A vibrant celebration of tradition and taste unfolded at the Phoenix Lane Hall Atlas, Phoenix Building in Fatorda, where the Ultimate Shravan Special Cookery Contest took center stage. Organised by Sonal R. Kakodkar under the Chirag Datta Naik Initiative, the event offered a flavourful platform for showcasing Goan culinary heritage.

The contest saw over 40 passionate participants competing in two uniquely themed categories — Shravan Special Savoury and Sweet Treats with Sabudana. Each dish presented was a testament to the rich cultural significance and devotion associated with the holy month of Shravan.

Esteemed judges Sonal Doshi and Rajlaxmi Biche evaluated entries based on taste, presentation, and thematic creativity.

🏆 Winners – Shravan Special Savoury (Category 1):

  • 1st Prize – Amita Ladhad
  • 2nd Prize – Anandi Narvekar
  • 3rd Prize – Shruti Khandeparkar
  • Consolation – Chanda Naik & Varsha Dessai
  • Special Prize – Leena Sirsat

🍬 Winners – Sweet Treats with Sabudana (Category 2):

  • 1st Prize – Varsha Dessai
  • 2nd Prize – Pratibha Sardesai
  • 3rd Prize – Amita Ladhad
  • Consolation – Pradhnya Sardesai & Aparna Hede
  • Special Prize – Shruti Khandeparkar

Winners received cash prizes, but it was the spirit of participation, creativity, and cultural pride that truly won the day.

The contest concluded with a round of applause and cheer, as participants came together for a group celebration. Beyond a culinary competition, the Shravan Special Cookery Contest served as a reminder of how food connects people, preserves tradition, and inspires joy.

Goan Festivals

Touxeachem Fest: Goa’s Bride, Groom & Blessings Festival Rooted in Faith

allycaralgoa

Written by Nikita Volvoikar

In the heart of Santana Talaulim, a small village in Goa, stands the iconic St. Anne’s Church—one of the greatest religious monuments in Asia. Each year on July 26, this church becomes the spiritual epicenter of the Touxeachem Fest, a feast deeply intertwined with both faith and folklore.

Named after St. Anne, mother of Mary and grandmother of Jesus, the festival coincides with Grandparents’ Day and honors St. Anne and St. Joachim. But what sets it apart is the heartfelt nature of the offerings and the faithful who bring them.

Eligible bachelors arrive carrying silver or wooden spoons, reciting the Konkani prayer:
🗣️ “Senhora, tomai colher, dai mulher” (Lady, take this spoon, give me a bride).

Single women offer urad dal with the plea:
🗣️ “Senhora, tomai urido, dai marido” (Lady, take these cereals, give me a groom).

And childless couples offer tender cucumbers, praying:
🗣️ “Senhora, tomai pepino, dai menino” (Lady, take this cucumber, give us a child).

These symbolic acts are more than rituals—they are acts of belief, carried on through generations.

Many devotees have shared real-life stories of answered prayers—of weddings that followed, pregnancies that were once thought impossible, and lives that changed after visiting the sacred site.

While the Touxeachem Fest may seem unconventional, it is deeply spiritual and uniquely Goan. It reflects the emotional honesty and communal spirit that define Goa’s culture.

As the sun sets over Santana Talaulim each July 26, one thing is clear—faith is alive, miracles are possible, and the spirit of Goa continues to shine through its people, their traditions, and their unshakable hope.