(Photo: Ghumots being played at the feast procession in Alnavar village on Wednesday.)
By Louis Rodrigues –
Belgaum: Rich Goan tradition and customs that prevail in the villages of the diocese of Belgaum since time immemorial were showcased today on the occasion of the annual village feast of Alnavar, about 65 kms from Belgaum.
Alnavar, in Dharwad district, has St Anna’s Church and is one of the predominantly Konkani-speaking Roman Catholic parish in the diocese. The annual feast here is celebrated on a Wednesday before the commencement of Lenten season. This is the last feast in the diocese of Belgaum before lent.
Ghumots, the Goan folklore that prevails in the upper ghats region of Haliyal, Alnavar and Kakkeri is a special attraction during the feasts in these villages, reminding people of the age-old Goan culture that still prevails strongly in this region. This Goan age-old performing art is also conserved affectionately by the people in Godolli, Yedoga, Sambrani, Mangalwad and other villages in Khanapur taluk.
Chancellor of the Diocese of Belagaum Rev Fr Philip Kutty, highlighted on the faith that prevails amongst the faithful in the region. “Through our faith we nurture love and feeling of fellowship that leads us to eternal bliss,” he said adding that the modern generation should take care of their grandparents and keep them happy like St Anna, the grandmother of Jesus Christ.
Soon after the mass the statue of Mother Mary was taken around the village in procession that was led by a group of elders in the village reciting the Ghumots, reminiscing the age-old tradition.
The melodious devotional ghumots in Konkani are played devotedly throughout the day. The team comprising of Anton Kamil D’souza, Anton Rodrigues, Philip D’souza, Baptist Souza, Bastyanv Souza and others have conserved this waning Goan folklore painstakingly. Parish priest Fr Anthony D’souza said that special efforts are being made to conserve ghumots that have become the part of the rich Goan culture.
“Ghumots are the part of our rich Goan culture which we have maintained since the period of more than three centuries. I learnt them from my grandfather Late Bastyanv Ds’ouza,” Anton Kamil D’souza who heads the group said.
Altogether 65 priests comprising of Rev Fr Michael Souza, Fr Allwyn, Fr William Borges, Fr Joe D’souza and others took part in the Holy Eucharist. Large number of pilgrims from the Diocese of Karwar and Goa were present for the feast.