Old customs and new fads mark Siolim festivities

SIOLIM: Choosing to stay away from the more commercialised versions of

Sao Joao celebrations

, a group of 60-odd villagers gathered around a small bonfire in a field in the interiors of

Siolim

, dancing to the beats of the ghumot (traditional percussion instrument) and singing a host of folk songs associated with the festival.

As is the custom, a sturdy villager swam and pushed his way through swampland to garland a cross around 200 metres away. A small prayer session was also held, led by the parish priest.

However, closer to the Church of St Anthony at Siolim, traditions gave way to a more modern setup. There was a boat competition, which saw at least five cultural groups sail in with their painstakingly bedecked vessels, each hoping they would win the hefty prizes on offer: Rs 25,000 for the first place, Rs 20,000 for the second and Rs 15,000 for the third. A prize of Rs 5,000 was also up for grabs for a participant sporting the best costume, while spot prizes comprised small items made of gold.

“Ethnic celebrations are getting lost due to the

demands of commercialisation

. We have decided to keep these celebrations true to what we have always celebrated and that’s why we prefer shielding it from the glare,” a village elder said as he described how Sao Joao was celebrated in the interiors of Siolim.

Jumping in wells had a certain symbolic order, with the first jumper diving in like an arrow, and the others following in a

pre-determined pattern

. Women, including a few grandmothers, joined for an impromptu song and dance to add to the revelry.

Festivities within the small community are a perfect testament to the true spirit and meaning of the feast. A young girl from the village said, “We have always lived as one family in this village, but this festival brings us closer.”

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