The weird case of Goa's vanishing village!

In the picturesque landscapes of Goa unfolds a captivating phenomenon, gracing the senses once a year in a magical spectacle. Well, we are talking about a unique place in Goa that remains underwater for 11 months, and is visible once a year. Nestled amid the tranquil Western Ghats, this is the charming village of Kurdi in Goa.


Once a thriving hamlet in south-eastern Goa, Kurdi underwent a profound transformation in the 1980s when the village submerged beneath the waters following the construction of Goa's inaugural dam. Subsequently, for several decades, Kurdi continued with its annual disappearing act, only to resurface mysteriously in May, captivating the surrounding populace.
As the waters recede, the village unveils itself like a mirage, revealing eroded remnants, fissured terrain, tree stumps, and fragments of households and religious structures scattered across vast barren expanses. In its heyday, Kurdi flourished with around 3000 inhabitants engaged in the rhythm of daily life, tending to fertile lands surrounded by cashew, jackfruit, coconut, and mango groves. The harmonious coexistence of people from diverse religions adorned the village with temples, a mosque, and a chapel.

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The ambitious dam project aimed to supply water for irrigation, drinking, and industry across southern Goa, but the anticipated benefits eluded the relocated villages, including Kurdi. Now, as the waters retreat in May, the original inhabitants return to their submerged home, witnessing the remnants of their past – a poignant landscape adorned with feasts and memories. This annual resurrection of Kurdi serves as a poignant reminder of a bygone era and the resilient spirit of a community that endures despite the transformative currents of time.

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The villagers, who once thrived on the fertile lands and shared moments of joy and worship in their sacred spaces, return to a place frozen in time. Amid the fragments of homes and the echoes of prayers, they host feasts, celebrating a poignant reunion with a place that exists on the cusp of memory and reality. Kurdi's annual resurrection becomes a living testament to resilience, a community's unwavering connection to its roots, and the enduring spirit that transcends the ebb and flow of change.