Lakshmi G Sardesai
The centuries-old Zambaulim Gulalotsav was celebrated with gusto on March 14, 2023. Zambaulim village is located in Quepem taluka, which is around 25 kms from Margao.
Starting early morning, the women here start making flower garlands, which are bought by devotees to offer to Lord Damodar (Dambab).
Any festive occasion is incomplete without stalls selling traditional Goan sweets.
One of the stalls selling powdered colours. No devotee goes back home without smearing a fistful of colour on this auspicious occasion.
One can see unmatched devotion for Lord Damodar at Zambaulim with chants such as Damodar Maharaj Ki Kai.
Madgaonkars believe Lord Damodar plays gulal with them on this occasion and for a day they leave everything behind to proceed to Zambaulim to get smeared in colours and holiness.
Devotees partake in Naivedya, which is also known as prasad. The food offered to God is called Naivedya, while the sacred food sanctified and returned by God as a blessing is called prasada.
Thousands of devotees throng Zambaulim annually to celebrate gulalotsav.
Gulalotsav brings to an end the Shigmo festivities in Zambaulim.