Goa’s ‘Original Freak’ Eight-Finger Eddie's legacy lives on

Praveena Sharma

GOA ON GLOBAL MAP

US-born Yertward Mazamanian – nicknamed Eight-Finger Eddie because of his three-fingered right hand – was instrumental in putting Goa on global map by letting the world know about it and hosting foreign tourists here.

Eight-Finger Eddie | Goa counterculture | Psychedelic revolution | Hippie movement | Goa legends | Photo: Facebook

SPIRIT FINDS A HOME

The Armenian-origin American landed in Goa a few years after it was liberated from the Portuguese rule. He had wandered around the world before his bohemian spirit found a home in India’s sunny State.

Eight-Finger Eddie | Goa counterculture | Psychedelic revolution | Hippie movement | Goa legends | Photo: Facebook

GOA’S HIPPIE SCRIPT

From mid-60s to late-90s, the tiny coastal State witnessed influx of hippies as they tried to break free from materialistic bonds. As this tribe grew on the beaches of Goa, Eddie helmed the State’s hippie script.

Goa hippie era | Hippie movement | Goa beaches | Psychedelic revolution | Spiritual awakening | Photo: Steemit

HEALING TOUCH

He did this not through brute force but “unconditional” compassion. In an era, when the world was healing from the scars of two world wars, he offered shelter to 'junkies', 'psychopaths' and 'flip-outs' if they did not hurt anyone.    

Goa sanctuary | Hippie philosophy | Love & peace | Counterculture Junkies | Free spirit | Photo: Facebook

ORIGINAL FREAK

Hippie historian Earthman’s book – Eight Finger Eddie: The Hippie History of Goa and Kathmandu – says Eddie, popularly known as “Original Freak” in Goa and Nepal, made Goa his home on his second trip in 1966 at the age of 42.  

Eight-Finger Eddie | Goa counterculture | Psychedelic revolution | Hippie movement | Goa legends | Photo: Amazon.com

ON SHORES OF ANJUNA

The former bass player became an Indian expat in Anjuna, describing it as "a tiny hamlet with a few tea stalls and houses dotting a pristine sandy beach". He mingled with locals even as he broke bread with foreign visitors.

Eight-Finger Eddie | Goa counterculture | Psychedelic revolution | Hippie movement | Goa legends | Photo: Facebook

URGE TO FREE THE SPIRIT

As hippies flowed into Anjuna, its life assumed different form with flea markets, full-moon parties, psychedelic music and spiritual pursuits. Like Eddie, they also wanted to free their spirits. Soon, the movement began losing steam and finally ended.

Eight-Finger Eddie | Goa counterculture | Psychedelic revolution | Hippie movement | Goa legends | Photo: Facebook

LEGACY LIVES ON

Eddie stayed on in Goa even after the hippies’ exodus. In 2010, he breathed his last here. His legacy lives on; Goa Brewing Co. has immortalised him with their Indian Pale Ale brand – Eight Finger Eddie – popular among his fans.  

Eight-Finger Eddie | Goa legacy | Hippie icon | Goa Brewing Co | Beer with history | Photo: Goa Brewing Co

NEXT: Why Goa and Goans loved the hippies

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