Potekars spook the children on Goa's Divar island

Rohan Fernandes

The Potekar festival is celebrated for three days in Divar, alongside carnival and before Ash Wednesday.

Goa|Carnival|Potekar festival|Divar Island | Photo: Rohan Fernandes

Potekar means shabby in Konkani. Men wearing masks go around the village and scare children in the village.

Goa|Carnival|Potekar festival|Divar Island | Photo : Rohan Fernandes

Most of the masked men do not reveal their identities till the end.

Goa|Carnival|Potekar festival|Divar Island | Photo: Rohan Fernandes

During the three days before Lent, one can see Potekars in any corner of the island.

Goa|Carnival|Potekar festival|Divar Island | Photo: Rohan Fernandes

The jingling sound of the small metallic bells tied around the waist are enough to warn children that the Potekars are near.

Goa|Carnival|Potekar festival|Divar Island | Photo: Rohan Fernandes

The festival has its origin in the pre-Portuguese era.

Goa|Carnival|Potekar festival|Divar Island | Photo: Rohan Fernandes

Halloween and Potekar have some similarities, but the latter is a local festival.

Goa|Carnival|Potekar festival|Divar Island | Photo: Rohan Fernandes

This festival is unique to the island of Divar.

Goa|Carnival|Potekar festival|Divar Island | Photo: Rohan Fernandes

The origin of Potekars has many hidden tales ranging from village beliefs to traditions.

Goa|Carnival|Potekar festival|Divar Island | Photo: Rohan Fernandes

NEXT : Shivjayanti Utsav in Mormugao

Pic credit: Dishant Parab