Rohan Fernandes
The annual festival of Sontreo was celebrated at Cuncolim, in South Goa, on March 12 this year.
This Hindu festival is also known as 'Gulalotsav of Shree Shantadurga' Cuncolim.
The festival is called Sontreo because of the presence of twelve coloured umbrellas, placed on top of decorative poles.
An important part of the festival is the procession of goddess Shantadurga from the temple, in Fatorpa village, to her original home in Cuncolim, both villages being in South Goa.
Devotees danced enthusiastically to the tunes of traditional musical instruments during the procession.
Hundreds of devotees from all over the state attended the festival, especially those praying for the gift of a son, prosperity, etc.
Bright Holi (Gulal) colours are smeared on devotees and also tossed into the air during the procession.
When the procession reaches Cuncolim, a special aarti is performed at the Chapel of the Martyrs.