The unique crocodile-worship ritual of Goa

NATURE WORSHIP

In Goa, different elements of nature are worshipped through festivals and rituals. One such ritual is Mange Thapani  – worshipping crocodiles on ‘bunds’, or dykes, of khazan lands, which takes place on the day of new moon of the Hindu calendar month, Paush. This year, it was held on February 9.

FIRST UP

The ritual begins by villagers coming together and collecting mud from the backwaters.

TAKING SHAPE

This mud is then shaped and sculpted into the shape of crocodile. It is decorated with shells and grass so as to resemble a crocodile.

RITUAL OFFERINGS

Next, the rituals begin – 5 coconuts are offered, while an egg is inserted inside the sculpted crocodile.

WHERE TO FIND IT

The Mange Thapani ritual is held in a few villages of Ponda, such as this one at Adulshe village, near Borim, Ponda.

FOLLOW THE RULES

The ritual of Mange Thapani at Adulshe village is performed by 24 villagers. The one who misses his turn, has to pay a fine. In this photograph, a villager makes a knot to keep a record of a person who didn’t turn up.

KEEP GUARD

The villagers of Adulshe believe that these freshwater crocodiles are protectors of their khazan lands, and thus, their paddy fields.

BEHIND THE RITUAL

The ritual of Mange Thapani  is held for the overall protection of khazan lands.

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