The warmth before the storm: Goa’s age-old village wisdom

MONSOON PRELUDE

In a rural part of Goa, nestled by the Western Ghats on the Goa–Karnataka border, one can witness unique, traditional preparations for the upcoming rains unfold with quiet grace.

SKILLFUL FENCING

Intricate fences, woven from sticks from local trees, lovingly guard gardens, each one a rustic work of art.

GOLDEN ARMOUR

Humble homes wear golden grass roofs like armour, shielding against the season’s wild winds and rain.

EARTHEN EMBRACE

In the villages of Sattari and Sanguem, walls receive their annual coat of red geru mud to help prevent rainwater from seeping inside the house.

TERRACOTTA ROOF TILES

Hand-laid clay tiles on sloping roofs guide the rain away — an ancient practice now fading into oblivion.

HUTS OF WARMTH

Thatched huts, called khop, hold firewood like treasure, waiting to warm homes on cold, rainy days.

SMOKY HEARTH

The chul, an earthen stove, brings smoky aromas and stories alive in every simmering pot.

FUEL OF THE FIELDS

Cow dung cakes are shaped into rounds and sun-dried. It's a quiet ritual to keep the kitchen fires going during blackouts.

GREEN VINES RISING

Bamboo supports and trellises rise in gardens, welcoming monsoon tubers, roots, and climbing greens to flourish.

SPARKS BEFORE THE STORM

Dry tinder is tucked away before the rains, ready to spark warmth when the world turns cold and wet.

CATTLE FEED

Heaps of golden grass are stacked and stored, to be consumed by cattle on rain-soaked days.

BRIDGES OF SIMPLICITY

The sakav, a wooden footbridge over streams, connects not just lands, but also the rhythm of village life.

NOSTALGIC GLOW

As night falls and power faults, a tiny kerosene chimney lamp glows softly ... lighting up faces, memories and monsoon tales.

NEXT: Goa's monsoon marvel: The Malabar gliding frog