Zagor: Hindus, Christians unite to celebrate Goa's diversity

LEGACY OF TRADITION

Zagor is a centuries-old tradition, where the acts are performed by both Hindus and Christians at the Zagreshwar shrine in Siolim.

CULTURE CONNECT

Zagor is held on the day after Siolim’s feast of Nossa Senhora de Guia, or on the first Monday after Christmas. This year, it took place on January 1, 2024.

APPEASING THE GODS

Zagor is held to placate the deity, who is believed to protect the village and its crops. This festival continues to be held even though very few patches of fields are under cultivation nowadays.

TO THE BEATS

Musical beats are the pulse of the occasion and without the traditional instruments like ghumots and cymbals, one will not be able to find the rhythm.

DIVERSITY DEFINED

Dance performances are an integral part of the Zagor night and have a historical significance. A tiatr is also held to keep the audience awake throughout the night.

AGE OLD

Kanaiya Shirodkar plays a pivotal role in the Zagor, and his family has been involved with the tradition for several generations. The purohits start the festival by singing ovios and pay homage to Christian deities.

DID YOU KNOW?

Families in the village are allocated specific roles in the Zagor. For instance, members of the Rodrigues family perform the Zagorio. Initially, women were not allowed to participate in the Zagor, and hence, men would dress up as women and play their roles.

SWEET EATS 

The roads leading to the festival are welcoming with sweet stalls selling kaddio boddio and freshly made, piping hot jalebis and much more.

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