Goa’s ‘festakar’ offers Panjim a pre-monsoon experience
NICOLE SUARES
May is a busy month in Goa. It's not just meant for summer picnics and holidays, but it is also a time to prepare the purument. Traditionally, Goans would prepare for the monsoons by stocking up on kitchen ingredients such as dried red chilies, onions, salted fish, etc.
Keeping this tradition alive, Panjim will host the ‘Purumentachem Fest’ (Festival of Provisions) on Wednesday, May 15, 2024 at the Garcia de Orta jardim, Municipal Garden, Panjim, from 6 pm to 10 pm.
As a first in the 83 fests organised thus far, a local city corporation invited Goa’s festakar to host a festival.
Panjim mayor, Rohit Monserrate, reached out to Marius to bring the people's fest to the capital city as a platform for economic empowerment and to promote zero-waste festivals.
Traditionally, Goans would prepare for the monsoons by stocking up on kitchen ingredients such as dried red chilies, onions, salted fish, etc.
BEHIND THE FEST
“I heard about Marius’ herculean work in hosting these sustainable fests. After getting a first-hand understanding at the weekly Pilerne Heritage Market (in Pilerne), I was impressed by his work. I thought of hosting a community-driven project in Panjim that would unite the people,” says Monserrate.
Marius, who will be hosting the third fest in Panjim is readying the team to piece all the parts together. With a focus on zero-waste, as with the other fests, carry your crockery to reduce plastic waste.
As always, no sponsors or chief guests ensures a community-led initiative.
The event in Panjim will host a balcaoncho gozali featuring prominent personalities, live music, ghumot circle, home-cooked goodies and a range of products by grassroots entrepreneurs.
“The programme is evolving since we have a new addition to the list daily. We are doing our best to ensure that everyone gets a platform to promote their products and showcase their talents, given the time constraints,” says Marius.
The event in Panjim will host a balcaoncho gozali featuring prominent personalities, live music, ghumot circle, home-cooked goodies and a range of products by grassroots entrepreneurs.
He highlights a special art corner to honour Goa’s noted artist, Vamona Navelcar.
“Our first fest in Panjim honoured Goa’s great son. We will be featuring his contributions at the fest,” says Marius.
With a focus on promoting inclusivity at every fest, differently-abled vendors will be offered the opportunity to market their products. Watch the age-old mollam-making by 100% visually impaired, Rama Parsekar and Sabina da Cunha of Parra (mother of a child with rare disease Glannzman Thrombostania), buy Khola chillies and other items at the fest.
MAKING IT INCLUSIVE
Veteran journalist, Prakash Kamat, who is also a member of the State Advisory Board on Disability, and works closely in the disability space, says, “Like all his fests in recent times, this ‘Purumentachem Fest’, too, is inclusive."
"It will have a number of persons with various disabilities including visual impairment, haemophilia, etc, making it to the fest. They will manifest their skills and sell hari and other products," he adds. Some will exhibit traditional Goan occupations of rotecao (weaving on chairs), some will make mollam.
He appreciates the interest shown by the mayor in this regard.
“I am glad that the mayor has shown so much interest in ensuring that this fest gives opportunities to the marginalised sections of society. Efforts are being made to make the fest venue accessible and friendly to persons with disabilities,” he says.
The event has been postponed due to unexpected showers.