Know the story behind this one-of-a-kind ritual in Goa

Goa is a State that knows exactly how to protect, preserve and celebrate its diverse culture and heritage through age-old customs and traditions that have shaped the identity of this land and its people.

A sacred ritual performed over several centuries that highlights this very aspect of the culturally rich land, is the Kadda Pooja, which takes place annually in the village of Kundaim, in the Ponda taluka.

The extraordinary pooja is performed to honour the holy yogi, Shree Siddheshwar, revered by all the villagers. This video lets you witness this unique once-a-year ritual.

The pooja is a fire offering, performed by burning dry grass or hay collected and placed around the holy shrine. Hence, the pooja is called Kadda Pooja as Kadda, in Konkani (the local language), refers to dry grass or hay.

This intriguing tradition has an equally interesting story associated with it.

According to the villagers, a long time ago while journeying through the region, the holy yogi stopped by the home of the Shenvi Kundaikar family and expressed his desire to perform a pooja there.

However, due to certain discrepancies in the performance of the pooja, the holy yogi, in anger, went away and vanished at the spot where the sacred shrine rests today.

Since then, the tradition of making a coconut and kadda offerings to Shree Siddheshwar has been followed and preserved so as to please the holy yogi and seek his divine blessings.

The Shenvi Kundaikar family plays a central role in this ritual. A coconut offering by a member of their family marks the beginning of the Kadda Pooja.

Devotees from Kundaim and neighbouring villages gather in large numbers, carrying coconuts and bundles of dry grass to offer their prayers. It is believed that whoever participates in this ritual wholeheartedly and prays for something, their wishes are granted by the holy yogi.

This sacred ritual, practiced by the villagers of Kundaim, showcases how Goans are deeply rooted in their culture and traditions.

This pooja not only highlights the faith and devotion of the locals, but also denotes their perseverance in keeping meaningful and sacred traditions alive.

Watch the video and take a look at this divine annual tradition.