Keeping traditions alive.
Zatra are annual festivals hosted at village temples throughout Goa. A joyous blend of the social and the religious, these events occasioned great enthusiasm in the days before television. At the heart of the celebration was the adulation of the presiding deity. Food, music, and drama were deemed vital ingredients of the fête. The zatra of today is a much depleted version.
These images are from the zatra of the Anant Temple in Savoi-Verem.
Anand Veremkar, dhol player
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Parvati Naik, flowers seller
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Fun for all ages
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Anant Himself, chilling out with Lakshmi
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Chana (roasted chickpeas) vendor
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Playing shing (horn) during the ceremonial procession
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Twin Peaks – sindoor (vermilion powder) vendors
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Beautiful, clean shots convey the zatra story perfectly well.
Good to hear from you, Anita.
I am in love with the aajji (Parvati Naik) selling flowers. Reminds me of my Mhambai. 🙂
Great set. (Chana is one of my favorite snacks.)
Thank you, Bob. Yes, chana is addictive.
Ah, those glorious days, Rajan. The similar “jaatri” would occur in Dharwad as well, and, certainly as kids, we would all be so very eager to be part of it.
Indeed, great memories.