Goa has so many churches and temples and as a part of the community culture ,these places of worship double up as a place for unions and feasts.
This time I had the privilege of being invited to the Matiechem Fest . "Mati" as we all know means mud , especially clay. "Matiechem" means , of mud. So this is a festival to celebrate and sell pottery products or earthenware . From our classic Ghumot ( music instrument ) to other basics like hotpots, ladel, water pot, saucepans, tumblers etc.
This village Pilerne is known for its pottery products. So every year around October, they put up a feast. The feasts are organized and funded by the locals . They have food stalls, some earthenware stalls , some informative exhibition only stalls, performances by local choirs , a chief guest and loads of fun.
Most of them are dressed in a typical goan way , with a flower in their hair, floral dresses or a sarong around as lowers
It was a hot Sunday , this 8th of October, and , my friend picked me up as soon as I reached the airport.
As soon as we entered, i noticed that the MC had a very lovely voice and good command over English and Konkani . He ensured all of us were included and engaged.
But first, food!!!
So we went straight to the food stalls
Noticed that there were 4 stalls and we needed to pick up coupons from one counter.
The famous Chicken Xacuti and poee( local bread ) caught my attention , followed by Ross Poee ( white peas coconut curry ) and the yummy kokum juice . Oh and not to forget the famous Onion and Potato fritters , cause it was tea time .
That's it, we ordered it all. Gobbled it while listening to children sing different songs on stage.
Next up, was to check all the stalls and chat up with friends , and then the most amazing thing happened..
A group of Jharkhandis danced and sang their folk songs !
Now that was my first . Firstly , I am glad we Goans have gotten so inclusive ! Secondly , how are there so many Jharkhandis in Goa !
And that though in a village !
It was a fabulous moment .
This time all of them did a walk into the church to inaugurate it , with colored coconut shells around their neck . Hitting it against each other and using them as cymbals . However we missed that.
As soon as the clock struck 7 , it was time for a prayer which was lead by the priest . And it was time for us to leave.
Such a warm pleasant experience.
I would be covering more such feasts in my next blog .. do stay tuned.. and come to Goa to see our local festivities !
Viva Goa !
