Friday, 2 March 2018

SAL GADE

   The village of Sal which is located in Bicholim is very famous for "Gade Festival".It is a 3 night festival.This festival is a tribute to Ghost and Holy spirit.It is also known as hide and seek game between Gade and Devchar.
       Gade are the residents of village,who wear white Dhoti and black belt around their waist.It is believed tha spirit of God enters in the body of Gade when they start dancing around the Holy accompanied by traditional music.

This is the Sal temple where the Gade festival is taking place.
Devchar is the Devil which is set free during these days and also after this festival.At first Gade brings idols from the jungle and are placed near the holi.By the time Gade returns with the idol.Some of them are already hidden by Devchar.This in this way game of hide and seek between Gade and Devchar starts.

After reaching specific place Devchar gives back hidden Gade,mesmorising on looking with flame movement.

The flame is clear to one and all,is sometimes sit on top of tree,then on the ground and the biggest roar of people of normally reserved to the time when Devchar suddenly appears to show two flames,known as Chudti.

When flame disappears,a lifeless Gado appears sometimes Devchar hides Gade for 3days and the hidden Fade remains there without food and water.Other Gade bring him back and drag him around hole,after which he comes into senses and he cannot come before dawn there he is considered as dead.It is said that the music of Dholak should not stop for the entire night and if it happens,then there is possibility of all Gade being lost in jungle.

On last night beside witnessing light shown by Devchar we also get a chance to hear the sound of ghost from the nearby cemetery on last night Gade goes to cemetery to bring bones or wood.It is said that ghost gives the bones to them.If the ghost deny to give them the bones,Gade beat them up.

Many people hide themselves near the cemetery to listen to the cries of the ghost.Later Gade takes the ghost and dump into near by well.They aslo take back the idols and keep them in their original places.
         At the end Gade lay asleep near the holi and when people around blow air into their ears.They come back to their senses. It is said that after the festival,people from Sal do not have to fear of ghosts throughout the year as they are tide up by Gade.

Thursday, 1 March 2018

CHIKAL KALO



Chikal kalo is the famous event which is conducted in the Marcel.Chikal kalo is conducted during the monsoon season.It literally means 'play in the mud' Devotees here play in the mud,mud bath two days after Ashadi Ekadashi.It is celebrated mostly by the end of July.

DEVAKI KRISHNA TEMPLE

On the 11th day I.e.Ekadashi of Ashad month of Hindu calender, a 24hours Akhand Satsang is started at Devaki Krishna Temple.This starts around 11AM and goes on non-stop till next day 11AM.An oil lamp is kept burning through these 24hours in front of the idol of Devaki holding baby Krishna in her arms.
       Over there Bhajans being sung by local residents of Marcel.The temple was originally located at Chorao Island.Chikal kalo festival moved to Marcela along with the temple during the Portuguese Rule.



The festival celebrates the naughty nature of Bal Krishna or the baby Krishna.At Marcel,This very nature of Krishna is celebrated.On this day every male-from toddler to a senior citizen becomes a little Krishna.

PEEPUL TREE
 
In opposite ground of temple,with large peepul tree overlooking the activities,all villagers gather to celebrate Chikal Kalo.

OIL WELL

Before starting to play in mud they are applying oil on their bodies.Once oiled all the men line up to the small temple dedicated to Daad Sakal bang opposite the Devaki Krishna temple.

TILAK BY THE PRIEST

The drums are played and the priest applies Tilak on the foreheads of these men,who then starts singing 'Hari Vithal,Jai Vithal'.

FOOD AT CHIKAL KALO

Many villages with tempting food items stand on the podestal.They throw the food towards crowed of oiled men who try their best to catch it, The one who grabs it-gets it.This is the first game. 
        Many elderly people are seen disturbing food,especially sweets like Laddus,Jalebis,Biscuits,Pooran polis or simple puris...