Hello Gilbert,
When in Melbourne, do as the Melbournians do. Being a Melbournian or Aussie of Goan origin, does not mean I/we have to celebrate 'Goan Feasts' in this country; besides that, the enthusiasm for such celebrations will differ between individuals and between families and even social/ sports clubs and associations. U see, freedom not confirmism!
The G O A Vic in Melbourne with whom I have played a few important roles, over the years as President, Gen. Secretary and Treasurer, was because of my profound interest and enthusiasm for all thiings Goan and the Goan people and including the Konkanni Language. Read my web site which I publish and maintain (for free of course) for the GOA Vic Melbourne. All in there, from composition to web technology is wholly mine and without any support from anyone. It has been a 'good learning experience' for me and I enjoy doing it for GOA, because I love Goa. Please surf: www.goacom.com/goavic
Even though I am only colloquially fluent in the language, I love the language dearly, and do take part in rendition of Goan culture as would be in 'Tiatro, Songs, specially Mando/ folk songs,and Folk Dances. And of course the most loved Goan cuisine. I even attempt to cook Goan delicacies myself as best as I can and I have come through quite good.
I do not have a thirst for 'Feni' though. Even when I was in Goa recently, I had the juicy drink only once, and sort of liked it, but did not clamour for it. 'Cause I am a Scotch Whisky Connoseur of sorts. I drink Scotch as first preference everywhere, even in Goa. Even whilst I lived in Goa, I found the Feni to be highly adulterated and is not like the 'authentic stuff' that I knew of earlier, upto say 1970. The high demand for Feni in Goa and interstate has enabled the 'Corruption of feni Making'.
Why, even the popular Goan Sausages made in and marketed in Goa today are an abberration, and abhorent to me and many persons I know. More so the 'rosary beads' sausages. I used to love the authentic Goan Sausages home made by persons I knew then as the real good stuff. Today in Melbourne I am more than satisfied with the Spanish and or Portuguese Chouriso's and other European makes, available in plenty in Aussie supermarkets.
The Goan people in Melbourne, thru their clubs, still do celebrate the SFX feast, on the first Sunday in December. The GOA Vic. takes great pride in this and regularly organises the celebration of the feast of Goencho Saab! We begin with special Mass supported by own Goan Choir and the celebrant is also either a resident or visiting Goan priest. This is followed by much merrymaking in the Hall, sppecially decorated, and sometimes we have had 'village wise' competitions, in making and selling Goan sweets etc, all voluntary and profits and sale proceeds going into the club coffers. This is accompanied by home made meal by Goan volunteers and served/ sold for the Association; Then there is Mando Folk singing as well as X'mas Carols, followed by X'mas Tree.
Besides Christmas and Easter which are celebrated by all christians in their respective churches/parishes. The SFX feast is the only saint celebration by Goans, and the St Patricks feast by the Irish and friends. True to say that here, there is no culture of celebrating feasts of saints etc in Australia and much of the western world. I like it this way; all celebrations are combined effort of all church members and not segregated celebrations by goakars and non goakars etc like in Goa. No processions, no bells and no fire crackers of course, are used. No segregated seating or grouping; even the new (Refugees) Somali African parishioners are treated with respect and equality and they in turn partake in the duties and work of the church. Some of our Goan catholics are Choir masters in a few parishes and many others are choir persons.
Personally I do not like or practice 'praying thru saints; I pray directly to God, Jesus and to the Holy Spirit; I am a charismatic catholic and like it so. We had my family chapel of St Sebastian in my place in Goa. I now look back on the same as a great tamasha, in the name of religion, and bordering on paganism.
However I do like the cultural push it gives to singing the 'Ladainha' etc and in voices too; the activity that encourages arts and craft etc. But then again we do not need the saints' celebration to refine and update our culture. The style and manner of singing and other traditions at celebrations of b'days and weddings and even fenerals, excites me and make me feel proud of being Goan. The song: 'Mai than vetta' at funerals is a particularly good soulful song/ hymn. I have a dream of filming an actual Goan christian wedding and catholic funeral, capturing all the beauty in this culture. But I have still to get down to it, even though I went down to Goa with a digital video camera. What a shame; missed oportunity!
Well I think I have said enough; but before I end, I must say, that some serious reform is required in Goa vis the practice of catholicism. Utt Goenkar!!!
Nasci Caldeira Melbourne Down Under.
From: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subjbect: [Goanet]Goenkar, Goeantle ani Goembhaile Date: Sat, 16 Apr 2005 14:35:24 -0400
GL responds:
Well said Nasci. A person and an identity is a sum total of many parts. Very likely none of us (including those in Goa) are 'Completely Whole.'
Since you stated, "I will not have any one take away the"Goanness" from me;"
I would like to ask:
So with your mache mache Konkani, what parts of your detailed knowledge (of Goa) and daily routine in life is Goan? Beyond the Goan dishes and feni, how many Goan feasts in calendar year do you and your family celebrate in Melbourne, Down Under?
Thanks a million for the response
Just curious?
Regards.
Nasci Caldeira Melbourne Down Under.
