Pethechi zatra reflects cultural heritage of Mulgao 1 Apr 2009, 0124 hrs IST, Rajendra P Kerkar
Mulgao, a village situated three kilometres from Bicholim, is home to fifty temples and shrines. Deities originally from Moira, Pomburpa, Serula of Bardez were shifted to Mulgao during the Portuguese regime. Besides the existing temples, the village also has temples, with deities like Kelbai, Sateri, which were founded by the comunidade of Mulgao. On the fifth day of the first fortnight of Chaitra, the first month of Hindu calendar, the unique Pethechi Zatra is celebrated in the temple of Kelbai. This year the five-day zatra is being held from March 31. It is learnt that seven sisters, namely Lairai of Shirgao, Morjai of Morji, Kelbai of Mulgao, Mahamaya of Maye, Mirabai or Milagres of Mapusa, Ajadipa of Anjadiv and Shitala of Patala, along with their lone brother Khetoba of Vaingan, came from the Ghats and settled in different parts of Goa. All these seven sisters and their brother maintained a cordial relationship which is prevalent during fairs and festivals. It is said that on account of the terror created by gods Betal and Vetal in the region, goddess Mahamaya was not ready to reside in Mayem. It was goddess Kelbai who accompanied goddess Mahamaya and created favourable atmosphere for her to reside permanently in Mayem. >From Chaitra Shuddha Panchani till Chaitra Shuddha Ashtami (eighth day) Kelbai >deity is kept in Mayem. From Mulgao she is taken in a procession in a cane basket, locally known as the peth', to Mayem. The cane basket with insignias of Kelbai are kept in the village for worship. The wooden masks of various deities carried in the cane basket are unique and reflect the rich cultural heritage of Mulgao. Enroute to Mayem, the Kelbai deity is taken via Vhalshi, Borde Bicholim, Pazwada, but is brought back via the old route which passes from Mhatarghati, a hillock. On the Chaitra Shuddha Ashtami, Malyachi jatra is held in Mayem, wherein a lamp is lit and held on the head by the devotee. Devotees participating in the zatra are known as the Dhonds. Their attire includes a white dhoti, a coloured piece of cloth on their shoulders and an entwined cane (beth kathi) in their hands. Before entering in the temple, the devotes bathe in a water tank and thereafter dance in the temple. At midnight, the devotees accompanying the cane basket proceed to Mayem. Devotees observe a fast for nine days, beginning from Gudi Padwa, the Hindu New Year day, and eat only vegetarian food items. "The Pethechi jatra is one of the biggest religious and cultural events of our village, which attracts big crowd," says Vathu Gad from Mulgao. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Cities/Goa/Pethechi-zatra-reflects-cultural-heritage-of-Mulgao/articleshow/4341620.cms
