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Sangath, www.sangath.com, is looking to build a centre for services, training and research and seeks to buy approx 1500 to 2000 sq mtrs land betweeen Mapusa and Bambolim and surrounding rural areas. Please contact: [email protected] or [email protected] or ph+91-9881499458 http://lists.goanet.org/pipermail/goanet-goanet.org/2009-July/180028.html ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Kattamgal Dada shrine fest celebrated with godshem Rajendra P Kerkar, 4 August 2009, 04:29am IST KERI: The villagers of Gaunem and Nagueshi in Bandora celebrate a unique festival at the shrine of Kattamgal Dada, situated in a grove of mango trees near Farmagudi. A large number of devotees from various parts of Goa visit the shrine every year on the first and second Sunday of Shravan, the fifth month of the Hindu calendar. The villagers observe this feast by preparing a delicious sweet dish locally known as godshem. Just over a km away from Ponda, the scenic grove also has some jambhul and tamarind trees. Devotees assemble mainly to express their gratitude to the Holy Spirit Kattamgal Dada, who is believed to reside on a sacred Peepal (Ficus religiosa) tree. After making the offerings of saffron or red colour flags or a woollen carpet to Kattamgal Dada the devotees relish the sweet dish on the leaf of sailo (Tectona grandis). Kalidas Mule, 60, a resident of Gaunem says, "We prepare godshem by cooking rice, moong, jaggery and copra together in a large copper pot on a traditional oven. It is later served to all the devotees irrespective of caste." According to locals, this shrine was built recently and the peepal tree was the abode of the Holy Spirit much earlier. The mango trees were recently planted and there were only agricultural fields in the area. The farming communities involved in the cultivation of paddy used to celebrate the feast. According to Purushottam Kerkar, 62, from Keri Ponda, "Through traditions we have faith in Kattamgal Dada as he gives relief from pain and suffering when we invoke him for the blessings." Devotees also pay a visit to the shrine all the year round on Sundays and Wednesdays to perform sacrifices of cocks and goats. However, such sacrifices are not performed during Shravan. Near the shrine, there is a small hamlet of the Dhangar-Gouly community with just five houses. They are pastoral and believe that the Holy Spirit blesses them with prosperity and happiness. "We believe that our goats and buffaloes are guarded by Kattamgal Dada. He always helps us in time of difficulties when we invoke him," says Bhago Pati, 80, a resident of Dhangarwada of Farmagudi. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/news/city/goa/Kattamgal-Dada-shrine-fest-celebrated-with-godshem/articleshow/4854362.cms
