Grand Saptah begins in Mandrem Written by NT Network Sunday, 25 October 2009 01:06
PERNEM: The Mandrem Saptah recently began at the Bhagwati-Sapteshwar temple. "The Mandrem Saptah celebrations will go on for a week and the main 'utsav' will be held on later on, on October 29. During the seven days of the Saptah there will be continuous 'bhajan' performances," informed Mr Tukaram Mahale from the village of Mandrem. "Seven 'paars' (bhajan groups) from seven different 'waddos' in Mandrem will give performances. The 'waddo' include Salgaonkar, Chari, Madhalamaz, Askawaddo, Ashvem, Dewulwaddo and Junaswaddo," he said, adding, "Each 'paar' will give a 'bhajan' performance for three hours. After one 'paar' completes their three hours performance the next 'paar' takes over. In this manner, one can continuously hear 'bhajans', without any interruption." "The Saptah is one of the biggest festivals celebrated in the village of Mandrem and people from various parts of Goa and Maharashtra visit this area. Hundreds of devotees pray and ask for blessings from the deities," he said. "This is the only Saptah which is held in the month of 'Kartika', the others are all held in 'Ashada'," he said and added, "It is difficult to trace the origins of the Saptah celebrations; however there is an interesting legend behind it. According to it, a long time ago, after a severe drought, the people of the village prayed to the deities for rain. Their prayers were answered with a heavy downpour. It is believed that after these showers the people began the celebration of the Saptah in thanks to the deity." http://www.navhindtimes.in/buzz/4545-grand-saptah-begins-in-mandrem
