Herald, 7 Sep 2008 St Estevam turns Ganeshotsav into harmony initiative
HERALD CORRESPONDENT ST ESTEVAM, SEPT 7 - The picturesque island of St Estevam, just two km from Marcel, took a giant step for communal harmony, when Parish Priest of the St Estevam church was the chief guest for the inauguration of the giant, two-storied, six-metre Ganesh idol set up by the Kala Yuvak Sangh of Tonca, a ward in the village. Not only that, a large part of the crowd attending the inaugural ceremony comprised the island's Catholic residents. Later, Fr Bismark explained the significance of Lord Ganesh to those gathered. The giant Ganesh idol, a first for St Estevam, is made completely of eco-friendly products from the coconut palm -- revered in Goa as the 'kalpavriksha' or tree of plenty -- and depicts Ganapati inside a coconut set upon a copper 'kalash' fringed with mango leaves, a traditional motif. It has been designed and executed by a group of local artists led by Tukaram Chodankar. The idol is open for display and veneration till 23 September, when it will be taken ceremonially for immersion. -- Question everything -- Karl Marx
