PANAJI: After a two-year break due to Covid-19 Pandemic, ‘Bonderam’ organised by the St. Mathias Sports club returned with a bang and was watched by a sizeable crowd, states a note by ‘Festakar’ Marius Fernandes.
Founded in 1967, St. Mathias Sports club’s festival started with the Bonderachem Jevonn with food cooked locally serving Ukde Rice, Prawns curry, Fish kismoor, etc. which was followed by the now iconic Bonderachi Pasoi (Heritage walk). The heritage walk, curated by Festakar Marius Fernandes was flagged off near the St. Mathias Church with the tolling of the church bells. No festival is complete in Goa without a traditional brass band, the brass band accompanied by a flag March played melodious Konkani music to the delight of the guests.
Another addition of the heritage walk was a comical Konkani play presented by Pilerne Theatre Group directed by Edmer Barreto under the guidance of Fr. Derrick Fernandes, Parish Priest of St. John the Baptist Church Pilerne. The play centred around elimination of single plastic and garbage management.
During the heritage walk, the generous villagers of St. Mathias served Goan heritage delicacies like Lathod, Godshe, Patoio and the exotic name Alle-bèlè. The Bonderam festival started at 17:30pm, with four vaddos of Goddar, Church vaddo, Belsur and Amboi presenting colourful dances and floats depicting Goa’s amazing heritage of pottery, cashews, etc. It was followed by an evening of entertainment and merry-making with popular RJ Joed Almeida.
