------------------------------------------------------- CONVENTION OF THE GOAN DIASPORA FROM GOA INTO THE WORLD Lisbon, Portugal June 15-17, 2007 Details at: http://www.goacom.org/casa-de-goa/noticias.html -------------------------------------------------------
Mervyn Maciel wrote: Godgodo D'Mello (perhaps this individual was afraid of thunder?!) -------- Dear Mervyn, In all probability D'Mello was not so much afraid of thunder as attracted to gambling. Godgodo is a dice game commonly played near village tiatrs, nataks, feats etc. The numbers one to six are marked on a large card paper. The 'dealer' rattles a dice in a tin can and places it down with the can covering the dice. Bets are paid off in a 1:5 ratio, meaning if you played Rs. 10/- on a particular number and that number was correct then you will get Rs. 50/- (which includes your original Rs. 10/-). Since the odds are 1:6 the table (or dealer) wins in the long run*. Although godgodo is illegal most folks, and even the cops, turn a blind eye to it as it is not a regular thing like matka and does not involve vast amounts of money. A little harmless gambling (like housie and tambola) is considered ok on festive occasions. When I was schooling at St. Thomas, Aldona, there was guy named Godgodo who used to sell 'icecruts' from a cycle. During the monsoons he used to repair umbrellas in Mapusa. His competitor Guru used to sell samosas during the monsoons. Later a young guy named Girmit also joined the icecrut competition but eventually gave it up to become a motorcycle pilot. Icecruts were also referred to as 'iceprates' by these vendors. Cheers! Cecil *With keen observation, loaded pockets and patience it is possible to beat the 'table' odds. But that is another topic for another day. ========= ------------------------------------------------------- Goanet recommends, and is proud to be associated with, 'Domnic's Goa' - A nostalgic romp through a bygone era. This book is the perfect gift for any Goan, or anyone wanting to understand Goa. Distributed locally by Broadway, near Caculo Island, Panjim & internationally by OtherIndiaBookStore.Com. For trade enquiries contact [EMAIL PROTECTED] -------------------------------------------------------