GULF-GOANS e-NEWSLETTER (since 1994)
'Taka': Age Old Ritual still Practised in Goa by SHOMA PATNAIK While travelling around rural Goa, which we routinely do for work, we came across this ancient practice of Taka in Canacona that was utterly intriguing for us city-bred scribes. Celebrated by the largely faming community of Canacona, Taka, one discovered was an age-old ritual that roughly translates into a decree or an announcement. Not any ordinary notice, this message was inscribed into a really medieval looking cloth scroll, meant for the divine beings of our land. And, watching the Taka ritual unfolding before us near the Parshuram Math, Poinguinim, was absolutely captivating. There were villagers in the pageant, togged in old-world dhotis, carrying gaily decorated umbrellas, wooden poles and richly decorated banners. They beat drums, danced in gay abandon, surged around in religious fervour, got themselves into a trance, in the midst of chanting by the temple priest. All in all, an event worth spending time over for any one interested in age-old practices. As for the villagers, it was clear that they took the occasion seriously. Reverently touching the umbrellas and the decorated poles, they watched happily as the ancient decree was read out in public. All the while, taking care to enlighten us on the proceedings. The Taka, they informed, was something unique because it was an invitation from one divinity to another with the deity of Betaal extending the invite to all the neighbouring gods in the region. The occasion: The Gadyache Zatra in May 2010 that is to be celebrated once in three years. Thus, it is an invite that is local to the temples of Canacona, mainly around the three villages of Poinguinim- Loliem and Kharegali. Meanwhile, experts in the field enlightened us some more on the ritual. Says, Mr Rohit Phalgaonkar, history teacher, Don Bosco, Panjim, The beauty of this rite, is that it has not lost its old-world flavour by getting modernised. He continues, For instance the villagers who carry the deities, wear the traditional attire, made up of white cotton. Similarly, the route that the procession takes is also said to be an ancient one. Mr Phalgaonkar adds, Sticking to the old practices has its share of problems. In ancient times, the deity of Betaal it was said, traversed over mountains, rivers and jungles to send out the invite to his fellow beings. Yet, that is not possible in today's times as the area has got inhabited by people's homes and farms. Thus, it is not uncommon to watch the procession jumping over ditches or walking over make-shift planks over properties they are not allowed to enter. Adds Mr Pandurang Phaldesai, member secretary, Kala Academy whose family home is in Poinguinim, The Taka is an invite from the reigning deity Betaal to all the gods in the vicinity. It is open to all, and people of all communities make it a point to watch the procession whenever it is taken around from village to village. (www.navhindtimes.com) Lord Mallikarjun Canacona (Bhovar) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-YC8df6ypjk Palolem Beach, Canacona http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UbnN3nsuAmo Shigmo Utsov in Canacona http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=58FwAlfKVvQ Goa World www.colaco.net www.goa-world.com/goa/ music/ - The Online Music Station for KONKANI THANKS TO ALL FOR YOUR PRAYERS http://www.jrsbible.info/bible.htm EXPRESSIONS - THE FLOWER SHOP http://www.goa-world.com/expressions/
