-- Samir Umarye BICHOLIM SEPT 8: If nuclear families have had a separate existence from their clan, Ganesh Chaturthi is an occasion for them to return to their roots for a few days.
The age old tradition of celebrating five days ganesh festival by Prabhugaonkar family from Gaonkarwada Pilgao has become an unique example as every year about 325 family members come together to celebrate the festival. On this day all the members of the family come together from several parts of the state and enjoy the festival. "It is the time for all the members to come together, share their feelings and enjoy the festival in real sense" Jaidev Prabhugaonkar a senior family member told Herald adding "the tradition is going on since many years and this is the third generation which is now celebrating the festival with same vigor." During the five days the family members come together and all the food is prepared in the house by the women. "About 60 to 70 women are involved in the daily chores right from the morning tea to the dinner." Jaidev explained "The expense is bared by every member and we have maintained a special fund for the same; every year we contribute to it and now it has gone upto eight lakh." The five days are filled with lot of enjoyment where the women involve in singing, dancing and other rituals. A unique programme of the festival is the fugdi by men which is done during the second day. "Fugdi which is the traditional Goan dance is mostly performed by women, but as per our tradition men perform this dance in our house during chaturthi" Jaidev said. In the hoses there is also a small temple of goddess Rampurush. "The second day is also important as on this day 'awsar' (man is possessed by goddess) comes on one of the family member and the goddess bless the entire family." Jaidev claims. The festival also involves several competitive and musical programmes. The Prabhugaonkars are celebrating the festival since several years and now as some of them are well settled they have also made golden ornaments for theidol. "Whatever we are today is because of the blessings of Ganpati and we hope that our children would keep up this tradion even in our absence" Vinayak Prabhugaokar asserts.