COMMUNAL HARMONY AT FATORPA ZATRA

THE ANNUAL ZATRA of Shree Shantadurga Kunkalikarin starts at Fatorpa, Cuncolim on 14th January and will go on till 19th. This is one such occasion where thousands of people from all over throng to Fatorpa to be a part of the Zatra and to worship the patron goddess. The goddess Shantadurga Kunkalikarin whose home town was Cuncolim, had to be taken to Fatorpa to avoid the wrath of the Portuguese when inquisition was at it’s peak. Although people from Cuncolim now have to travel to Fatorpa, which is situated about seven kilometers from Cuncolim, the distance does not seem to be a factor of any concern. Kuncolkars from all walks of life visit the temple irrespective of caste or religion.

Communal Harmony

The most important and impressive factor of Cuncolim is it’s sense of unity and communal harmony. It could be said that Cuncolim is an example to the world of what communal harmony should be all about. The Hindus as well as Christians of Cuncolim celebrate the Zatra with the same pomp and fervour as they celebrate the Annual Feast of Our Lady of Health and Chatriutsav (popularly known as Subtryos).  The sense of belonging to each other and communal harmony can be linked to the Vangor system being followed in the temple of Shree Shantadurga Kunkolikarin as well as in the Our Lady of Health Church. There are 12 vangors (clans) in Cuncolim having the same names in the temple and also the church. This sense of belonging to each other and the brotherhood existing among the Kunkolcars is a long standing proof of their unending love for their historic village and also their strong sense of patriotism.

The architectural structure of this temple is a unique one. The devasthan provides various facilities to the devotees who come here from far off places. Accommodation is available at subsidized rates.

Miraculous Goddess

The goddess Shantadurga is known to be miraculous in many ways. The people of Goa as well as from neighbouring states believe that the Goddess comes in their dreams and asks for various things, right from gold ornaments, clothes and at times even the devotees themselves. The devotees live up to their dreams by visiting the temple during the festive occasion of the Zatra. During the occasion of the Zatra, the procession of the Goddess is taken on four different chariots. The Zatra starts with the ‘Zagor’, where the traditional artists dance along with the ‘palqui’ and thousands of devotees participate in the same. On the second day the procession takes place with the ‘Ambari’ (elephant) chariot. On the third day, the ‘fulam rath’ (chariot of flowers) and on the fourth day the procession takes place on the ‘Vijay rath’ (Victory chariot). The attraction of this Zatra is the ‘Maha rath’ (Grand chariot) which takes place on the final day of the Zatra. 

Devotees seek favours from the goddess before venturing into a new business, constructing a new house or even before tying the nuptial knot. This tradition is called as ‘Prasad’. The firm belief goes that all new ventures started with favours from goddess Shantadurga shall reap rich fruits.

The Goddess is brought in a procession through Cuncolim along with the ‘palqui’ and the 12 sontriyos (Umbrellas) which represent the 12 vangors. The sontriyos are carried by people along the way irrespective or religion or caste and this occasion happens to be a festivity full of colour  with the traditional brass band.

As done every year, this year too elaborate arrangements have been made by the committee to make the Zatra eventful. 

( Sandeep B. Dessai is the President of Shree Shantadurga Kunkalikarin Devasthan.)

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