Ganesh Chaturthi, celebrated in Goa as Chovoth, is influenced by inherited and established customs that has been reduced from one generation to another and promotes harmony and community spirit.
“The tradition is very important for cultural sustainability and followed for centuries.
There are many practices observed by GOANS to mark Chovoth celebrations,” Sociology lecturers from Shree Ganesh Middle School, Mapusa, Narayan Gawas, to Tii.
Cuisine during the festival is also full of delicious dishes.
Modaks, which are fried wheat flour dumplings with Dal, coconut grated and jaggery, eaten with food after they are offered to Lord Ganesha idol.
Fried candy in the form of a crescent named Nevryoes, made of wheat flour and filled with dry coconut and sugar, also prepared.
Then there is a khatkhate, mixed vegetable soup with pieces of raw banana, breadfruit, and seasonal tubers boiled in spicy sauce.
Chovoth is also characterized by different beliefs.
In Pethechawada in Korgao Pernem Taluka, there is a tradition of celebrating Chovoths collectively.
In one example like that, members of 12 Shetye families take part.
Lord Ganesha idol was made using 12 lumps of clay.
Working on idol began on Nagpanchami and in the afternoon of Chovoth, an artist visited the house and painted the eyes on it, after a new woman married offered a prayer.
Ranyache Juve is a small hamlet of Nadora in Bardez, located on the Colve River.
During the last 300 years, Rane Sardesai Family from Bicholim City, Mapapaa, Porvorim and Vadawal from Latambacem gathered in Hamlet.
Using 21 lumps given by 21 families on the island, Lord Ganesha’s idol is ready and worshiped collectively for five days.
In Goa and the Concendary area, there is also a tradition of hanging ‘Matoli’ – Wood Canopy – on the head of Lord Ganesha and decorates with the wealth of seasonal flowers of the region.
It displays intimate relationships from elephant-headed God with Mother Nature.