From a Tourist's Point of View
VENGURLA - FESTIVALS
Vengurla -
Fairs And Festivals
Vengurla celebrates a host of festivals around
temples and churches, many of which bring early legends
back to life. The folk of this region partake in the
varied cultural activities with much enthusiasm. Every
community carries on its traditions, which are enjoyed
by all of Vengurla, throughout the year. The
'Vengurlikars' (locals of Vengurla), could claim to live
in a melting pot of Eastern and Western cultures, as
there is a blend of Hinduism, Islam & alongwith other
religions. These people are known to live in peace
and harmony.
Jatra (festivals/fairs)
There are several types of jatras, celebrated in most
temples in the Sindhudurg district. The temples
are dedicated to the celebration of specific jatras,
catering to every aspect of the diverse culture. Sateri,
Vetoba, Rameshwar, Aravali are locations of important
temples. The feasts are so ingrained in the ethos
that those from the Malvan area who have migrated to
bigger towns and cities return, particularly during the
months of August and September to celebrate the jatras.
Mahashivratri
It is celebrated in month of Magh (January/February) and
is principally celebrated by offerings of Bael (Bilva)
leaves to the Lord Shiva, fasting and an all night long
vigil. Penances are performed in order to gain
boons in meditation and yoga. Sagareshwar Temple
is a beautiful Shiva Temple, which is built in the Sands
of Vengurla.
Shigmotsav / Shigmo
This is celebrated in in the month of Phalgun
(February/March) for 11 days. Shigmotsav, the festival
of colours, similar to the festival of Holi, is held for
one week up to the full moon day in March. An
attraction of this festival is the parade of
horse-riders (Ghodemodni). Martial dances and
parades wind their way down the streets, accompanied by
the rhythmic, hypnotic roll of drums. In Vengurla, on
the last day, the 'Rombat', which is a procession of men
in traditional dress, dance to the beat of the drums.
Holi
Holi
is a festival that celbrates the arrival of spring.
People spray colours on one another as a celebration of
the beauty associated with spring blossoms. On the eve
of the festival, people gather round bonfires that are
also known as 'holis', which are believed to burn away
all evil. The offering of newly harvested grains to God
before the harvest is availed is called 'Holi' too. This
custom has been performed since the ancient Vedic
period. Filled with an abundance of colour, music, dance
and delicacies, Holi offers much beauty and gaity to one
and all.
Ramnavmi
Ramnavmi is celebrated in the month of Chaitra
(March/April). The birth of Lord Rama is celebrated at
Ramnath Temple on this occasion. Chaitra Purnima (full
moon day of the month of chaitra) is celebrated at Shri
Sateri Temple at Vengurla.
Baisakh (Season)
This season is a fruit season (April/May). It is also a
homecoming season and a money making season for the
people of Vengurla. The reaping of harvest marks the
period of leisure and joy. Baisakh is considered to be a
marriage season, as well. 'Baisakhi fairs' are held in
these days. The closely knit society enjoys much
fellowship and a
festive spirit in the Baisakhi season.
Mirg
For the Hindus, the beginning of the monsoon season is
marked by Mirg. This is in the month of June. Christians
celebrate it a day earlier. There is offering of prayers
to the Catholic saints who were born in this month, eg.
St. John the Baptist.
Gokulashtami
This festival, also known as Janmashtami is celebrated
during the month of Shravana (July/August). A pot
of curds is decorated and hung onto a rope high above
the ground level. Formations of pyramids by huge groups
are made to break the pot and empty the curds over all
the people. The rope is lined with various
decorations and fruits, which everyone shares. later on.
Crowds flock to cheer and enjoy watching this event.
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