Potekar festival-Divar, SUPERSTITIOUS? By Genevieve Fernandes

Potekar festival-Divar, SUPERSTITIOUS? By Genevieve Fernandes

The small island of Divar which is situated in the river Mandovi, connected to Old Goa, Ribandar and Narve all by ferry.  The island is extremely beautiful surrounded largely by paddy fields. History knows this place as a Hindu pilgrimage site; there were many temples that existed which were sadly later on shifted by the Portuguese to other locations due the spread of Christianization.

Though the island is small and there might be less inhabitants but the culture is rich and vibrant. The locals in Divar celebrate their festivals with great enthusiasm. The village has particularly three main festivals that they celebrate. Those are Bonderam, Potekar and the Feast of Our Lord the Redeemer.

Talking about the festival of Potekar you might find it superstitious. The feast of Potekar is celebrated for three days in the village and it starts before lent. The locals wear homemade and hand painted masks and costumes which normally depicts an animal.

Also they wear cow bells on their ankles and around their waists; definitely these can be heard from a long distance. They go visiting different houses where they are sometimes offered food and drinks; this is done to frighten young children. Although it is just pretend and the elders smile away to the men dressed in creepy animal costumes some believe that it was a way of teaching their kids to have moral values and good behavior.

The festival tradition is related to the customs of village communes or ‘Gaunkars’. If you visit Divar during this festival make sure you don’t get scared of the tinkling cow bells and scary animal costumes because their just locals trying to keep the traditions alive!



 http://www.itsgoa.com/potekar-festival-divar-superstitious/

RELATED ITEMS:DIVAR, FESTIVAL, GOA

11 Reasons Why I love Goa and Keep Going Back

11 Reasons Why I love Goa and Keep Going Back

http://drifterplanet.com/why-i-love-goa/

by Drifter Planet | Feb 21, 2016 | Beaches, Blog, Destinations, India, Personal Stories

Goa is perhaps India’s most popular destination. It is known for its massive beaches and a unique culture that’s a mix of Indian and Portuguese.  It is not a city but is a state (or a province) that’s divided in many zones.

I have lost count of the number of times I have visited this glorious state – but I do know that number is in double digits by now. Many ask me why I love Goa and keep revisiting it instead of exploring new places – well, here’s my answer:

01 | Spectacular Beaches

Sunset - Morjim Beach, Goa
Sunset – Morjim Beach, Goa

Goa has some of the most spectacular beaches in the world that are perfectly crescent shaped, fringed with palm trees and are dotted with beach huts. Most of these beaches have reddish sand, some have soft white sand, many have strange rocks formations, some have hills all around and a few of them have lagoons too! With 300 KMs of coastline, Goa offers something for everyone. If you’re visiting Goa, I would suggest you to stay away from the overly crowded Calangute – Baga – Candolim stretch.

02 | Secret Lagoons, Lakes, Waterfalls and Coves – Goa’s Hidden Spots

Secret Lake in Goa
Secret Lake in Goa

You think Goa is full? Well, maybe you’re visiting the wrong area! No matter how touristy Goa gets, there are always some hidden spots that can be found if you try hard enough. There are a few secret lakes, lagoons, waterfalls and secluded beaches that no one will tell you about. There’s ALWAYS something new to discover because Goa is massive. Wanna know more about the hidden spots? Subscribe!

03 | Goan Food… Nom Nom

Goan Food - Crab Curry
Goan Food – Crab Curry

Goa was once a Portuguese colony and the influences can be found in their food. With a mix of tamarind, coconut, curry leaves, mustard and magic, Goans definitely know how to ROCK their curries. Goa’s Xacuti, Balchao, Cafreal, Vindaloo are perhaps some of the best curries in India. You can not only find plenty of fresh seafood but also real beef steaks – which are rare in India. Moreover, Goa has some amazing places for European food. Seriously, I have never had a bad meal in Goa!

04 | The Shacks of Goa

A Shack in Goa - Arambol Beach
A Shack in Goa – Arambol Beach

Most of the beaches in Goa are dotted with sea facing shacks that are typically run by local Goan families. It’s easy to spend almost an entire day sitting on beach beds of these shacks gazing at the sea. Almost all of these shacks have a beach bar where you can order from a range of International drinks to Goa’s local brews. Many of these shacks offer affordable accommodation options. Some of the most famous shacks are Curlies in Anjuna, Pink Orange in Ashwem, Morning Star in Arambol, Om Shanti in Patnem and Blue Corner in Benaulim. In my opinion, Goa has some of the best beach bars and shacks in the world.

Shacks in Goa - Why I love Goa by Drifter Planet
Shacks in Goa – Why I love Goa by Drifter Planet

05 | King’s Beer – Goa’s Local Brew

King’s beer is Goa’s local brew – it is amazing and is only available here and in Mumbai.  For INR 35 (close to half a dollar) for a pint, it is also cheaper than the other beers.  Somehow, inflation has had hardly any effect on the price of this beer because the first time I had it in 2004, it was for INR 25. When I’m in Goa, I don’t ever look at any other beer except King’s.  It is packaged in a cute little dark bottle that’s short and fat.

06 | The Best Parties… Ever

Parties in Goa in Why I love Goa by DrifterPlanet.com
A Psytrance Party in Hilltop Goa – Why I love Goa

When it comes to parties, nothing can beat the old school psychedelic trance gatherings of Goa. Back in the 1960s, many hippies visited this place and it became their permanent residence. It led to the birth of “Goa Trance” genre which further ushered in a different style of parties with a strong presence of visual aspect that utilizes UV paint and decoration that now happen all over the world. In Goa, some of the best parties are underground and invitations are only by word of mouth for the “insiders”. If you’re lucky enough to find one, you will remember the experience for the rest of your life!  Alternatively, you can also visit Hilltop in Vagator for a kickass party or Palolem for a silent headphone party.

07 | Happy Locals and Beautiful People of Goa

A Local Goan Family back in 2004
A Local Goan Family back in 2004

Goans are very peaceful, easygoing and laidback. Usually smiling, they are extremely polite and trustworthy. Apart from the local Konkani people, many other people from all over the world call Goa their home. First the hippies and then the backpackers – many visited this glorious destination and did not leave. For many, the hippie trail ended here and it became their permanent residence. They have collectively formed a culture that is a blend of East and West.

09 | Safe and Peaceful

Goan Roads by Drifter Planet
Goa is safe for women!

While India is famous for its many scams, things are completely different in Goa. Apart from a few isolated incidents, communal violence and crimes against women have been nearly non-existent and Goa is regarded as one of the most peaceful states in India. Back in 2009 on my solo visit to Goa, I dropped my wallet on the road and I got it back within one hour without anything missing. Once I left my smart phone in a shop in Arambol and I got it back. Goa is one of those rare places in India where I feel safe walking alone on the street at night wearing shorts.

10 | Stunning Architecture – Old Churches, Abandoned Forts and Portuguese Houses

A Church in Old Goa
A Church in Old Goa

I love admiring architectural wonders and Goa is a treat for my eyes with its many Churches, Forts and old school Portuguese houses. Some of the most famous churches are the Basilica of Bom Jesus (1605), Se Cathedral (1619), Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception (1541) or in fact, Old Goa is full of them where a lot of churches were built during Portuguese rule. Some of my favorite forts are Chapora Fort, Fort Aguada and Cabo de Rama – they all are fun to explore and overlook beaches.

11 | Goa is awesome for Shopping

Arambol's Shopping Street
Arambol’s Shopping Street

Here’s the thing – I don’t like to spend money. I usually avoid shopping because I travel on a low budget.  I have many things in my room that are more than a decade old and some of them are from Goa. It’s difficult to resist the urge to buy colorful clothes, lamps, tribal jewelry, UV bedsheets, elf dresses from Goa’s street shops. Some of the most famous places for shopping in Goa are Anjuna flea market, Arambol’s street shops and Arpora’s night bazaar.

Due to Portuguese rule which isolated it from the rest of India for 451 years, Goa is different from the rest of India. In my opinion, there is no place like Goa in the entire world. If you have visited Goa, then do leave a comment to let me know what you LOVE about this place.

Where to next?

11 Reasons Why Malaysians Should Make Goa Their Next Holiday Destination

http://says.com/my/lifestyle/why-malaysians-should-make-goa-their-next-vacation-trip

11 Reasons Why Malaysians Should Make Goa Their Next Holiday Destination

Famously known as India's beach paradise and party capital, you will soon find that there is so much more to Goa than just those two things.Tucked into the southwest coast of the Indian subcontinent, the beautiful beach town of Goa - India's smallest state - has long been a paradise hotspot for beach lovers and partygoers

Just 1,429 square miles, with a population of 1.5 million, this is where the crowded cityscapes of urban India give way to coconut groves; the blare of traffic yields to birdcalls and the insistent whisper of sea on sand.

But don't discount it for its size just yet! Goa possesses its own quaint charm with a wealth of experiences to offer:

1. Bask in the sun on one of Goa's many scenic beaches. Spare some time to watch the sun set too!


Mention Goa, and the first thing that comes to mind are the beaches along its 80-mile (about 125km) coastline. Beaches in North Goa are where the parties and excitement are at, while South Goa's beaches are for those who are looking for some relaxation and tranquility.


2. Make the most of your beach experience with a myriad of water sports to feed your inner adrenaline junkie


Almost every beach in Goa has water sports facilities, such as parasailing, windsurfing, jetskiing, banana boat rides, and even scuba diving and dinghy sailing! Depending on the season, beach location, and the number of rides, such activities can cost you up to Rs. 1500 (about RM91).


3. Goa isn't dubbed India's party capital for nothing. Party all day and all night with the ambient live music scene at any one of its psychedelic beach parties and vibrant clubs!


Holiday makers have been flocking to Goa for some serious party business for decades, with many finding themselves returning year after year, having fallen in love with the state's almost spiritual approach to partying! Some of the most 'happening' nightlife spots - beach shacks, clubs, and the like - are located at Baga Beach, Anjuna Beach, Vagator Beach, Palolem Beach, and Arpora.

If you plan your trip right, you might just stumble upon some of Goa's famous music festivals such as the Full Moon Party, Silent Noise Beach Parties and Sunburn Music Festival at the end of the year!

Silent Noise Party in Palolem Beach.
Sunburn Music Festival, held in December every year.

4. Soak in a piece of architectural history at some of Goa's oldest churches and convents, which have been declared World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. Don't forget the temples and museums too!


The Basilica of Bom Jesus holds the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier.
Old Goa, the state capital for the better part of three centuries and known as the ‘Rome of the East’, houses cavalcades of churches, convents, museums, art galleries, government buildings, bungalows and bakeries.

Goa’s architecture is a unique mix of Portuguese and Hindu Goan styles. Take a day trip to Old Goa that has loads to offer, including a museum of Christian Art, an Archaeological Museum and Wax World, Goa’s answer to Madam Tussauds.

5. Treat your palate to an explosion of flavours with fresh seafood and traditional Goan cuisine, a fusion of Indian and Portuguese gastronomy

Tiger prawns, lobsters, fish steaks - the freshness of seafood makes Goa’s food definitely delicious. Traditional Goan cuisine with its vindaloo, sorpotel, xakuti and the refreshingly lip-smacking sol kadi will leave you asking for more.

6. It may be a tourist-y spot, but Goa is noticeably less crowded and noisy than most Indian states. You'll also find that people are a lot more laidback and friendly too!


Goa is an affluent, laidback place (horizontal, in fact) where doing very little is the order of the day and a smile always gets a smile in return.

7. Shop 'til you drop at Goa's infamous street markets, where you will find a variety of vintage and bohemian goods as well as an assortment of food and snacks from all over the world


Ingo's Saturday Night Bazaar at Arpora presents a potpourri of junk jewellery, imported T-shirts, hippie merchandise, Indian and global cuisine from Rajasthan to Turkey, Spain and the rest of Europe.

You might also want to check out Mapusa Market, Anjuna flea market, Calangute Market Square, and Mackie's Night Bazaar for more shopping options.

8. Whip out your camera (or smartphone) to capture the vivid colours and Instagram-worthy surroundings in Goa


The lush green of the paddy fields, the produce in the markets, the furious, orange sunsets, the brightly painted houses and the hand painted adverts for ‘Idea’, ‘Reliance’ et al on the side walls of shops. Colour forms a great part of the sensory overload that is India, just make sure you have your camera at all times!

9. Outdoor-lovers will adore the natural scenic beauty and wildlife of Goa. For a little more excitement, take a dip in the waterfalls, play with some elephants, and try to spot some dolphins!


The Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary and Mollem National Park have animals like the panther, sloth bear, mouse deer and even barking deer. Then there are 200 species of birds including the Indian great black woodpecker, Malabar pied hornbill, paradise flycatcher, fairy bluebird, emerald dove and kingfisher.

10. Keep your eyes and nostrils open for a visit to the Sahakari Spice Plantation in Ponda, the largest spice farm in the region


This largest spice farm of the region lets you pluck and taste pepper, bite a Peri Peri (hottest chillies of the world), bathe through an ‘elephant shower’ and feast on a traditional Goan lunch cooked with farm spices.

11. Most importantly, Goa is pretty much affordable for everyone. You could probably spend an entire day with just Rs. 400 (RM25) in your pocket!


Intrigued yet? Experience the marvels of this beautiful beach town in person and book a flight to Goa!
Psst... AirAsia flies direct from Kuala Lumpur to Goa from RM199 (one-way) 3 times weekly. Head on over here for more info.

For all the beer brats.....10 Things You Didn't Know About Beer

10 Things You Didn't Know About Beer

For all the beer brats,
Read on to discover some chilling, bubbly facts that will quench your thirst.

1) Would you believe that apart from being the most widely consumed alcohol, beer also bags the position of the third most popular drink, after water and tea?

2) Beer enthusiasts often would describe its flavor as 'hoppy' but what does that mean? Beer gets its flavor from the flowers of the hop vine also known as hops. Not only do they impart a floral bitter and citrus flavor but also prevent the beer from becoming rancid.

3) There are about 400 types of beer! Ale is the oldest type of beer and Lagers are the most commonly consumed beers around the world.

4) The discovery of the brewing process of beer has been traced back to the 6000 BC in Babylonia. Surprisingly all the brewers back then are known to have been women! Brewing beer was considered a noble task for women. Only women from elite backgrounds had the privilege to brew beer. Brewster is the term used for a women who brews beer. To top all the curiosity, there was a written law that prohibited men from selling or making beer! Talk about equality?

5) In days bygone, beer has been an important part of the Egyptian diet and was made from barley bread. It also had great religious value. It is known to have been used to cure illnesses and make offerings to god.

6) It was in 1850 that the first beer bottle was sold. Before that beer was sold at special places called taverns where people would come with their buckets and fill them up for the evening. Ah! good old days.

7) As opposed to a chilled mug of beer that you would demand for, they say that a slightly warmer temperature enhances the subtle flavors of beer (especially in case of British brews).

8) Beer is made of mostly water. The beer flavor juggles between different regions with different mineral content in their water.

9) Beers should always be stored happily upright. This minimizes oxidation and contamination from the cap.

10) The oldest brewery has been functioning for more than 1000 years now! Weihenstephan Abbey in Germany is the world's oldest operating brewery that flagged off centuries ago in 1050.



http://food.ndtv.com/lists/10-things-you-didnt-know-about-beer-704788?desktop=true