Hosted by Fr Gabriel
Coutinho, parish priest of Our Lady of Rosary church, Navelim and the villagers
of Navelim, the first-ever Bhurgeachem Fest will be coordinated by Priya
Almeida. The workshops will include Kottieacho Nach with Priya Almeida and
group daily from 10 am to 10.45 am, followed by knowledge sharing live demos
from 11 am.
On December 27, Aaron
Fernandes (Chameleon) will talk about the biodiversity of Goa with the talk,
‘Know your wildlife’, Miguel Braganza and Liza Pinheiro (secretary of Agricos
Alumni Association) will explain to the children about plant life with the
talk, ‘Know your plants’ on December 28. On December 29 ‘Know your millets’
will be conducted by Dr Suresh Kunkalikar (dean principal of Goa College of
Agriculture) and the concluding day will have a session on ‘Know your wax’ on
December 30. From 12 noon to 1 pm, there will be daily workshops on mollam
weaving, Roteassão, artworks, choral singing, decor, media cell, football fun
and the lively Navelim Sunshine band.
Fr Gabriel Coutinho
says, “Bhurgeachem Festival is not just an event, it is a celebration of
tradition, learning, and the unbreakable spirit of our community. Join us in
the warmth of Our Lady of Rosary Church Courtyard to experience the richness of
our heritage. This Fest is an investment in our children and we want to pass on
the customs and traditions of Goa to the next generation.”
Priya Almeida, a
parish member and chairperson of Navelim Biodiversity Management Committee, was
also instrumental in organising the Navelim Millets Festival earlier in the
year. She says, “As the coordinator, my joy is in bringing people together
through cultural immersion. I would encourage children to join us and let them
delve into the beauty of Kottieacho Nach, and other workshop creating
connections that go beyond borders.”
These fest is open to all children from
anywhere in Goa from the ages of 8 years to 16 years. The younger children have
to be accompanied by a parent or guardian. These are free events for all the
children. Thought it is a children's fest, but elders can come, watch, learn
and volunteer as the organisers, Navelim Ganvchem Borea Monacho Lok, are
expecting a big turnout of children.
Fr Dylan D'Costa,
assistant parish priest of Our Lady of Rosary Church, Navelim says, “Preserving
our cultural heritage is crucial as our old traditions fade with the older
generation. To ensure their continuity, it's imperative that we actively engage
in learning and embracing these traditions ourselves. The upcoming Bhurgeanchem
Fest presents a significant opportunity to not only value but also transmit
these invaluable traditions to future generations. Let's seize this occasion to
strengthen our connection with our heritage.”
Curated by Festakar
Marius Fernandes and Dr Gwendolyn de Ornelas, this is one of the biggest
festams that Marius has curated in South Goa as it spans over four days. This
festival, as usual will not have entry fee and the children can participate and
learn skills free of cost that will last for a generation. The workshops will
culminate with a presentation/ display at 5 pm on January 1, 2024. “Bhurgeachem
Fest is my quarter century, 25 years of my social responsibility work for Goa
and my 81st Peoples’ Fest around Goa with no chief guest, no sponsors, no
alcohol, no competition, and no prizes but expect plenty of surprises. Another
unique facets of our fest is that it is ethnic, inclusive, cross community,
revival of customs and traditions and showcasing our amazing culture music,
cuisine, skills and heritage to the world,” says Marius.
Dr Gwendolyn de
Ornelas, co-curator of Bhurgeachem Fest says, “Bhurgeachem Festival is a unique
blend of knowledge and celebration. Through workshops on wildlife, plants,
millets and wax, we aim to foster a deep appreciation for the wonders of our
natural world. The Inclusive festival caters to the needs and help bonding of
all sections of our society.”
This is not the only
festival that is planned for Navelim. Marius throws light on the next projects.
“It was my dream to work in culturally rich Salcete and was delighted when Fr
Gabriel Coutinho, parish priest of Our Lady of Rosary Church, approached me to
curate some festivals in Navelim. At the first meeting, I suggested a series of
festivals to him beginning with the Burgeacheam Fest, followed by Ostoreachem
Fest (Women's Fest) on January 26, 2024 in Madkai with participation of women
from Navelim, first-ever Children's Carnival in Salcete on February 12 and
Saxttikaranchem Fest to be held again in Navelim on May 12. From December 26, 2023
until May 2024, I will be based in Salcete as these are grassroots festam and I
need to meet and connect with as many like-minded Goans,” adds Marius as he
gives insight to the upcoming festams.
“This is a festival of
sharing knowledge, ideas and what better way to do than at the children’s Fest.
Children are the stars, and reach them to be inclusive bond with all
communities. We hope children will be encouraged to take leadership in future.
Another concern is about climate change across the world, so we are trying to
go zero waste, we will be doing our bit, and children will be encouraged to
carry their own plates and cups etc during the workshops, in order to cut
unwanted waste at source,” concludes Marius.