CUNCOLIM: Among the thousands of devotees at the Shree Shantadurga Kunkalikarin Sanstha temple at Fatorpa, on Tuesday to celebrate Dussehra, in a manner unique here, there were many Catholic devotees. This is the way it has been in Cuncolim for generations which follows the highest of all religions – humanity and harmony.
All residents of Cuncolim - those who converted to Catholicism and those who remained steadfast in their Hindu beliefs - remain united. They joined hands to fight for swarajya (self-rule) and swadharma (their own faith).
This unity was exemplified when a Catholic priest, the late Fr Antimo Gomes, boldly proclaimed, “I am a Hindu by blood and a Catholic by faith.” This tradition of religious unity and spirituality is still evident in Cuncolim today.
The current generation of Cuncolim residents has continued to embrace this tradition of religious togetherness. Catholics from Cuncolim actively participate in various Hindu festivals, such as those at the Shree Shantadurga Kunkalikarin temple. They affectionately refer to the Goddess Shantadurga as ‘Mamai Saibin’.
During Navratri, Dussehra, Shigmo, Sotreo, and the famous jatra festival, Cuncolim’s Catholics play an active role in the festivities.
The temple strictly follows Sanatan traditions, and yet, Goddess Shantadurga is revered by both Christians and Hindus. Today, the age-old traditions of the Gaunkars (clans) are upheld at Shree Shantadurga Kunkalikarin temple, Our Lady of Health Church, and the Sociedade De Gaunkari Cuncolim e Veroda, a society of local Gaunkars. In March, when the Palki procession of Goddess Shantadurga is taken to Taleabhat, the Catholic devotees welcome the Goddess by erecting an arch and distributing sweets.
Catholics and Hindus come together to celebrate the Sotreo festival, where they joyously dance with the goddess’ umbrella and partake in smearing colour on each other.
During the Sotreo festival, former Superintendent of Police Tony Fernandes invites friends and relatives to join in the celebrations. The Sotreo Palki procession follows a traditional route, with certain Catholic musician communities playing traditional band music during the festival. The entire community, regardless of religion or caste, comes together to celebrate.
Religious harmony is not limited to common citizens alone; even prominent individuals from Cuncolim who have excelled in various fields hold Goddess Shantadurga in high regard. Notable figures like retired cop and tiatr personality Sammy Tavares, government officer Dr Levinson Martins, retired bureaucrat Elvis Gomes, business personality Wendy Gomes, Neeraj Aguiar, and many more are devout followers of Goddess Shantadurga Kunkalikarin.
The unity extends beyond just Catholics; Hindus also visit the Our Lady of Health Church during the local feast of Our Lady of Health. On February 2, the church is filled with Hindu devotees, for the feast Masses. The people of Cuncolim have upheld their traditions of unity and brotherhood, setting an example for others to follow.