Festival of lights, Diwali is in full swing all over the state and country that brings joy and happiness to everyone. It’s the celebration of the victory of good over evil and people worship Goddess Laxmi to bestow abundant wealth and prosperity in life. All these rituals for Diwali are very common in most places, but some customs standout for its inimitable tradition, like in the village of Marcel in Ponda.
The celebration of Gorvacho Padvo or Gorvan Utsav or Denlo Padvo or Gokridanotsav is something special about this village replete with history. It is considered as the only place in the country where a temple is dedicated to mother and son that is Shree Devki-Krishna Devasthan, where this festivity takes place. “This festival belongs to Lord Krishna and his life centered around cattle, either rearing or taking them for grazing. It is celebrated by the devotees who are residing in the Deulwada area,” informs educationist Premanand Shirodkar, a prominent villager who has seen how the festival evolved from very young age.
Premanand says, “Before the ritual at the temple, most houses around the temple prepare a small cowshed made from cowdung with a Rakhno (caretaker). Pooja is performed with offering of Naivedhya of Pollea (sweet dosa), rice and milk.” Festivity begins after morning ritual by the priest in the temple, a baby Krishna idol Bal Gopal is placed in a Khandyavailo Rath which is adorned with flags (Gudi), image of monkey god, Maruti and Uptagir, having a rounded design.” Pooja of Rath is conducted by the priest followed by that of cow (cattle).
After circumambulation of Shree Devki-Krishna temple, the Rath visits every house with the celebratory folk music of Dhol (drum) and Tashe, humming the popular song ‘Arey Majya Panduranga Sakhyacha Govinda’. Pooja and Aarti are performed by one of the family members and everyone takes blessing by touching the Rath. “While the deity is offered fruits, vegetables and even Vhodyo (made from Kunvaloh, ash gourd), but the most important offering is a garland made up of Doodh Peda (milk sweet), a tradition which is more than 100 year old,” recounts Shirodkar.
Since Lord Krishna always loved milk and curd (dahi), devotees has started this tradition of offering Doodh Peda on the occasion. By the time Rath reaches the temple of Shree Mallinath, it is already pass one in the afternoon.
The Rath remains at the Mallinath temple till 5 pm and then taken back to Shree Devki-Krishna temple as the folk music of Dhol-Tashe and song reverberating the festive mood continues for another hour. Again in the evening, as the folk music is played, Lalkhi and Palkhi (Palaquin) are taken in a solemn procession to Shree Mallinath temple and then they return back to Shree Devki-Krishna temple.
“There is some fun in which the Gudis on the Palkhi are not distributed, but as per tradition, devotees compete with one another and grab them as offering from deity which is taken home and ceremonially installed with prayers. All the offering to the deity by the devotees are then auctioned, but the most prized item is without doubt is the sweet garland of Doodh Pedas,” confirms Shirodkar.
Another Rath showcasing Devaro (Pooja place) is taken in a large procession from neighbouring Ghadgosh temple at Chimulwada, which is taken to every house where people perform Aarti and offer Naivedya to deity keeping the rich cultural and religious tradition alive with total devotion. Festivals and Zatras are the time to experience the uniqueness, and Marcel offers enough of diversity
of culture.