Festival of Sontrio

The goddess of Cuncolim village in Salcete taluka is Shantadurga. She is a form of the Hindu goddess Durga, also known as Mahamaya (Mhamai in Goa) and, according to Hindu mythology, she is linked to Kali, Parvati and the blood thirsty Matrakas. Durga’s primary function is to combat demons who threaten the stability of the cosmos. She is a warrior goddess, not linked or subordinate to any male gods.

‘Shanta Durga’ means peaceful Durga. The great Indian mother goddess takes many forms – Kali, Durga, Lakshmi, Sitala and Saraswati to name a few. In Goa, she is known as Shanta Durga. People come from across the state, especially during the Shanta Durga temple zatra to pray for sons, cure of diseases, prosperity, success etc or to make vows.
Shanta Durga is seen as an all-powerful and holy mother. The festival of Sontrio is connected to goddess Shanta Durga and Cuncolim. The deity is taken from the temple at Fatorpa to her original home in Cuncolim every year on the 5th of Phalgun, which is usually in March. On this occasion, the image of Shanta Durga is placed in silver palanquin paraded in a huge and colourful procession across the hills from Fatorpa, all the way to Cuncolim.

It is interesting to note that the route taken is the reverse of the one used centuries ago by fleeing Hindus carrying the image to safety. The occasion is called Sontrio(procession of umbrellas), because it is led by twelve colourful umbrellas atop tall poles of metal or carved wood. Each umbrella is different and stands for one of the twelve Kshatriya clans of the Cuncolim area. These are carried by youths who jump and prance about during the entire length of the procession, while carrying the umbrellas. All males participating in this festival are smeared with red powder, handfuls of which are tossed into the air around the advancing palanquin, which is loaded with coconuts.

When the procession arrives in finally Cuncolim, arti is performed before the palanquin at a particular spot near the Chapel of the Martyrs. The procession then advances to the pavilion specially erected for the goddess. This pavilion marks the goddess’ home, and is decked with coconuts, fruits, leaves and a stalk of bananas. The red colour, the coconuts and fruit accentuate Shanta Durga’s fertility and ability to propagate males. A big crowd gathers near the pavilion. There are two bands – a Western one with brass instruments and an Indian, percussion band. A few men and women sometimes fall into a trance and dance by the palanquin in front of the pavilion.

Religious unity and tolerance between the Hindus and Catholics is highlighted in the celebration of this zatra. Many Catholics also attend the occasion. They include the agricultural Kunbi castes as well as the Kshatriya (Chardo) clans of Cuncolim. Their faith in the goddess is so strong that in spite of their conversion to Catholicism, they still approach the deity for blessings and prasad.

By Maria de Lourdes Bravo da Costa Rodrigues
GT Weekender, March 18, 2007

Posted By : Maria de Lourdes Bravo da Costa Rodrigues, Goa on 05/05/2007