The dynamic St. Mathias Sports Club and it’s forward thinking and first woman president Mrs Effie D’mello celebrated a historic and inclusive Bonderam Fest on the 19th of August, capturing the essence of goan culture and traditions. The fest kicked off with an engaging presentation and film showcasing the importance of millets by Goa College of Agriculture, Ela, Old Goa under the guidance of Dean and Vice- Chancellor Dr. Suresh Kunkalikar. This was followed by an interactive workshop on crafting millet porridge (Tizann) by the talented Goencho Festakar team.
The fest took a scholarly turn with former bureaucrat Elvis Gomes delivering an eloquent speech on the immense benefits of millets as the food of the future. Senior Journalist Prakash Kamat, Horticulturist Miguel Braganza, Artist Pravin Sabnis, Linguist Gwendolyn de Ornelas and coordinator Angela Valadares participated in the celebration. Attendees were treated to a culinary delight during the break, as villagers dished out an array of mouthwatering goan heritage dishes.
The event’s diversity and richness were further highlighted as Malarchim Motiem, a young local acoustic music band, entertained the gathered audience with traditional songs. Later, Fr Joao Coelho accompanied by the St Mathias church bells tolled, heralding the commencement of the Bonderam Pasoi. This vibrant procession, curated by Festakar Marius Fernandes along with his team, weaved its way through the village, accompanied by a jubilant crowd, colorful flags, a spirited brass band, and a captivating street play enacted by students from Goa College of Agriculture, Ela, Old Goa, Carmel College, Nuvem, Travelling Dome and Soul Travelling.
Four vaddos (neighborhoods) of St. Mathias village showcased their creativity and cultural vibrancy through beautifully choreographed dances and vividly decorated floats. These displays artfully depicted the essence of goan heritage, captivating the audience with their charm. These floats were judged by Philu Martins, Cecille Rodrigues and Venita Gomes.
Distinguished guests including the Honorable Art and Culture Minister, Shri Govind Gaude, and MLA Shri Rajesh Phaldesai graced the occasion with their presence, alongside Volvoikar, Malar Sarpanch Ms. Supriya Tari, Divar Sarpanch Mr. Mario Pinto and other dignitaries. The fest was made all the more memorable with a special and unique musical medley with an exuberant traditional ghumot, tachini,shamel and kasale on one hand, and eloquent Brass Band on the other. Konkani hits were passionately delivered by Seby the Divar, and the event was seamlessly hosted by the popular RJ Joed Almeida.
The evening continued further with Goa’s premier band True Blue, and the energetic Macattack.
This historic Bonderam Fest organized by St. Mathias Sports Club proved to be a resounding success, encapsulating the spirit of inclusivity, culture, and community that makes Goa so special. The celebration left a lasting impression on all who attended, showcasing the rich tapestry of traditions and the boundless enthusiasm of the Goan people and a special mention of the hundreds of St Mathias villagers who volunteered for months to showcase their beautiful village to the world