DIVAR: The serene village of St Mathias on Divar Island transformed into a lively hub of culture, nostalgia, and sustainability as it hosted the vibrant Potekar Fest 2025. This unique festival, curated by Festaçar Marius Fernandes, brought together people from across Goa to celebrate tradition, inclusivity, and environmental consciousness in an atmosphere of harmony and togetherness.
The festival commenced with the much-anticipated Festaçar passoi, a symbolic procession from the Ghumot Museum to the balcão, where the 93-year-old Anna Regina, the oldest Potekarn, warmly inaugurated the celebration. This was followed by the ceremonial lighting of the lamp by distinguished guests, including Prakash Kamat, Rena Menezes, Maria Gorretti Fernandes, Dominic D’Souza, Jacqueline Alvares, and Mariano Ferrao. Their presence set the stage for a day filled with cultural exchange, nostalgia, and shared learning.
Potekar Fest drew enthusiastic participation from various Goan regions, including Corlim, Panjim, Mapusa, Divar, Sarzora, and Nuvem, reinforcing its spirit of inclusivity. The festival ensured that individuals of all backgrounds and abilities could actively participate, making it a true community event.
A defining feature of Potekar Fest 2025 was its unwavering commitment to zero-waste practices. By incorporating eco-friendly traditions and sustainable living principles, the festival exemplified how cultural celebrations can be both meaningful and environmentally responsible.
The festival featured several engaging cultural elements, one of the most cherished being the Balçaoacheo Gozalli—a platform where Miguel Braganza, Prakash Kamat, and Mariano Ferrao shared their insights and experiences with Festaçar Marius Fernandes. Their discussions provided a rich tapestry of Divar’s past, offering attendees an immersive experience of the region’s heritage. They spoke how those innocent days has changed and we all have to be more aware of our surroundings due to the advent of social media and vloggers and how they can distort our traditions due to lack of knowledge.
Adding to the nostalgic atmosphere, Festaçar reminisced about his childhood days of crafting paper masks, evoking memories of Goa’s age-old traditions and artistic expressions.
A major crowd-puller was the mesmerizing Kottieacho Nach (Coconut Shell Dance), conceptualized by Dr Gwendolyn de Ornelas. The rhythmic performance captivated onlookers, highlighting Goa’s dynamic folk traditions. Live musical performances further enhanced the festivities, with renowned singers Jacqueline Alvares and Leena Fernandes leading the audience through timeless Konkani melodies.
The festival was a sensory delight, offering a blend of Goan culinary and artisanal traditions. A special workshop on Doce de Grão, conducted by Dr Gwendolyn de Ornelas and Dorothy De Souza, provided attendees with a hands-on experience of this beloved Goan delicacy, fostering a sense of community and cultural pride.
Reflecting on the success of Potekar Fest 2025, Festaçar Marius Fernandes expressed his gratitude, stating:
We are deeply grateful to our visitors, performers, and everyone who made this event possible. This marks our 98th community festival, and we look forward to continuing this journey of celebrating unity.”
More than just a festival, Potekar Fest 2025 stood as a testament to Goa’s cultural richness, inclusivity, and commitment to sustainability. It left a profound impact on all who attended, reinforcing the importance of community spirit and preserving heritage.
As the sun set on Divar Island, it was clear that this celebration was not just an event, but a heartfelt tribute to Goa’s identity—one that would be remembered for years to come.