Zatra / Goa Ancient Goa & Modern Goa / The Seven Divine Sisters of Goa

Zatra /  Goa

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Zatra of Goa 

There is an ancient Goa and a Modern Goa that co-exist together….

👉The Seven Divine Sisters of Goa

Zatra is a Konkani word that means "pilgrimage festival". It is celebrated at Hindu Temples in Goa, India. It usually occurs after Diwali in October and continues until the Shigmo or Holi festival in March.

During the Zatra, the idols or Murtis of the Hindu Deity or Deities are taken out on a special procession either in a "Palkhi" (sort of a Palanquin) or in a large, multi-storied chariot called the Rath. 

The procession is accompanied by music, dance, and singing, and is a major event in the local community.

The Seven Divine Sisters of Goa are a group of Goddesses who are worshipped in different temples across the state. 

The 7 Sisters of Goa:-

🔹Lairai (Shirgaon)

🔹Kelbai (Mulgaon)

🔹Mahamaya (Mayem)

🔹Mirabai (Milagres)

* Morjai (Morjim)

* Shitalai (unknown)

* Anjidipa (Anjidipa Island)

Khetoba - The only Brother ( Chopdem)

The Sisters are said to be the enigmatic incarnations of the Saptamatrikas, the Seven Mother Goddesses of Hinduism.

Each of the Sisters is associated with a different aspect of nature or life:-

▶️Lairai is the Goddess of Fertility and Childbirth

▶️Kelbai is the Goddess of Agriculture

▶️Mahamaya is the Goddess of power and protection

▶️Mirabai is the goddess of love and devotion

▶️Morjai is the goddess of the sea

▶️Shitalai is the goddess of snakes

▶️Anjidipa is the goddess of the island.

The Seven Divine Sisters are worshipped by Hindus all over Goa. Their Temples are major pilgrimage sites, and their Festivals are celebrated with great fanfare. 

The Sisters are believed to be benevolent and powerful, and they are invoked for protection, prosperity, and good health.

In addition to the Seven Sisters, there is also a brother, Khetoba. He is the God of fishermen and is worshipped in the village of Chopdem. 

The story goes that the Sisters and Khetoba were once very close, but they had a fight and the Sisters went their separate ways. Khetoba is said to still long for his Sisters, and he visits their Temples every year during their Festivals.

The Seven Divine Sisters are an important part of Goan culture and Religion. They are a reminder of the rich and diverse heritage of the State. Their Temples and Festivals are a popular tourist destination, and they attract people from all over the world.

The Zatra is also a time for people to come together and celebrate their faith. It is a time for prayer, feasting, and merrymaking. The Zatras are a vibrant and colorful event that is a showcase of Goan culture and tradition.

The Most famous Zatras in Goa:-

🔹The most famous zatra of Goa is that of the temple of the Hindu deity Lairai at Shirgao, a place located roughly 30 km away from Panaji when people walk on burning coals bare feet.

🔹The Shri Shantadurga Temple Zatra in Margao is one of the most popular Zatras in Goa. It is held in honor of the Goddess Shantadurga, and is attended by thousands of people from all over the state.

🔹The Shri Mangueshi Temple Zatra in Priol is another major Zatras in Goa. It is held in honor of the God Mangueshi, and is known for its traditional music and dance performances.

🔹The Shri Mahalsa Temple Zatra in Ponda is a smaller Zatras that is held in honor of the goddess Mahalsa. It is known for its unique tradition of "Bhar", in which women are possessed by the spirit of the goddess and act as oracles.

Zatra is an important part of Goan culture and tradition. It is a time for people to come together and celebrate their faith, and to enjoy the vibrant and colorful culture of Goa.

(c) Rohit Singh Negi / Dr.Reshmi Nair 

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