Goan Catholics

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Goan Catholics
Goiche Katholik
File:Goan Special.jpg
Cardinal Oswald Gracias • Remo Fernandes • Leander Paes • Eunice De Souza • Ileana D'Cruz • Lorna
Total population
~10,00,000[1]
Regions with significant populations
India India540,173[1]
      →Goa359,827[1]
Kenya Kenya~100,000[1]
Languages
Konkani
Religion
Christianity (Roman Catholicism)
Related ethnic groups
Konkani people, Mangalorean Catholics , Indo-Aryans

Goan Catholics (Konkani: Goiche Katholik) - are Roman Catholics along the west coast of India, located in the former Portuguese colony of Goa (Konkani: गोंय /ɡɔ̃y/). They simply refer themselves as Goans in English and as Goenkar in Konkani. They are Konkani people and speak Konkani as their mother-tongue. Goan Catholics do have the elite people who do continue speaking Portugese. Goan Catholics have another set of people who are pursuing this language just for the love for it.[2] Almost all Catholics in Goa are converts to the religion, and the society is marked by a caste-system. Conversions to Catholicism were seen mainly after the start of Portuguese rule in the area, particularly along the central coast, which Lisbon ruled from the early to mid sixteenth century onwards.

A large number of Goan Catholics have moved abroad. A large fraction of the Goan Catholic community in North America and Europe (primarily the U.K.), used to be settled in East Africa. With the onset of independence in these African countries in the late 1960s', many Goans (as well as other Indians and foreigners) decided to leave Africa (or were booted out by Idi Amin of Uganda). Toronto is believed to have the largest expatriate Goan community. Most of the Goan community in the UK , N.America and Australia have become permanent residents there.

The pattern in the Middle East is different. Because of local laws, the Goan community cannot permanently settle there. They usually go to the middle-east on a temporary basis due to favourable economic conditions in the oil rich nations. Some use the middle-east as a stepping stone towards entering the west. Most return to Goa after completing their jobs.[3]

Today, the Goan Catholic diaspora is scattered across the globe, with emigrant communities in the Arab states of the Persian Gulf and Anglosphere.

Ethnic identity

The Roman Catholics from the Gomantak region, a part of the greater Konkan region and their descendents are generally referred as Goan Catholics. Today this Gomantak region is better known as Goa. Almost all Goan Catholics are converts from Hinduism and trace their origins to the Goud Saraswat Brahmins (Saraswats), who settled in Goa decades ago, when the river Saraswati or Saraswati Mandal dried out due to endogenitic activities in the Himalayas. Due to this they many times also refer themselves as Saraswati's children.

They form 26.7% [4]of the the total population of Goa. They are known by many names in Konkani such as Goiche Katholik or Kristao which literally reads as Goan Catholics or Goan Christians and simply call themselves as Goenkars which literally reads as Goans. The Portugese arrived in Goa in the 1500s and took control over it. They made Portugese the official language of Goa. With the establishment of Goa Inquisition in 1560, a large sections of the population became Roman Catholic. The Goan Catholics were reluctant to learn the Portugese and hence continued to speak Konkani.[5]

History

The King Sebastian of Portugal, the one who declared the eradigation of every trace of Indian customs through the Goa Inquisition.
Main article: History of Goan Catholics
See also: Goa Inquisition

The origins of Goan Catholic community can be attributed to the Portuguese Fransiscan and Jesuit missionaries who landed on the Indian west coast mainly Cochin and nearby coastal regions in the early 15th century. They started prosletyzing to the locals and converted many of them to Christianity. The fact that the Portuguese colonized Goa even during the British rule as late as 1961 may have helped this community in practicing the established traditions and norms which were followed for many generations.It is widely regarded that Roberto de Nobili (1577-1656 A.D) was the first missionary who was instrumental in converting several Hindu Brahmins to the Christianity faith. Roberto de Nobili came to India along with the very first missionaries to Goa to spread Roman Catholicism.[6]

The Portugese-Maratha wars and the Goa Inquisition were the most difficult times for the Goan Catholics. The Goa Inquisition was introduced by the Portuguese in 1560. The King Sebastian of Portugal decreed that every trace of Indian customs be eradicated through the Inquisition. But many Christians of Goa were attached to some of their ancient Indian customs and refused to abandon them. Those who refused to comply with the rules laid down by the Inquisition were forced to leave Goa and to settle outside the Portuguese dominion. Due to this many of the Goan Catholics of the present day Mangalorean Catholics fled Goa and settled in Mangalore, a region south of Goa. Some went north to the Konkan region especially in and around Malvan. Once again, in the early seventeen hundreds a substantial mumber migrated futher south to Kerala mainly in the towns of Kasaragod, Kozhikode and Kochi. Some others went far as to Coimbatore. During the later years, the migration slowed because of the Maratha-Mughal wars, which kept Sambhaji busy.[7]The rest who remained in Goa form today's Goan Catholic community.[6]

The Velhas Conquistas

Vasco da Gama

Vasco da Gama landed in Calicut in 1498 on the west cost of India, several hundred miles south of Goa, and thus became the first person to find a sea route from Europe to India around the Cape of Good Hope. The Portuguese were desperate to control the spice trade from India, then controlled by the Arabs, and needed a good port, which turned out to be Goa. In 1510, the Portugese fleet under Afonso Albuquerque landed in Goa, only to be driven out by Adil Shah (of Bijapur) a few months later.Finally, later that year, the Portuguese with reinforcements, finally usurped Goa (Ilhas region) from Bijapur. In an apparent reprisal for his earlier defeat, Albuquerque ordered the massacare of its muslim inhabitants. By 1543, the Portuguese were able to extend their control over Salcette,Mormugao and Bardez, thus ending their first phase of expansion into Goa. The territories of Ilhas, Salcette, Mormugao and Bardez formed part of the Portugal's "Velhas Coquistas" or Old Conquests, and formed only one fifthof the total area of modern Goa. With Portugal's command of the seas and its supremacy over the Arabs, Goa became the jewel of its eastern empire. By the end of the 16th century, Goa had already reached its peak and was referred to as "Golden Goa".[8][9]

Their Christianization

With the influx of the Portuguese, came their religion. Under Albuquerque's rulecommerce was the primary factor governing Portuguese policy in India. As a result, the Portuguese were initially quite tolerant of the Hindu religion,(although not as tolerant of the muslims). From 1540 onwards, under the influence of the Counter Revolution in Europe and with the arrival of the Inquisition in Goa, Portugal's liberal policy towards the Hindus was reversed. Many Hindu temples were razed and churches built on them; while the few muslims that were there were dispersed or disposed of. The characteristic Portuguese names that many christian Goans have today, is to a very small extent due to inter-marriage between the Portuguese and local Indians. Rather, the converts, were forced to adopt a Portuguese name, usually that of the priest responsible for their conversion.[8][9]

Empire in Decline

Afonso de Albuquerque

By the mid 17th century, Goa's decline as a commercial port began to mirror the decline of Portuguese power in the East as a result of several military losses to the Dutch and the British. The Dutch had taken control over the spice trade — the original reason for Portugal's Eastern empire. Brazil had now supplanted Goa as the economic centre of Portugal's overseas empire. Having survived two naval assaults by the Dutch in 1603 and 1640, Goa was almost over run by the Marathas in 1683, but was then saved by the presence of a strong Mughal force that was planning to attack the Marathas in an other unrelated battle.[8][9]

The Novas Conquistas

In 1741, the Marathas invaded Bardez and Salcete and threatened the city of Goa itself. Fortunately for the Portuguese, a new viceroy, the Marquis of Lourical arrived with substantial reinforcements and defeated the Marathas in Bardez. But the valuable Portuguese territory of Bassein further up the coast was lost to the Marathas. During this period, the Portuguese got involved in several frontier wars which enabled them to extend their control over Ponda, Sanguem, Quepem, Canacona, Pernem, Bicholim and Sattari. Hence, although Portugal lost a large number of its Asian territories, Goa itself expanded.

This second (and final) phase of Portuguese expansion was rather different from their initial conquests. By the time these territories were added, the zeal for religious conversions had died down. In fact, the Portuguese mistrusting the Jesuits whom they viewed as being puppets of the pope in Rome, banned the order in 1759. By 1835, all religious orders were banned, while the Hindu majority were "granted" the freedom to practice their religion. As a result, the "New Conquests" retained their Hindu identity, a characteristic that persists until today.[8][9]

Mordern era

After Goa attained its freedom in 1961, Goan Catholics started to flourish in various fields. The Portugese departed from Goa, but they left a strong essence of their culture on the Goans and Goan Catholics. Finally Goa was declared a union territory administered by central government of India on 30th May 1987. Thus Goa has a unique amalgamation of Hindu, Muslim and Catholic cultural elements in its tradition. Yet it has held on tightly to its own Konkani heredity and is a thriving state today. During Portugese rule Portugese was the offical language of Goa. But today they have all the right to speak in English and any other language.[10]

Geographical Distribution

File:Goan Catholic Distribution.jpg
Goan Catholic distribution in India

According to the 2001 census, Sanferd Rodrigues estimates the population of Goan catholics to be 3,59,827, out of a total Goa population of 1,347,668. He estimates their total population to be 10,00,000. Out of their total population, he estimates their population in India to be 5,40,173 and in Kenya to be 1,00,000.[1][11]

Goan Catholics today are especially found in the metropolitan cities of India like Mumbai and Delhi. They are also found in other Indian cities like Thane, Belgaum, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Kolkatta, Chennai, Nasik, Pune and Nagpur, but not as abundantly as in Mumbai. They are found in large numbers in the Indian states of Goa and Maharashtra. Their presence in other states is minuscule.

Goan Catholics are also found outside India. Many Goan Catholics have migrated abroad for greener pastures, some of them are NRI's or they are the official citizens of that nation with some people born in that nation itself. Overseas regions where Goan Catholics are found are the Arab Gulf nations in the Middle East including Saudi Arabia , Qatar, Bahrain , United Arab Emirates and Kuwait . Some of them have migrated to the Anglospheric world including the United States , United Kingdom , Canada , Australia and New Zealand, while some have settled in Portugal and East Africa mainly in Kenya. Many Goan Catholics are also found in Karachi, Pakistan. These Goan Catholics are those who fled Goa during Portuguese rule. These Goans call themselves as Karachi-Goans.[12]There are also many Goans who reside in Melbourne, Australia. These Goans in Melbourne are popularly known as Melgoans.[13]

Culture

Main article: Culture of Goan Catholics
See also: Goan houses

Goa, a former Portuguese territory, for more than 450 years is often described as 'The Rome of the East'. It has over the past decades, become the dream holiday destination, for many a foreign tourist. More than 40 years after the departure of the Portuguese, Goa is perhaps the most westernized of all the states in Modern India. The majority of Goan Catholics are very bohemian. Easy going in nature, enjoying a typical 'tropical lifestyle'. Music, dance, drama, food and feni, are a few of the things most Goan Catholics are passionate about.[14]

The rich cultural heritage of Goa is a stark contrast to the rest of India. This is one quality that makes the culture of Goan Catholics truly unique. The people of Goa have the essence of music in their culture. In fact music is quite dominant among people living there. Not just Indian, they take pleasure in Western music and listen to the likes of trance, western classic music, techno, jazz, blues, etc. They have a varied taste and choice when it comes to western music. Most Goans have music in their veins and know how to play a couple of instruments. You can find many Goans breaking into a peppy song on a hot afternoon without any particular reason. Most of the music that they sing has the typical Portugal tune and style. Due to the Portuguese rule in this place, the culture has invariably picked up on the Portugal cultural heritage.[15]

Goan Catholic culture is a blend of Portugese and Indian cultures. This blend of cultures can be seen un their Cuisine, Architecture and Dressing style. From Vindaloo to Xacuti Goan Catholic cuisine has a large variety among dishes especially non-vegetarian. Most Goan ladies dress in western fashion dresses and skirts, rather than the more tradition (in India) Saree and Churidar.

Architecture

An example of traditional Portuguese-influenced Goan architecture.

The architecture of Goa is a delightful combination of India, Mughal and Portugal styles. Since the Portuguese ruled this place for two centuries, many churches and houses bear a striking element of the Portugal style of architecture. Goa was also under the Mughal rule and thus one finds monuments built in the typical Mughal style complete with the domes. The typical Goan architecture is very simple and easy going and is visible in buildings like modern churches, houses, etc. Goan Catholic houses are largely infiuenced by the Portuguese culture.It is a blend of Portuguese and Indian cultures.[16]

Most of their houses have the bust of Jesus Christ at the entrance. Many people build a cross at the entrance of their homes. The Litany ( Ladin :Konkani) during religious festivals is receited here. The architecture of Goa is not that complex and has the unique yet smooth blend of different architectural styles. Gateways consisted of elaborately carved compound walls on either side of the gate posts. Central staircases leading to verandahs and balconies upstairs are a unique feature of the architecture of Goa. The walls were made of mud and then later of laterite stone; they were usually plastered then painted. Very few buildings are coloured exactly alike and solid colours are used for front facades; interiors are usually in paler colours/white with solid color highlights. Almost all Goan Catholic houses have a false ceiling of wood. Country tiles used as a corbel are a feature peculiar to Goa. The effect achieved is aesthetically pleasing, giving the roof projection a solid, moulded appearance. The roofing is mainly of Country tiles or Mangalore Tiles. Their flooring consist of humble burnt earth plastered over with cow dung and hay, or with elaborate patterns made with tiles imported from Europe. The windows are usually curved inwards that are glazed with glass or oyster shells. These large ornamental windows with stucco mouldings open onto verandahs. A central courtyard is yet another feature of Goan architecture. The homes are mainly surrounded by Coconut palms and Cashew trees. The Pig toilet are a typically feature of old Goan Catholic ancestral homes.[17]

Cuisine

Main article: Goan cuisine § Catholic cuisine
Fish curry and rice, the staple food of Goa.
Bebinca with ice-cream

Goan Catholic cuisine is a blend of different influences they had to endure during the centuries. Due to the Portuguese rule in this place, the culture has picked up on the Portugal cultural heritage.

Rice with fish curry (Xit kodi in Konkani) is the staple diet in Goa and even of the Goan Catholics.Goan Catholic are renowned for their rich variety of fish dishes cooked with elaborate recipes. Coconut and coconut oil is widely used in Goan Catholic cooking along with chili peppers, spices and vinegar giving the food a unique flavour. Pork dishes such as Vindaloo , Xacuti and Sorpotel are cooked for major occasions among the Catholics. Among vegetarian dishes, an exotic Goan vegetable stew, known as Khatkhate , is a very popular dish during the celebrations of festivals . Khatkhate contains at least five vegetables, fresh coconut, and special Goan spices that add to the aroma. A rich egg-based multi-layered sweet dish known as bebinca is a favourite at Christmas. Another dish of this community is Chamuças is a Goan derivative of samosa, which is usually filled with beef or pork, and generally quite hot. Chicken and vegetarian versions are rare. They are an integral part of Goan cuisine.[18][19]The most popular alcoholic beverage in Goa is feni ; Cashew feni is made from the fermentation of the fruit of the cashew tree, while coconut feni is made from the sap of toddy palms. Another alcoholic beverage is the Urrac (Arrack) which is an alcoholic beverage that is distilled from fermented cashew fruit.[20][21]

Pattoes, a dish of colocasia leaves stuffed with rice, dal, jaggery and coconut.It is mainly prepared during the feast of the 'Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary'. Tizan and Ghodshe are some of the jaggery based dishes of this community. The Christmas sweets include kalkals, Bebik (Bebinca) and Neoryos. Dosh, Pinarg and Dodol, Cashewnut laddu s, Khaje, Revdyo, Peda, Puran Poli, Sakhar Bhat, Mangane, Payasa. There are lots of halwas like the Dali kapa ( Halwa made of red gram ), Cashewnut Halwa, Coconut Halwa, Pumpkin Halwa etc. are sweet popular among Goan Catholics.

Names and surnames

Main article: Goan Catholics names and surnames

Goan Catholic nomenclature is unique. They prefer bilingual names which have variants in both Konkani and English. Depending on the language in use, the corresponding variants are preferred. Nowadays names having English mames are in trend. Names with Konkani variants are Zuãuñ - John, Motthes - Matthew/ Mathias and Pedru - Peter. Another popular naming convention is the use of English names which don't have Konkani variants. Names of this convention are Kevin, Kenneth, Myron, and Sanferd. Other European names are also very popular. Names of this type are Savio, Mario and Andrea. Indian names are also quite popular among them. Names of this type are Sandeep, Rohit, Rahul and Anita. The Portuguese surnames are most abundantly found among Goan Catholics due to the former Portuguese colonationization of Goa.

Goan Catholic variant English variant Sex
Lorso Lawrence Female
Lazar Lazarus Male
Lusi Lucy Female
Luis Lewis Male
Mingel Michael Male
Motes Matthew/Mathias Male
Magdo Magdalen Female
Pedru Peter Male
Rozar (name) Rosario Male
Salvador Salvador Male
Zuãuñ John Male
Source: English-konkani Dictionary[22]

Language and literature

See also: Konkani language and Goan literature

Goan Catholics are Konkani people belonging to the Konkani ethnicity and their mother-tongue is Konkani. They take pride and have strong feelings for the Konkani. It has always being an integral part of their culture. Goan Catholics speak Goan Konkani , a variant of Konkani, which is an Indo-Aryan language, belonging to the Indo-European family of languages, spoken predominantly on the west coast of India. Goan Konkani has significantly higher Portuguese loan-words. This is also true for the Goan Hindus. Konkani has liberally adopted Portuguese words but this seems to be thing of the past. Devanagari script is the offical script for Goan Konkani, although the Roman script is quite popular among Goan Catholics. Today Goan Catholics have all strata of the society conversing in English and in fact taking pride in the same. Goan Catholics do have the elite people who do continue speaking Portuguese. Goan Catholics have another set of people who are pursuing this language just for the love for it. The first reference to Goan Konkani was made by the English Jesuit Thomas Stephens in his book Dovtrina Christam.[23][2]

File:DoutrinaCristam book cover.jpg
Cover of Dovtrina Christam by Fr. Thomas Stephens, first published work in Konkani, and any Indian language
St.Francis Xavier the patron saint of Goa and Goan Catholics.
Goan Konkani word with Portugese influences. English word.
Usar Use/ to use
Intesao Intension
Visthidh Dress/Clothes
Ino'ocent Innocent
Sa'ack Sack
Miss Mass
Sakrament Sacrament
Natalam Christmas
Bensaum Blessing
Igorz Church
Source: Sanferd Rodrigues[5]

Goan Catholic literature dates back to 1622 A.D., when the first known printed book in Konkani was written by an English Jesuit priest, Fr. Thomas Stephens , and entitled Dovtrina Cristam Em Lingoa Brahmana Canarim (Old Portugese for: Christian Doctrine in the Canarese Brahman Language).

Some examples of their literature include A Description of Konkani by Matthew Almeida, S.J. 1989, is a linguistic grammar that describes the phonology, morphology and syntax of the Konkani language of Goa and its surrounding districts. The TSKK Konkani Basic Course by Matthew Almeida, S.J. 1991 is a course book for beginners to learn Konkani. Tisvaddecheo Igorzo by Moreno de Souza, S.J. 1994 is a book that gives a panoramic view of the churches of Tiswadi or Ilhas. TSKK Linguistic Glossary : English-Konkani and Konkani-English by Matthew Almeida, S.J. and Pratap Naik, S.J. 1994. It contains linguistic and grammatical technical terminology prepared by professional linguists and Konkani writers. It is the very first glossary of a subject in Konkani. Sonvsarak Jezu Diat by Vasco do Rego, S.J. 1995, contains sermons preached at the Novenas of St.Francis Xavier for the last 15 years at Bom Jesus. Loka Sangatim Misachi Mandavoll, 1996, is a text is meant for the people to read the Mass prayers in Devanagari script. Another version of this book named Pray Always is the same book printed in the Roman script. Eunice De Souza born in a Goan Catholic family, is a contemporary Indian English language poet and novelist. Aside from poetry and fiction she has edited numerous anthologies and collections and writes a weekly column for the Mumbai Mirror.

Music and Musicians

See also: Music of Goa

As a result of 450 years of colonialization by the Portuguese, Goan music has evolved to a form that is quite a bit different from traditional Indian music. This historical amalgamation from the east and west has produced some of India's best artists such as Lata Mangeshkar and Remo Fernandes. While Lata Mangeshkar has brought classical Indian music to the world, Remo succeeded in bringing a uniqe blend of Indo-Western Pop to all of us long before it became "fashionable" [24][25]

Some of the singers and dramatists, who have become Goan Catholic household names, include Prince Jacob, Alfred Rose, Tony King, Kid Boxer, Souza Boy, M.Boyer, Emiliano D'cruz, Rosario Rodrigues and J. B. Rod. A lot of the music churned out today (2 to 3 releases per month) is from 'Tiatre' (Konkani: theatre) from Portugese word 'Teatro', which are mainly melodramas about family and domestic life. Each lyricist will offer his own explanation for life's varied problems, often coloured by individual prejudices. Although there are quite a few 'Tiartist' who produce plays with political satire. Notable, is William de Curtorim.[5]

Love had become a theme, mainly in the songs of the Jazz artistes, and the classy composer Chris Perry. His ballads, immortalized by singer Lorna, remain all time favorites. Lorna has now returned to Konkani music after a gap of almost 28 Years. Bombay-based, Alfred Rose, is believed to be among the first to actually cut cassettes, and records of his music, with printed lyrics to accompany them.

Goa is almost synonymous with trance music and one can see many trance parties taking place on the beaches of Goa. This transition took place somewhere around 1960 - 70 when many hippies came to Goa and made it a hot tourist destination for the like minded. Since they enjoyed trance music, they introduced the same over there too. Goa is also much influenced by western classical music and listens to the likes of Bob Marley, Ray Charles, Elvis Presley, etc. The current generation listens to rock and hip hop music religiously. Some famous forms of traditional music of Goa are discussed below.[5][26]

SOIRIK ZALI - (Sung at the time of Ross)

Maka soirik nhoi re zali, novrean utrak mudi gaili..2
Main pain kazrachi mojea, toyari keli, noureak mezun doti...2

Atant ghalun kankna churo, dakounk bountam soglo vaddo....2
Resperak aum vetelim, rosteaveleanu tambdi sontri lanu.....2

Nouro sobit dista rupan, zoso suria dista kupan...2
Dekun kalliz ravona, vollem bhor supan, dourunk dista gopan...2

Nourean lace dila sedacho, doxi bangrachea bordacho...2
Zaumcho pormoll mogacho, jardin fulamcho, adar fudaracho...2 .

— Song taken from Traditional Goan Folk Songs article by Sanferd Rodrigues, [27]

Dance

One of the most popular forms of traditional Goan music is known as Mando. This music is usually sung to a dance and is usually sung in a chorus. Mando is the preferred style of music for a wedding party it is said to have evolved from ballroom dancing that was in vogue here during the nineteenth century. Anna Jacques composed the popular folk song Hanv Saiba Poltoddi Vetam more than four hundred years ago.

F: Hanv saiba poltodi vetam, damulea lognak vetam
Maka saiba vatt dakoi, maka saiba vatu kolona

M: Damulea lognacu kolvontamcho khellu
F: Aga mojea tarya mama, aga mojea tarya mama
amkam voron pavoi polltodi, voi poltodi
F: Ghe ghe ghe ghe ghe, ghe ga saiba
M: Maka naka gho, maka naka gho

— Song taken from Traditional Goan Folk Songs article by Sanferd Rodrigues, [28]

The Dekhnni is basically the traditional dance of Goan Catholics who were converted to Christianity from Hinduism during the Portugal rule. These people were the ones to compose this traditional dance form of Goa. The dance also involves singing by people. It usually begins with a beautiful lady starting the dance and is joined later by other dancers gradually. The music of this dance is a lovely combination of rhythm and melody of both western and Indian genre.[29]

Voddekara (Dekhnni)

M: Lamb rund thonddgar doria Mojem voddem polltodi vor-ia Tandd voddem tanddela Ami Xirvoddea vochum-ia ....Repeat

F: Voddekara, voddekara, maka vhorn vapoi Xirvoddea Duddu ditam zaite tuca, Mozo mogi maka apoita M: Bhuim naka, bhuim naka, cholie thonddgar doria assa Distoch tujem rupnnem maka Mojem kalliz umchamboll zata.

F: Kalliz mojem mogan budlam Maka xirvodd vor poddtaim paim M: Tambdi saddi golleant nam kaim Login zata, bhienakai ....repeat

F: Voddekara, voddekara Maka voronakai Xirvoddea Ghe hem kalliz ditam tuca Mhonntam voddekaruch zai maka

M: Io go moga, io go moga Mojem voddem focot ravta tuca Dogaim moujen, voddem tandd-ia Vochon login zaum-ia Xirvoddea

— Song taken from Traditional Goan Folk Songs article by Sanferd Rodrigues, [30]

The Corridinho is a form of Portuguese dance, namely in the Algarve, is another dance performed by the community. [31]

Traditions and festivals

Basilica of Bom Jesus
File:Mary Immaculate Conception Church.jpg
Mary Immaculate Conception Church
Goa Carnival

The tradition of Goan Catholics is quite rich and possesses a unique legacy of different cultures. In Goa, tradition and customs have affected almost every aspect of the Goan lifestyle. One can see the typical Portugal custom of constructing a house. Churches are built in the traditional Portugal style. People are free to practice the religion of their choice and they respect the existence of other religions too. At the same time, they move ahead with the world and are in sync with the latest trends and beliefs.[32]

The main ingredients of a Goan Catholic wedding are the Ros ceremony and the Wedding ceremony. Ros means anointing in Konkani. The Ros Ceremony is conducted one or two days prior the wedding where the bride and groom are blessed by their parents in the presence of relatives and anointed with coconut oil. Ovi is a popular form of music that is sung during weddings by the womenfolk present there. This kind of folk music is sung during a ritual in which coconut milk is applied in small quantities on the bride and groom as a symbol of prosperity in terms of material wealth and family. The songs that are sung usually revolve around the theme of a happy life ahead with a bright future.[33]Later, it is followed by the traditional Catholic wedding mass and finally the wedding. Though even the large westernization of Goa by the Portugese, many Goan Catholics to date can be seeing wearing the traditional Indian wedding saris (sado in Konkani) during weddings in Goa.

In addition to the common Christian festivals like Christmas, Good Friday, and Easter, the community celebrates many other festivals (Konkani: fest) which have both religious and historical significance. Goa is unique in its intermingling of its various religious celebrations. No more is this more apparent than in the celebration of a Zagor, which is mainly celebrated in the Siolim village of the Bardez taluk of Goa.[34]A Zagor, which means nocturnal vigil in Konkani, is actually a dance-drama that starts out with a processions of Hindus and Christians from their villages, which converges onto the zagor site with exuberant singing and dancing from either side. It is a perfect example of communial harmony.[35]. Goan Catholics also celebrate festivals such as Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary and Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary . Some other important festivals include of Mae de Deus Church at Saligao , Feast of Passion of Christ at Siridao, Feast of Holy Cross at Panarim (Aldona), Feast of St. Francis Xavier, Good Friday Celebrations in Panjim, Procession of the Saints in Goa Velha, Feast of the Holy Spirit Church, at Margao, The feasts of San Joao and St. Peter, Goa's Monsoon festivals, Bondera at Divar[36]and Sangodd at Cumbharjua[37].

Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary, November — December 2008 (annual) Navelim, Goa is another Goan Catholic festival. The feast is held annually on the third Wednesday of November. The church is illuminated with decorative lights. The fair is lined with stalls selling toys, food and clothing, furnitures etc. One can just have fun on merry-go-rounds and Ferris wheels in additions or a bite of mouth watery choris pav (sausage bread).[38]Our lady of Assumption feast, Sarzora, Goa which is celebrated on the 15th of August and later on it is celebrated again on the last Sunday of October .this custom is a tradition going back ages . The burning of the old man happens here and in nearby villages every year on the 31st of December. Village boys make an old man by stuffing old clothes with hay , and set up roadblocks to as people for monetary help for their ailing old man. The old man is then customarily burnt at midnight , and the money collected is used for a new year party.[39]

The Church of Mary Immaculate Conception is one of the most famous landmarks of Goa. This church is supposed to be one of the earliest churches to be constructed in Goa. Tourists come to the Mary Immaculate Conception Church of India to feel blessed and to marvel at the magnitude of its construction. [40]The Goa Carnival is one of the biggest feasts of Goan Catholics in Goa. Carnival in Goa is a 4 days festival of color, song and music, providing a healthy entertainment for all, young and old. The soothing climate, full of fun- 'n' -frolic, which the Carnival generates, is much longed for. There is enthusiasm and happiness all around.[41]

Olden Soceity

The Goan Catholic soceity is the society is marked by a caste-system. Each village has its own caste system. They were divided into four castes — Bamons, Charodis, Shudras, and Gaudis. The biggest group were the Bamons (the Konkani word for Brahmins). They were converts from the Brahmin caste (priestly class), and especially included the Goud Saraswat Brahmin converts from Goa. The next biggest group were the Charodis, who were converts from a mixed Kshatriya (military class) and Vaishya (merchant class) castes. The artisan converts formed the third biggest group, and were known as Shudras (labour class). The Vakkals (medical class) were called Gaudis, and formed the fourth group. The local Jain converts from the fisher-castes were known as Padvals.[42]

Organizations

The campus of the Thomas Stephens Konknni Kendr (TSKK), a research institute working on issues related to the Konkani language, located at Panaji in Goa
File:Thomas Stephens Konknni Kendre (TSSK).gif
Thomas Stephens Konknni Kendre (TSSK) logo.

Goans Catholics wherever they are, have often tended to form associations to preserve and maintain their roots as well as to provide a social outlet for its community in a foreign land. The scope of these various associations is very diverse. Some associations are primarily sports clubs, while others have broader agendas covering the social, athletic, cultural and educational spectrum. Another common grouping is based on village communities, which primarily get together to celebrate village religious feasts.[43]

Many organizations cater to the community in Goa. Goa Konkani Akademi (GKA) was founded by the Government of Goa to promote Konkani language, literature and culture.[44] The Thomas Stephens Konknni Kendr (TSKK), founded in 1989 and ran by the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) is a popular research institute based in the Goan capital Panaji, which works on issues related to the Konkani language, literature, culture and education. It was named after Fr. Thomas Stephens in gratitude to his contribution to the Konkani Language.[45]The Dalgado Konkani Academy is another popular Konkani organization based in Panaji.

Goenkaranchi Ekvot is a registered organisation of Goans residing in Delhi and the adjoining states. Its aim is of promoting the social and cultural advancement of Goans -- irrespective of their religion, caste, creed and community, as well as to arrange activities related to thepromotion of Goan culture and tradition.[46]The International Centre, Goa is another organization that has been established on the lines of the India International Centre, New Delhi, to bring together thinkers, scholars and academics, achievers, sociologists, industrialists and creative people from India and around the world to look at the larger issues before the New World and to develop new technologies and perspectives for handling change. The centre provides facilities for local, national and international meetings, seminars, conferences and workshops initiated directly, or in collaboration with other organisations. It also hosts cultural events and stages, performances of dance, theatre and other cultural activities designed to promote, encourage and preserve the Goan and national heritage.[47][48]

While abroad, the conscious Goans in Kuwait formed the Kuwait Konknni Kendr organization to help protect and promote Goan culture because it is only through Konkani that Goan culture is protected. This organization was formed with the initiative of Mr. Anthony Veronica Fernandes who prior to the formation of Kuwait Konknni Kendr created a strong awakening among Kuwait Goans for the need of Konkani protection and promotion.[49].

The Goan Overseas Association (G.O.A.) is a strong integrated cultural organization that seeks to preserve the Goan identity and develop a wider appreciation of Goan culture locally throughout the GTA and worldwide. The organization will continue to actively maintain family, culture and tradition through social, cultural, athletic, and educational activities within the Goan community.[50]. The Goans of America (G.O.A.) was formed in 1970 has grown and evolved since. There are over 300 families and now activities run year round. But much is the same. The G.O.A. is still an organization dedicated to unifying our Goan community here in the Southern California area. It aims to be a way for families to get together, a means to pass our culture to our children, and of course a way for us all to enjoy ourselves.It has now been over 30 years since the founding, and the G.O.A. is still alive and kicking, only hoping to grow more and be more influential in the lives of Los Angeles Goans![51]. Goans who emigrated from Tanzania in great number to greener pastures , to Goa , Canada , UK , Australia , USA , Portugal, etc. formed an organization named as Tanzanite Goans.[52]

Notable Goan Catholics

Notable Goan Catholics Achievements
Eunice De Souza A contemporary Indian English language poet and novelist.[53]
Ileana D'Cruz A Goan working in the Telugu language film industry.[54]
Oswald Gracias Cardinal, Archbishop of Mumbai[55]
Leander Paes International tennis player.[56]
Bruno Coutinho Prominent Indian footballer and Arjuna awardee.[57]
Evarist Pinto Archbishop of Karachi, Pakistan [58]
Lorna Singer from Goa, known as Goa's nightingale[59]
Remo Fernandes Prominent Goan pop star and Bollywood playback singer. Sang the title song in the film Pyaar Toh Hona Hi Tha.[60]

See also

Notes

  1. ^ a b c d e "These estimates are based on Sanferd Rodrigues's pottpori :Goan Catholics (2007) The India census, 2001 estimates the total population in Goa to be 1,347,668, out of which 26.7% froms Christianity. So Sanferd estimates that 3,59,827 Goan Catholics live to be in Goa. The (1977 Voegelin and Voegelin); estimates put the total population of Goan Konkani speakers in all the countries as 2,000,000 . Out of these 3,900 were in Kenya (1987). Hence, he estimates their population in Kenya by 2008 to be 100,000. Using Sanferd's estimates, the total number of Goan Catholics in the world is about 10,00,000 of which about 540,173 live in India". [1]. 2008-09-11. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); External link in |publisher= (help); Unknown parameter |acessdate= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
  2. ^ a b Sanferd Rodrigues. "Konkani_people". Sanferd Rodrigues. Retrieved 2008-09-11.
  3. ^ Sanferd Rodrigues. "Goan Catholic Community". Sanferd Rodrigues. Retrieved 2008-09-11.
  4. ^ Sanferd Rodrigues. "Goa:Demographics". Sanferd Rodrigues. Retrieved 2008-09-11.
  5. ^ a b c d Sanferd Rodrigues. "Goan Catholics". Sanferd Rodrigues. Retrieved 2008-09-11.
  6. ^ a b Sanferd Rodrigues. "History_of_Goan_Catholics". Sanferd Rodrigues. Retrieved 2008-09-11.
  7. ^ Joe Lobo. "Goa and Mangolorean". Indian Catholic Association of Florida. Retrieved 2008-08-26.
  8. ^ a b c d Sanferd Rodrigues. "Goan Catholic History". Sanferd Rodrigues. Retrieved 2008-09-11.
  9. ^ a b c d Sanferd Rodrigues. "Goan Catholic Research" (PDF). Sanferd Rodrigues. Retrieved 2008-09-11.
  10. ^ Sanferd Rodrigues. "Goa history". Sanferd Rodrigues. Retrieved 2008-09-11.
  11. ^ Sanferd Rodrigues. "India Census". Sanferd Rodrigues. Retrieved 2008-09-11.
  12. ^ Sanferd Rodrigues. "Karachi-Goans". Sanferd Rodrigues. Retrieved 2008-09-11.
  13. ^ Sanferd Rodrigues. "Melgoans". Sanferd Rodrigues. Retrieved 2008-09-11.
  14. ^ Sanferd Rodrigues. "Culture of Goan Catholics". Sanferd Rodrigues. Retrieved 2008-09-11.
  15. ^ Sanferd Rodrigues. "Goan Catholic Culture". Sanferd Rodrigues. Retrieved 2008-09-11.
  16. ^ Sanferd Rodrigues. "Goa-Architecture". Sanferd Rodrigues. Retrieved 2008-09-11.
  17. ^ Sanferd Rodrigues. "Typical Goan Architecture". Sanferd Rodrigues. Retrieved 2008-09-11.
  18. ^ Sanferd Rodrigues. "Chamuças". Sanferd Rodrigues. Retrieved 2008-09-11.
  19. ^ Sanferd Rodrigues. "Goa Cuisine". Sanferd Rodrigues. Retrieved 2008-09-11.
  20. ^ Sanferd Rodrigues. "Feni". Sanferd Rodrigues. Retrieved 2008-09-11.
  21. ^ Sanferd Rodrigues. "Cuisine of Goa". Sanferd Rodrigues. Retrieved 2008-09-11.
  22. ^ Maffei 2001, p. 541
  23. ^ "The Konkanis". Department of Theoretical Physics (Tata Institute of Fundamental Research). Retrieved 2008-09-07.
  24. ^ Sanferd Rodrigues. "Music of Goa". Sanferd Rodrigues. Retrieved 2008-09-11.
  25. ^ Sanferd Rodrigues. "Remo". Sanferd Rodrigues. Retrieved 2008-09-11.
  26. ^ Sanferd Rodrigues. "Soirik Zali". Sanferd Rodrigues. Retrieved 2008-09-14.
  27. ^ Sanferd Rogrigues. "Traditional Goan Folk Songs". Sanferd Rodrigues. Retrieved 2008-03-12.
  28. ^ Sanferd Rogrigues. "Mando". Sanferd Rodrigues. Retrieved 2008-03-12.
  29. ^ Sanferd Rodrigues. "[[Dekhnni]]". Sanferd Rodrigues. Retrieved 2008-09-14. {{cite web}}: URL–wikilink conflict (help)
  30. ^ Sanferd Rogrigues. "Mandos:Voddekara" (DOC, 77 KB). Sanferd Rodrigues. Retrieved 2008-03-12.
  31. ^ Sanferd Rodrigues. "Dekhni". Sanferd Rodrigues. Retrieved 2008-09-11.
  32. ^ Sanferd Rodrigues. "Traditions and customs". Sanferd Rodrigues. Retrieved 2008-09-11.
  33. ^ Sanferd Rodrigues. "Goa Music". Sanferd Rodrigues. Retrieved 2008-09-11.
  34. ^ Sanferd Rodrigues. "SIOLIM ZAGOR". Sanferd Rodrigues. Retrieved 2008-09-11.
  35. ^ Sanferd Rodrigues. "Zagor". Sanferd Rodrigues. Retrieved 2008-09-11.
  36. ^ Sanferd Rodrigues. "Bonderam festival". Sanferd Rodrigues. Retrieved 2008-09-11.
  37. ^ "Goan Catholic Festivals / Fests". Sanferd Rodrigues. 2008-09-04. Retrieved 2008-09-04. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  38. ^ Sanferd Rodrigues. "Navelim fest". Sanferd Rodrigues. Retrieved 2008-09-11.
  39. ^ Sanferd Rodrigues. "Sarzora". Sanferd Rodrigues. Retrieved 2008-09-11.
  40. ^ Sanferd Rodrigues. "Immaculate Conception Church". Sanferd Rodrigues. Retrieved 2008-09-11.
  41. ^ Sanferd Rodrigues. "Goa Carnival". Sanferd Rodrigues. Retrieved 2008-09-11.
  42. ^ Sanferd Rodrigues. "Goan Soceity". Sanferd Rodrigues. Retrieved 2008-09-11.
  43. ^ Sanferd Rodrigues. "Goan Catholic Oranizations". Sanferd Rodrigues. Retrieved 2008-09-11.
  44. ^ "Goa Konkani Akademi — promoting the development of Konkani language, literature and culture". Goa Konkani Akademi. Retrieved 2008-06-16.
  45. ^ "Thomas Stephens Konknni Kendr". Retrieved 2008-06-16.
  46. ^ Sanferd Rodrigues. "DelhiGoans". Sanferd Rodrigues. Retrieved 2008-09-11.
  47. ^ Sanferd Rodrigues. "The International Centre, Goa". Sanferd Rodrigues. Retrieved 2008-09-11.
  48. ^ Sanferd Rodrigues. "Goa.com". Sanferd Rodrigues. Retrieved 2008-09-11.
  49. ^ Sanferd Rodrigues. "Kuwait Konknni Kendr". Sanferd Rodrigues. Retrieved 2008-09-11.
  50. ^ Sanferd Rodrigues. "Goa Toronto". Sanferd Rodrigues. Retrieved 2008-09-11.
  51. ^ Sanferd Rodrigues. "L.A. Goans". Sanferd Rodrigues. Retrieved 2008-09-11.
  52. ^ Sanferd Rodrigues. "Tanzanite Goans". Sanferd Rodrigues. Retrieved 2008-09-11.
  53. ^ "Eunice". Sanferd Rodrigues, Mumbai. Retrieved 2008-09-04.
  54. ^ "Ileana D'Cruz". Sanferd Rodrigues, Mumbai. Retrieved 2008-09-04.
  55. ^ "Cardinal_Oswald_Gracias". Sanferd Rodrigues, Mumbai. Retrieved 2008-09-04.
  56. ^ "Leander Paes" "Paes.com". Sanferd Rodrigues, Mumbai. Retrieved 2008-09-04. {{cite web}}: Check |url= value (help)
  57. ^ "Bruno Coutinho". Sanferd Rodrigues, Mumbai. Retrieved 2008-09-04.
  58. ^ "Evarist Pinto". Sanferd Rodrigues, Mumbai. Retrieved 2008-09-04.
  59. ^ "Lorna, Goa". Sanferd Rodrigues, Mumbai. Retrieved 2008-09-04.
  60. ^ ""Offical site"". Sanferd Rodrigues, Mumbai. 2008-09-04. Retrieved 2008-09-04. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)

References

Futher reading

External links

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