Cordel Stree Sanghatan Celebrates Monsoon Spirit with ‘Pavsa Gammath’
Mangaluru: The Stree Sanghatan Cordel Unit, in association with six other commissions of Holy Cross Church, Cordel, organized ‘Pavsa Gammath’, a traditional monsoon celebration, at Cordel Hall here on August 9.
The vibrant celebration brought together parishioners of all age groups to enjoy the rich traditions, flavours, culture, and simple joys associated with the monsoon season. The programme also provided a meaningful opportunity for the younger generation to reconnect with the customs, food habits, and traditions cherished by their elders.
The programme commenced with an invocation by members of the Stree Sanghatan Cordel Unit.
Adding a unique traditional touch to the occasion, an elderly couple, accompanied by their grandchild, inaugurated the programme by opening the lid of an idli steamer. They then distributed Leaf Rice and Coconut Dumplings to the dignitaries and guests on the dais, symbolizing the preservation of traditional culinary heritage and the passing of traditions from one generation to another.
Addressing the gathering, Parish Priest of Holy Cross Church, Cordel, Fr Clifford Fernandes appreciated the initiative and stressed the importance of preserving one’s roots and traditional values.
“We should never forget the path we have travelled and the traditions that have shaped our lives. Today, we see many traditional vessels and practices that remind us of our childhood and the way our elders lived. These are not merely old objects or customs; they are part of our heritage and identity,” he said.
Drawing a parallel between tradition and modern life, Fr Clifford said that many things considered modern today had humble beginnings.
“Human life is like an old root, a new sprout, and eventually a beautiful tree. We need to preserve our roots while embracing new developments. Even something as popular as pizza had humble beginnings. Over the years, it has evolved into countless varieties, but its basic roots remain simple,” he said.
Fr Clifford also highlighted the wisdom behind the traditional food habits of earlier generations.
“In the past, our elders followed simple food habits and made use of seasonal ingredients available in their surroundings. During the monsoon, they consumed traditional foods that provided essential nutrients. Our ancestors knew how to make the best use of nature’s resources,” he observed.
Recalling the importance of preserving traditional household articles, he said that many families today regret losing valuable old articles and other objects that were once part of everyday life.
“When we had these things, we did not realize their value. Today, many people regret that traditional vessels and other valuable items from their ancestral homes were not preserved. Programmes like this help us remember, appreciate and pass on our heritage to the younger generation,” he added.
Fr Clifford thanked the Stree Sanghatan Cordel Unit and the six commissions for organizing the celebration and encouraged parishioners to continue coming together.
“Let us not limit such celebrations to one day. Let us continue to come together, preserve our traditions, and celebrate our culture and community spirit in the days to come. I congratulate everyone who worked behind the scenes to make this programme a success,” he said.
The celebrations featured a colourful cultural programme, with children, youth, and elders entertaining the gathering with lively performances and foot-tapping numbers. The performances added vibrancy to the occasion and brought together different generations on a common platform.
A major attraction of the celebration was the traditional monsoon feast, featuring more than 15 varieties of seasonal and traditional delicacies prepared by members of the Stree Sanghatan and parishioners. The homemade dishes showcased the rich culinary heritage of the region, with parishioners enthusiastically savouring the traditional flavours.
The event also featured fun games, spot competitions, and Housie, which witnessed enthusiastic participation from children, adults, and senior citizens. Music, laughter, food, and games created a warm atmosphere of friendship and fellowship.
More than just an entertainment programme, ‘Pavsa Gammath’ served as a celebration of Konkani culture, traditional cuisine, family values, and community bonding. It provided an opportunity for the elderly to share memories and experiences with the younger generation while allowing everyone to enjoy the beauty and spirit of the monsoon season.
President of the Stree Sanghatan Cordel Unit, Shobha D’Souza, delivered the vote of thanks.
Resident Priest Fr Denzil, Assistant Parish Priest Fr Loyd Rohan D’Souza, Vice President of the Parish Pastoral Council Ruth Castelino, Secretary of the Parish Pastoral Council Anil D’Sa, and presidents of the six commissions were among those present on the dais.
The successful celebration concluded on a joyful note, leaving parishioners with cherished memories of traditional food, cultural performances, games, and fellowship, making ‘Pavsa Gammath’ a memorable celebration of faith, heritage, friendship, and community spirit.
