Famous Vasco Saptah of Lord Damodar (Dambab) Vasco da Gama 7 Day Saptah starts on 8th August 2016 (Or the day after Naag Panchami every year)
Herald dtd 8.8.16 Vasco Saptah – Faith brings them here
Goa has a soul which goes deep into the unique history and its rich culture. The Hindu festivals have retained the unique Goan character and are celebrated with fervour across the State.
The word ‘Saptah’ literally means seven days and the festival lasts for a week.
Legend has it that in the late 19 century, there was a plague epidemic in the town. The health facilities at that time were not great and so a cure could not be found. While this epidemic disease spread, Vascoites turned to Lord Damodar, an incarnation of Lord Shiva for help. They went to Zambaulim temple (near Margao) of Lord Damodar and brought back a coconut as prasad to be installed for worship in Vasco. The initial installation was at old Mata High School.
Their prayers were answered and the epidemic died out once the worship began. Anant Subrai Joshi, a noted citizen and philanthropist, offered his residence, to house the holy shreefal and from then on, this festival is celebrated annually by all irrespective of caste or creed.
The religious rituals of Saptah commence at 12.30 pm a day after Nagpanchami with the offering of a new coconut to Lord Damodar by one of the elders of the Joshi family. After the puja, devotees acclaim the Lord with chants of ‘Bola Pundalik Varde Hari Vathal’ to begin the festival. Singing of devotional songs or bhajans starts at this time and continues uninterrupted for 24 hours.
At night, a beautifully decorated tableaux (par) with mythological themes is taken out in a procession to the temple from various parts of the town by different groups of the community. People come here from all over the state to watch the parade. On the following day, the holy shreefal, which was anointed the previous year, is taken out in a procession along with dindi, with slogans of ‘Gyanba Tukarama’.
The coconut is dipped in the sea and the procession then returns with it to the temple where it forms part of the prasad which is distributed to devotees. People from across Goa come here to seek blessings in the belief that their prayers will be answered. People visit the temple located on the main avenue of the town, the Swatantra Path, to pay obeisance to the deity and to seek blessings. They offer fruits, agarbatti, flowers, etc. to God. Prayers are said not only for personal peace and prosperity, but also for the safety and welfare of Vasco citizens. The religious rituals of the festival conclude after 24 hours.
Consequently, the entire main road is closed for traffic for the seven days of celebration.
All along the roads and by-lanes of Vasco, the vendors put up their make-shift stalls. The vendors come from all over India to sell virtually everything from trinkets to toys and from furniture to the latest in fashion. The stalls even remain upto 15 days as the Saptah attracts a huge crowd.
The usually drab and sedate port-town wears a festive look with gay decorations and noisy crowds visiting the temple and the stalls throughout the week. Cultural programmes are held during the weeklong festival.
