Latest

Festive Spirit at Raneche Zuem

By on September 10, 2019

Despite the incessant rains that battered the little island in the Chapora river, the residents of Nadora village, North Goa, emerge victorious ahead of the prosperous Ganesh festival

As Ganesh Chaturthi approaches, Goa sits up with anticipation and excitement. Children long for their first break after a heavy monsoon while adults catch up with friends and look forward to the delicious vegetarian spread and mouthwatering sweets – a specialty of the festival. Those celebrating Chathurti return to their native villages to spruce up their ancestral houses and re-kindle family fires.

Many families – spread around different areas of Goa and beyond – head to their comely home, a shy little island in the Chapora River, belonging to the village panchayat of Nadora. The dormant ancestral houses come alive as their sons return to welcome their beloved Lord Ganesh. The palatial house at the far end of the island belongs to the Ranes who originally owned the whole island. In fact the island is referred to as Raneche Zuem.

The Ranes have the right to install the biggest idol on the whole island which is also worshipped by all its inhabitants. It is installed in the balcony of the house giving easy access to devotees. More than a hundred members of the Rane family gather here for five days of togetherness and prayer.

Read the full article in 'Viva Goa' magazine copy.

Viva Goa magazine is now on stands. Available at all major book stalls and supermarkets in Goa.