Panaji: Socorro Socio-Art and Cultural Association organized it’s annual ‘Patolleanchem Fest’, a feast depicting a rich old Goan culture, at Socorro Church premises. This is the fourth year in which the association has organized this event.
‘Music’ was the main theme highlighted this year. The traditional way of life was depicted in the festival through various musical programmes which began on time with a prayer dance. This festival of Goan culture was organized on the feast of Our Lady of Assumption and the Independence Day.
Children, youth and elders from from different, small Christian communities presented a cultural programme. ‘Patollio’ (a sweet made of jaggery and rice covered with a turmeric leaf), which were prepared by the villagers, were blessed by parish priest Fr Santana Carvalho and were served to all.
Adv. John Fernandes along with the his troupe presented dances like Intruz, Dhalo, Fugddi, Palalam, etc. Other dances like Goan Manddo, Dulpods and Dekhnni were part of the cultural programme. Goa Brass band also performed at the festival. Children’s band from Vaddem Socorro entertained the audience. The food, xit-koddi (rice curry) and bhendde-sungttanchem humonn (prawns curry with lady fingers) which was prepared by the villagers using traditional methods, was served at the venue.
This is a unique festival where there were no chief guests, no competitions, no prizes, no sponsors, no plastic and no alcohol. Fr Santana Carvalho compered the programme. The organization also organizes Ambeanchem fest, Ponnsanchem fest and Kajunchem fest.
