Sunday, 25 August 2019

Ganesh decoration with panicles of paddy at Priol


Goa was once dominated by agriculture and that is why even today the cultural patterns followed
by the Goans display the facets of the rich agro-heritage of our land.
On the second day of Ganesh Chaturthi, the head of the family along with other menfolk are
descending into the paddy fields bare feet, after performing the ritualistic worship reaps the new
ears of paddy and then placing on wooden plank at the side of idol of Ganesh is worshipping it
and also ties it on the frame of the door at the entrance.
In Ponda, there is a tradition of using these panicles of paddy for weaving skillfully Zelo and
tying it to the wooden canopy over the head of Ganesh idol. However, Datta Shambhu Naik from
Gaothanwada, Priol living amidst the lush green kulagar has decided to make use of this
traditional folk art in the decoration around the lord. When in Goa, there is craze of making use
of plastic, thermacol and other non-biodegradable materials Datta Naik has followed the way of
decorating the makhar in the most eco-friendly manner.
When TOI contacted Datta Naik, he said, “We grows paddy generally during the autumn season.
However, I cultivated Jaya, Karjat high yielding rice varieties in the agricultural field of
Miryabhat, during this season and when panicles were fully grown I have reaped it. The folk art
of making Zele, a well skilled and weaved bunch containing paddy that I had learnt from Pradip
Shirodkar, I have used it decorating the idol of Ganesh.”
Ramdas Shetkar, a member of Vivekanand Environment Awareness Brigade, Keri who had
visited to see this eco-friendly decoration speaking to TOI said, “By using the Goan folkart
judiciously in decorating the idol of Ganesh, the artist Datta Naik was done an appreciable
endeavor in showing eco- friendly way of decoration. These types of examples are needed to
showcase the rich and varied traditions of our natural heritage.”


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