Gorvancho Padwo and Dhendlo

Gorvancho Padwo:

Gorvancho Padwo is celebrated during Diwali after Laxmi puja is being celebrated. On this day Cows are worshipped. Early morning the cowshed is cleaned and decorated with flowers along with mango tree leaves. Oil is applied to the cow and after that it is bathed. Later Arti and Puja of the cows are performed and a tilak of kumkum (vermillion) is applied on its forehead. The cow is decorated with a garland of flowers, colorful design is drawn on its back and then it is draped with a cloth. A thick pole (roti made of rice, commonly knows as Dosa) is made of boiled rice flour and urad dal is hung around its neck, which is later eaten by members of the family and also offered to others. Delicious food is offered to the hard-working animal and it is allowed to rest on this day.

Besides this, a small model cowshed is made of cow-dung just below Tulsi Vrindavan, which has various rooms and Gairi too, which is used by the farmer to collect ash and cow dung. Inside this cowshed, a tiny model of cows is made using wild fruit “Caarit”, also, at last, a doll is placed in this shed to symbolize “Gavli” Cowherd. Some people also place an idol of Lord Shri Krishna.

A cow is worshiped on this day as Goa has always depended on Cow to work in the fields and due to this once a year a farmer holds this festival as a thanksgiving to this loyal and hardworking animal. People from Ponda, Marcel celebrates this festival with great magnificence.

 

Dhendlo:

In some villages, tribal communities of the village celebrate Dhendlo on this day. Dhendlo exemplifies Shri Krishna, who was a companion of the cowherds. They carry Dhendlo an idol of Krishna in around the village, a square-shaped box like a “Devaro”, which is carried by a man on his head. He is accompanied by other villagers as they move around singing. Villagers also play instruments like dhol, taashe, etc and singing:

Dhe Dhendlo
Dhendlya Paus shendlyo,
Dhendlya Ayi Matari,
Shelle Uun Khatali,
Dhe Dhendlo
Dhendlya Paus shendlo.

A person carrying the Dhendlo visits every house from the village when he visits a house his feet are washed by the lady of the house. Then kumkum is applied and flowers are offered to Lord Krishna. Aarti is performed and rice, jaggery, and coconuts are offered and in the evening womenfolk cooks Godshe, which is also distributed all over the village.

Watch Dhendlo Video here: