From Caisua to Carmona: Notes on a new life

 

From Caisua to Carmona: Notes on a new life

By Sujata Dabolkar 

I was born and brought up in Caisua, a very beautiful village situated on the banks of river Chapora in Bardez taluka in North Goa. My childhood was spent playing in the sand and swimming in Chapora river. Early morning, I could see the sunrise from my backyard. I admired nature sitting on the terrace of my house. Looking at the river and enjoying the evening tea while hearing the sound of the birds became routine.

I still remember the days when I used to go for my morning walks on Vagator beach and also to the Chapora fort, the archaeological monument. From the top of the Chapora fort, one can see the Morjim beach on the right side and Vagator beach to the left and Indian ocean to the north. While coming back home from the fort along with my friends and cousins, we used to enjoy cashew apples, chunna (ziziphus rugosa), karanda (carissa carandas) on the way. I also used to do photography and watch birds such as peacocks. I usedto go for boat rides from Chapora to Morjim beach with my dad who is a very good underwater diver, swimmer and a curious person. The time spent with my dad was the most memorable. 

I did my schooling from St Michael Convent, Vagator, and later for travelled everyday to Mapusa for higher education.

In Caisuva, we celebrated Ganesh Chaturthi, Diwali, Holi, Christmas, along with other festivals such as dhurvot, palki and punyatithi. InChapora, we have the temple of Swami Achutanand Maharaj who is considered the protector of the village. Every Monday, mahaprasad is offered in the form of lunch to the people. The punyatithi celebration at the temple is famous where people from different parts of the state come to worship. 

Christians along with Hindus celebrate Sao Joao at the Chapora jetty. Entire year one can experience cultural activities in the village. Then we have the famous temple of Siddheshwar. It is on the beach and the statue of Lord Siddeshwar (Shiva) is located inside the cave. Every year, Mahashivratri is celebrated by the people. Caisuva village is famous for its Chapora jetty and fish where one can find fish of different diversity.

Domestic and international tourists visit Chapora and one can find a lot of crowd in September through March, especially at Chapora market and fort. One can find Western culture in the village due to the influence of visiting tourists. The primary occupations of the people in Chapora are tourism and fishing.

I spent 27 years of my life in Chapora village and then moved to Carmona village after my marriage on June 15, 2020. Moving down from north to south happened faster than expected and I feel equally blessed in Carmona, though it is far away from home. Carmona lies on the banks of river Sal, 13 kms away from Margao. The village has the scenic Zalor beach. 

 View of the Zalor beach

It shares boundary with Orlim village to the north and Cavelossim village to the south. River Sal flows through the Carmona village to the east, which later enters the Cavelossim village and meets the sea at Mobor. The green carpeted paddy fields of Carmona village never fails to captivate me. A walk through the lush greenery fills my mind and soul with its freshness. I visited the Zalor beach, which is among the cleanest and very less populated beaches of Goa. The road which goes to the beach will take you through beautiful grazing fields.


       
                                                 A walk through the fields of the village

Carmona village has churches and temple. Our lady of Socorro church is famous in the village which was constructed in 1607 and is an important landmark. Next to the church lies the Sacred Heart Jesus High School which is the only educational institution in the village. It also has chapels such as St Sebastian’s chapel at Xiro, Holy Cross chapel at Tambdeg.

One of the interesting natural ponds in the village is Gavona pond which is a water body now used by Hindus for visarjan of lord Ganesh. Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated with full vigour in the village where Christians also join in. I feel equally blessed to be in such a peaceful village where I wish to spend the rest of my life.


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