Every monsoon in Goa, Divar Island bursts into color, music, and merriment during Bonderam, a unique flag festival rooted in history, community pride, and cultural creativity. In 2025, visitors can expect the festival to take place on Saturday, August 23rd (fourth Saturday of August), with a preceding celebration on August 17 in Malar village, followed by the main festivities at Piedade on the 24th August 2025.
Origins of Bonderam: From Protest to Parade
Bonderam traces its roots to Portuguese-era land disputes, where colonial authorities marked village boundaries with flags (“bandeiras”). Goan villagers resisted by tearing down these flags, mock protests that evolved into today’s festive commemoration. The name “Bonderam” derives directly from the Portuguese word bandeira.
Where and When It Happens
Divar Island features two major celebrations:
- Malar (São Mathias): Held on the third Saturday of August (e.g. August 17), this version kicks off at the St. Mathias Church and includes the traditional flag march and a thematic village walk called Divadechi Pasoi
- Piedade (Goltim-Navelim): Celebrated on the fourth Saturday of August, with grand floats, brass bands, fancy dress contests, and food fairs starting around midday and continuing into the evening
What You’ll See & Experience
- Flag Parade & Mock Skirmishes: Villagers carry colorful flags and engage in playful mock battles using bamboo fotash (toy weapons), a modern echo of historical protests. Though real skirmishes are banned now, they retain symbolic importance and appear in the floats and performances.
- Float Procession: Each ward displays creative tableau floats inspired by Goan folklore, social themes, or mythology, decorated with flowers, paper flags, and vibrant costumes.
- Music & Dance: Brass bands, ghumot performances, mando singing, and folk dancing animate the streets. Evenings often end with live concerts and traditional rhythms under open skies.
- Fancy Dress Contests: Participants of all ages dazzle in creative costumes, often highlighting Goan stereotypes, legends, or social satire.
- Food Fair & Jevonn: Traditional Goan meals, such as sorpotel, bebinca, sanna, and prawn curry, are served in community feasts (jevonn) and stalls across wards. Shared meals reinforce community bonds and hospitality
Cultural Significance & Legacy
Bonderam is not merely a festival, it represents Divar’s collective memory, peaceful rivalry, and community resilience. While it began as an act of defiance, it now unites residents and visitors alike in joy, creativity, and participative celebration. The event also engages schools, youth associations, and elders, ensuring cultural continuity across generations
The dual celebrations allow visitors to experience both tradition (Malar) and a more contemporary carnival vibe (Piedade), while the surrounding villages and ferry ride add to the charm.
