Islands are favourite locations of most of the people and it serves as a dream place away from the mainland with water on all sides. Divar Island Goa is one of our favoured locations for birding in Goa.
It is one of the two river islands on Mandovi River in Goa accessible by the ferry from Ribandar or Old Goa on our aspect of the island. Taking the ferry is like crossing over to another world. You leave behind the signs of everything that can be called a city and enter into the island life.
The road towards the villages on the island is a narrow strip or Pugdundee with fields and ponds on either side. Morning and evening you can often spot villagers fishing here.
Divar Island Goa and its villages
According to one legend, the name ‘Divar’ is derived from ‘Devallem’ or ‘Devola’, meaning Hindu temples. Another says that it comes from ‘Dipavatti’ meaning a village (vatti) of lights (dipa). Yet, another version maintains that the name comes from ‘Devipavatti’, a place (vatti) surrounded by many islands (devippa). Initially, there were 3 villages in Divar: Piedade, Malar and Naroa. The Piedade village was later subdivided into two namely Goltim and Navelim.
Historical significance of Divar Island Goa
Initially, it was a pilgrimage site with a few Hindu temples like Saptokoteshwar, Mahamaya and Ganesh temple. But later in 16th century, the temples were captured by the Portuguese and many people shifted to other places.
Christianization took place in Goa and the temples were replaced by churches. The inhabitants of this island were actually residents of Old Goa. Once a very disastrous plague killed many people and some of them were able to fly in this island and started living here.
Festivals in Divar
Bonderam festival
The famous festival of the island is the Bonderam festival which is celebrated with like a carnival and tourists from all over the world show interests to attend this grand festival. It is celebrated in the monsoon season on fourth Saturday in the month of August.
The festival is mainly celebrated in the memory of resolving the disputes between them and the Portuguese system. The main attraction of the festival is the floats in gaily color along with youngsters with colored dresses.
The feast of the Lord
Every year, at Piedade, a feast is celebrated dedicated to Our Lord Redeemer. It happens in the month of December on the particular Sunday that is nearer to 18th November. Devotees from many parts of Goa participate in this festival.
Potekar
This is celebrated prior to Ash Saturday just like Halloween. It involves local people who wear costumes, masks, cowbells and roam around their village. On that day, they are allowed to frighten the children. Some offer drinks and snacks while others demand so.
Things to do or places to visit in Divar Island, Goa
- Our Lady of Compassion OR Our Lady of Piety Church, Piedade on Divar Island
This church is located on a hilltop in Piedade village of Divar Island. It is believed that the church is located at the site of an ancient Hindu temple which was destroyed by the Muslim invaders in the 15th century. Our Lady of Piety church was then built at the site in 1700. The church was the first Christian structure erected in Divar Island and was designed by a Goan priest.
It has an impressive white facade with lots of empty space in the front to sit and relax. The church bell has an interesting history- the original bell of the church caused glasses to break when it rang, hence it was exchanged for the bell of Se Cathedral located in Velha, Goa. Its location provides a panoramic view of the entire Divar Island and is best visited early morning or in the evening. Very fewer tourists happen to visit the church; therefore, one can get the whole place to themselves with a lot of peace.
Towards the south of the church is a cemetery which is believed to be the resting place for the rulers of grand Kadamba dynasty. A small chapel in the cemetery was once an ancient Ganesha temple believed to have been destroyed by the Portuguese. The deity of the temple was later shifted to a new temple in Candola.
- Saint Mathias Church, Malar on Divar Island
The church is named after the Apostle of Jesus, Mathias. It was built between 1591 and 1597 when Dom Mathias de Albuquerque was the Governor of Goa. The church has eight altars. The main altar is dedicated to St. Mathias – the Patron of the Parish.
The architecture of the church is beautiful with a white and blue exterior facade. There is ground right in front of the church where one can relax in peace. Saint Mathias church has calm surroundings and hardly any tourist visits it. The church is a part of the annual Bonderam festival in Divar Island.
- Saptkoteshwar Temple site, Naroa on Divar Island
Lord Saptkoteshwar was the family deity of the Kadamba rulers. The Saptkoteshwar temple was built by the Kadamba queen in 12th Century. The rock-cut tank of the temple was known as ‘Koti-Tirth’.
Thousands of people visit Saptkoteshwar temple and considered it as a pilgrimage centre. The temple was destroyed by Muslim rulers in the middle of the 14th Century and again reconstructed at the same location by the end of 14th Century. When the Portuguese began inquisition over Hindus, the deity of the temple was moved across the river to Bicholim, Goa. The bustling village of Naroa lost its importance after the temple shrine was shifted and since then the remains of the temple are left over in ruins. One can still visit the site of the temple and see the rock-cut tank intact. There is nothing much to do here but is a site of historic significance.
4. Explore the Divar island on a two-wheeler or walk around the Old Portuguese houses
The condition of roads in Divar Island is good. Though narrow, the roads are surrounded by vast green agricultural fields, mostly paddy. Oddly 2000 people are residents of the island currently. The locals are welcoming and go about doing their daily chores without being bothered.
They try to keep their traditional culture alive and their style of living hasn’t been much affected by modernization. Divar Island is basically a Goan countryside with lots of Portuguese influence in its architecture. Plenty Portuguese villas can be seen dotting the island, some well maintained and some in a dilapidated condition. Many dignified families of Goa have residencies in Divar Island who visit the island annually.
A walk in the narrow lanes of the island is picturesque and takes one back to the bygone colonial era. The villages are scenic with hills entwining the roadways. One can also find ample bird watching opportunities on the island. It doesn’t take much time to walk or drive throughout the length and breadth of the island. The island has some of the most beautiful and Instagrammable sites to see. Divar Island gave us the true feeling of ‘susegad’.
- Visit the neighbouring Vanxim Island
Vanxim Island is still a smaller island located just a 5-minute ferry ride from Divar Island. The ferries to Vanxim Island start from the Amboi ferry terminal at Divar Island. Not measuring more than a few square kilometres, Vanxim Island is home to less than 500 people.
The locals are mainly into farming and fishing. Hindus and Christians live in harmony on this beautiful island. The places to visit are the Church of Santo Christo and the Chapel of the Miraculous Cross which is believed to fulfil all your wishes. There are no shops, no schools, no clinics/hospitals on the island and it has stayed away from modernization for years.
Owing to this, there is a lot of peace and tranquillity on the island that breathes nature and purity. The locals are ever smiling, welcoming and invite you to their house to have a chat.
Additional information on Divar Island
The island has got a unique cuisine, Cashew Feni known as Urak which is found in a number of bars. Fishermen and Farmers frequently go to the Damien Bar to have Urak and other local foods. The local Mayur Bar serves Urak produced by them. Rock Inn, Julio Bar, Step In, Sea view is some of the alternatives to restaurants. When it comes to staying, then the Divar Island Retreat serves as the most prominent homestay where you can stay with your family. There are 12 rooms along with attached bathrooms and all other amenities. There is also a pool and a garden in the hotel premise. There are places you can visit when your guide will take you into the depth of the island.
How to Reach Divar Island?
Free vehicle ferry services are where that would take you to the island. Old Goa also leaves ferries that approach the southern part of the island. Alternatively, there is another ferry service from Narao. Ferry services are available from 7 in the morning till 8 in the evening. You can explore the island by cycling or through a private excursion with the help of the guide.
You can experience the charm of Divar Island by cycling or walking through the village. Lifestyle in this place has not changed for many years and you can take a dip into their traditional lifestyle. The view from the hilltop is fascinating as you can have a distant view of the Mandovi River and old Goa. After reaching the island by ferry, you have to pass through the road which is laced by paddy fields and green hills into the village of Piedade. So, if you are thinking to visit the island then do not hesitate to plan your tour. And yes, you can also visit the nearby Charao Island which is equally beautiful and is an example of tranquil rural Goa.
