Such a heritage house, in the land of Isvorachem, Goa, is amazingly interesting—Sara Fernandes House, previously called Voddlem Ghor. This wonderful mansion still stands tall to tell the tales of its glorious past and being tagged as a heritage house. Unlike those who were killed or had fled during the religious persecution by the then colonists, Hindu landowners of that era, including the Fernandes family, had not faced the same fate.
History Meets Architecture
Dating back to even before the coming of the Portuguese, the Sara Fernandes House looks imposing from the outside and the inside. It had traditional Indian design with a courtyard like all other ancient Indian houses, which has undergone many transformations. From the outside, it looks like any other Portuguese mansion in that area. There is a secret passage 500 years old on the inside. This passage was used as a hideout by the family when there were local riots against the Portuguese invaders and their evangelization policies. In the house itself, there is a secret basement hideaway, complete with gunshot holes and an escape tunnel.
Cultural Heritage Conservation
Fernandes family is the storehouse of the local cultural heritage. They can enlighten the residents on events like Mussllam Khell, the local dance procession that takes place on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings, more during the Intruz festival of Goa. It is an interesting dance performed by the Chardo Christians or Roman Catholic Kshatriya, formerly a Hindu warrior community.
Colourfully costumed dancers, carrying bamboo staves dance in honor of Lord Jesus and Our Lady, according to their present faith. This is an adaptation from the original dance that is represented at the Mahadeva Temple. On reaching the Sara Fernandes House, the procession is greeted with traditional lamps by the Fernandes family.
The Visit to the Sara Fernandes House
Indeed, the Sara Fernandes House is open for public viewing. In a very strange way, this Indo-Portuguese mansion speaks volumes about the affluent history and cultural heritage of Goa. One can stride in the mansion, learn from its ‘kacho’ past, and relish the tradition alive through the Fernandes family.
Be enchanted with the beauty and heritage of this lovely place—the Sara Fernandes House—in Goa.
