In Goa, festivals are celebrated all year long, and one of the most exciting and beautiful is Makharotsav during Navratri. This special time is dedicated to the powerful goddess Durga, who is worshipped in various forms across the state. Let’s explore what makes Makharotsav so special in Goa and how it is celebrated with devotion and artistic flair.
The Significance of Makharotsav
Makharotsav is part of the Navratri festival, which takes place in the Hindu month of Ashwin. This is a time to honour Durga, a goddess known for her strength and victory over the demon Mahishasura. In Goa, Durga is worshipped in different forms, including Sateri, Shantadurga, Mahamaya, Navadurga, Chamundeshwari, Kamakshi, Bhagwati, and Mauli. What makes this celebration unique in Goa is the tradition of placing the goddess on a special wooden swing called the makhar.
The Ghatasthapana Ceremony
The festival begins with a ceremony called Ghatasthapana on the first day of Navratri. During this ritual, devotees set up a decorated pot filled with water, known as the ghata. They cover this pot with garlands and sow nine types of cereals around it. Over the next nine days, they carefully water the seeds and allow them to sprout. Once the seeds have grown, they distribute them as prasad (sacred offering) to the devotees. This ritual symbolizes growth, prosperity, and the blessings of the goddess.
The Makhar: A Symbol of Devotion and Art
The makhar is the centrepiece of the Makharotsav celebrations. They hang a large, beautifully decorated wooden swing from the ceiling with iron chains. The people place the goddess Durga’s idol on this swing. They adorn the makhar with colorful paper, images of the goddess, and other decorations. It moves in a full circle, allowing devotees to view it from all angles.
Local artists take great pride in decorating the makhar. Each day, the idol is dressed in new garments and adorned with fresh flowers. The swing is moved to the rhythm of traditional drums (dhol), cymbals (jhaanjh), and bells, creating a lively and spiritual atmosphere. The makhar becomes a focal point for worship and admiration during the festival.
The Tradition of Swinging the Makhar
The tradition of placing the goddess on a swing dates back to around 500 AD, according to activist and writer Rajendra Kerkar. Originally, unmarried women would sit on swings and sing folk songs during the Shravan month. As the practice evolved, the swing became a way to honour the goddess during Navratri. The makhar, with its elaborate decorations and vibrant movements, continues this tradition and celebrates the goddess in a special way.
At the Navadurga temple in Borim, located at the foothills of Siddhanath Parvat, the evening rituals are a sight to behold. The ceremonies begin with reading from religious texts and singing devotional songs. They dim the lights when it’s time for the makhar ceremony, focusing attention on the illuminated makhar. The priest (bhat) holds a lamp and performs aarti (ceremonial worship) by moving the lamp in circular motions in front of the swinging makhar. Another priest swings the makhar manually, timed perfectly with the beats of traditional drums and bells.
A Tradition Passed Down Through Generations
At the Navadurga temple, Babu Devari, a third-generation priest, shares insights into the makhar tradition. They make the makhar here from jackfruit wood, and it could be more than 300 years old. Each day, they place the goddess on different mounts, such as an elephant, lion, swan, or peacock. This variety in the goddess’s presentation reflects the artistic skill and devotion of the temple community. They swing the makhar around at least 105 times each night, and the festivities continue with a meal known as Mahaprasad.
Community and Devotion
Makharotsav is more than just a festival; it’s a celebration of community, art, and devotion. The festival brings people together, fostering a sense of unity and shared joy. The artistic decoration of the makhar, the lively ceremonies, and the distribution of prasad all contribute to the festival’s special atmosphere.
For visitors and locals alike, Makharotsav in Goa is a time to experience the beauty of Goan culture and the deep spirituality that defines the region. Whether the artistic display of the makhar or the devotional rituals draws you in, this festival offers a meaningful and memorable experience.
