Goa is home to many vibrant and unique festivals, but few are as thrilling and lesser-known as Sheni Uzzo. Every year, on the first full moon night after Shigmo, the village of Molcornem in Quepem, South Goa, comes alive with fire and fervor. Villagers gather to honor their ancestors, celebrate the spring harvest, and showcase a tradition that has been passed down through generations.
A Spectacle of Fire and Devotion
Sheni Uzzo relies on nature’s elements to create an awe-inspiring display. Villagers use dry cow dung cakes, known as sheni, and leaves to generate sparks, or uzzo, by striking them together. As the fire ignites, men dance around the glowing embers while bare-chested participants carry areca nut tree trunks from designated plantations near the Mallikarjun temple.
A Test of Strength and Honor
Men who participate in the ritual follow a strict vegetarian diet before the event. They arrange themselves in three rows to form a passage, allowing villagers to walk through the Sheni Uzzo tunnel. The same men then climb tree trunks while carrying sheni on their backs, enduring the flying sparks with immense pride. Villagers train these men from a young age, considering participation in the ritual a great honor.
Time-Honored Traditions in Action
Each year, select families contribute areca nut tree trunks for the ceremony. Carrying these trunks around the temple is a key part of the festival. As men toss the trunks into the air and catch them, the rhythmic beats of village drums accompany their movements. Some participants carry a single trunk, while others manage two, completing an average of three rounds.
The ceremony begins with the creation of sparks at every shrine in the village, starting with Zalmi’s shrine—the sacred site dedicated to Molcornem’s founding father. The dramatic contrast between the glowing sparks and the surrounding darkness creates a mesmerizing sight that captivates everyone present.
Purification Through Fire
One of the most intense moments of the ritual involves a participant climbing a Madi (palm tree) while others hurl burning coal at him as he descends. Villagers believe this act purifies negative energy, as the fire does not harm the skin but instead burns away spiritual impurities.
Preserving the Legacy of Sheni Uzzo
Despite modern changes, the people of Molcornem continue to uphold this ancient tradition with immense pride. Sheni Uzzo not only highlights their deep-rooted cultural heritage but also showcases their unwavering devotion and strength. Every year, this fiery celebration illuminates a hidden corner of Goa, reminding the world of the village’s rich customs and enduring spirit.
