Ganesh Chaturthi, one of the most anticipated Hindu festivals, holds a special place in the hearts of Goans. This festival, dedicated to Lord Ganesh, the remover of obstacles, is celebrated with great fervour and devotion across the state. A distinctive feature of the Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations in Goa is the Matoli, an elaborate decoration that holds profound cultural and spiritual significance.
The Matoli: A Unique Tradition
People create the Matoli, a traditional canopy, above the Makkar, the sacred space where they install the idol of Lord Ganesh. They adorn this canopy with a vibrant array of fruits, vegetables, leaves, berries, and flowers, reflecting nature’s bounty. Setting up the Matoli is a homage to Lord Ganesh, revered as the ultimate provider. By offering the seasonal produce to the deity, devotees pray for a fruitful harvest in the coming year.
Gathering the Matoli
In rural Goa, the preparation of the Matoli is a communal activity. People venture into the wild to collect colorful leaves, berries, and flowers, embracing the rich biodiversity of their surroundings. People meticulously arrange and tie these natural elements above the Makkar, either on a string or to a wooden frame attached to the roof. In urban areas, the process is simplified as these items are readily available in local markets, which buzz with vendors selling the seasonal produce in the days leading up to the festival.
The Abundance of Nature
The Matoli is a testament to the abundance of nature during Ganesh Chaturthi. A traditional Matoli typically includes a wide variety of fruits such as chikoo, banana, orange, melon, mangoes, hog plums (ambade), carambolas, pumpkin, apple, guava, breadfruit, avocado, pomegranate, grapefruit, Indian pomelo (toring), custard apple, coconut, pineapple, lemon, sugarcane, and betel nut. Each fruit is carefully chosen and offered as a symbol of gratitude and reverence.
Vegetables & more for the Matoli
Vegetables also form an essential part of the Matoli. These include banana flowers, pumpkin, lady finger, cucumber, muskmelon, snake gourd (padwal), ridge gourd (gousauli), and a unique type of pumpkin known as Konkan dudhi. The array of colours and shapes creates a visually stunning and spiritually uplifting display.
Berries and flowers add the final touch to the Matoli. People intricately place berries like mauvling, kangla, nagsheo, gagrueo, kounna, karane, and matta alongside flowers like haranche fulla, maddachi poin, and the iconic mango leaves. The entire arrangement can include up to 150 items, showcasing the rich biodiversity and the devotion of the people.
A Vibrant Market Scene
In the days leading up to Ganesh Chaturthi, the local markets of Goa transform into vibrant hubs of activity. Vendors line the streets, offering an array of seasonal fruits, vegetables, and rare berries not usually seen. The festive season floods the markets with vibrant sights, sounds, and smells, creating an atmosphere of excitement and anticipation.
Conclusion
The tradition of the Matoli during Ganesh Chaturthi in Goa is a beautiful blend of nature, spirituality, and community. It reflects the deep connection between the people and their environment, as well as their devotion to Lord Ganesh. By honouring the deity with the bounty of the season, Goans not only celebrate the festival but also express their gratitude for the blessings of nature. As the Matoli adorns the Makkar, it becomes a symbol of hope, prosperity, and the enduring spirit of the festival.
