As you head from the capital city of Goa, Panjim towards the southern end of the state towards Mapusa, you will be flanked by a vast rice field on your left. A lone whitewashed pillared temple stands amidst the paddy field.
But this temple is turned into the epicentre of religious fervour and activity during the Bogdeshwarjatra. A jatra is a village fair, around a temple, accompanied with trinket stalls, food vendors, games and entertainment.
The BogdeshwarJatra is a huge village fair held on Paush Shukla Paksha Chaturdasi or the fourteenth day as per the Hindu lunar calendar. The temple has a shrine which is dedicated to Kanakeshwar Baba or Bodgeshwar. Bodgeshwar is regarded as ‘Angavani’which refers to one to whom vows are made and who fulfils desires of the devotees.
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Legend says that on moonless nights, one can sometimes see the torch held by the dietyBodgeshwar, as he roams the fields near the temple. Many also believe that the deity is a guardian over the Southern Goan town of Mapusa, which is a gateway to the many beaches like Baga, Vagator and Calangute.
The annual jatra attracts scores of devotees to this small temple. The whole arena is lighted up with lamps and fairy lights. An evening visit is a chance to experience a celebration similar to the ages gone by.
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Farmers and village folks from the hinterland of hilly Goa congregate to indulge in commercial ventures. Livestock is traded, handicrafts are displayed and Goan spices are sold by the producers directly.
There is also a chance to experience the vegetarian cuisine of Goa, from the jaggery based ‘khaja’ to sweet puri to Goan bun and cashew curry. There are games and joyrides for the young and old. You can view one of the Indian rural rarity in the form of hand pulled ferris wheel. With only four benches, and a height of 8 feet, it is a testimony to the simple joys of country life.
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You can attend the BogdeshwarJatra in the month of January, though the dates are drawn from the Hindu calendar. Accommodation is available for all travellers at Mapusa, which is accessible via road. The nearest railway station is Karamali.
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