Author Description

Celebration of feasts and festivals is a manifestation of the religious life of the people. Most of the feasts and festivals of Goan Hindus and Christians are linked to each other. This is because of the fact that both come from the same ethnic stock. Religion occupies an important aspect of cultural life of the people. As such, efforts have been made to cover important rituals, dances and folk performing arts, local cults and festivities. This book describes some untold stories of fertility rites, various rituals, symbols and practices of various sections of the Goan community. A great deal of research has gone into preparation of this book. One can say that it is the outcome of the author's intense field study of about four decades in Goan villages. Dr Phaldesai have made an attempt to bring to the light new material on the art and culture of diverse parts of Goa and to demystify it. Very little was known to the intelligent common reader. Through this research-oriented work, the author has attempted to shed light on the socio-religious and cultural life of people of Goa. This book is based on original field work and an objective study of various aspects of folklore. I hope this book will vividly inform many readers, about the innumerable pages and periods of Goan folklore and offer new insights.