Konkani Fundays

First off, Best of wishes to all for Diwali. This year too forgetting that we are still in a pandemic, we celebrated Diwali with great gusto. It was a great day with people visiting the temple, the customary puja at home, great food and visiting relatives. Goa has a unique tradition of Narkasurs. This year too saw a whole lot of great quality narkasurs around goa specificaly around panaji, St Inez, Bhatlem and Taleigao. In the last 2 years, the only good development in panaji its seems has been with the improved quality of Narkasurs. But somehow i feel the true meaning of building narkasurs is lost. It looks like we are celebrating narkasurs rather then Krishna killing him. The old unwritten rule to have a kid Krishna is no where to be seen. Young kids are just blaring loud techno or other music which has no connection to the festival celebration. There could be a limit to how loud the music could be played and the time range. Also probably the music could be improved. Secondly, Since the main thing is burning the narkasurs, the committees building the narkasurs should ensure the effigies are properly burnt. Till 2 days later, there were many remnants of effigies not properly burnt or cleared from the road side cause inconvenience to travelers. Lets understand its not the municipalities responsibility to burn the narkasure of clear it. They can collect the remains after they are sorted properly in the side. Lets ensure we spread the true meaning of Diwali, ensure old traditions are maintained and mainly understanding that it symbolizes the spiritual "victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance".

The roads in taleigao, bhatlem, mala have been mended for the time being and this has resulted in the traffic congestion to some extent being reduced. Although work still needs to be done to improve the roads at patto. Not sure what it will take to improve that? Secondly i have seen that since the roads have been fixed, new work to dig the roads has already started at a couple of places. So the time and money spent to repair the road looks like a waste. Again money needs to be spent to fix the road again. I assume there would be more coordination in the planning and approval if such works. Lastly there needs to be more accountability of the contractors, reviewer and authorities to ensure the roads built lasts longer, the fixes done also are not done for a short term. I have not seen any action taken against anyone for worsening road conditions. Please send in your thoughts or comments on this subject at konkanifundays@gmail.com #Konkani #Goa #roads #PattoPlaza

Today we rant about the stupid, useless people who senselessly use mobile phones while driving or riding their vehicles causing risk not only to themselves but also to the public at large. Their acts should be punishable and strict action needs to be taken against them. Please send in your thoughts or comments on this subject at konkanifundays@gmail.com #goa #konkani #stupiddrivers #mobileusage

Happy Ganesh Chaturthi to one and all. Today we talk about a couple of stories of why we are told to avoid looking at the moon on Ganesh Chaturthi day. There might be more stories to this or there may be more stories related to chaturthi. Let us know such stories at konkanifundays@gmail.com. #GaneshChaturthi #AvoidTheMoon #Goa #Konkani

Atal Setu is in news for being closed for 100days for maintenance. It was touted to stand strong for 100years, but only after about 2yrs, it have required maintenance. Hopefully govt and concerned authorities will investigate this situation. But the good news is that a brand new sandaas has been inaugurated at the joggers park at altinho. The best cement, tiles etc. are used to have a sandaas that will last for 100 years. Sure!!! Yes, what we need is not a strong bridge but a strong sandaas(joke). Anyways, anyone visiting joggers park, please make full use of the sandaas, and let us know your experience at konkanifundays@gmail.com #sandaas #joggerspark #atalsetu #goa #konkani