Cuncolim " Satreo " (Umbrella) Festival

Cuncolim is a small village, about 60kms away from the capital city of panaji. The tiny state of Goa is known for its diverse country, of different religious, caste and creed reside in this beautiful state. A historical village, cuncolim is where the earliest conversion had taken place the festival is celebrated on the 20th day of the phalgum month. Among the many festivals celebrated, is the satreo festival of cuncolim which is marked with great fervour and denotion. 

Satreo in konkani means umbrella. The colourful umbrellas represent 12 groups of people who fought the war. They are carried by the descendents of the assasinated chieftains when the procession of the goddess comes to cuncolim. 

The uniqueness about this festival is both the Hindu and the Catholic communities believe in the goddess shantadurga and participate in this festival

Devotees sought the blessings of goddess shantadurga kunkalikarin as it was brought to cuncolim, her native place  in a richly decorated palanquin. Thousands of people from from all walks of life welcomed the goddess as the procession accompanied by the 12 colourful umbrellas arrived at cuncolim along the traditional routes. 

The goddess of cuncolim village in salcete taluka in shantadurga she is a form of the Hindu goddess Durga also known as Mahamaya (Mhamai) and according to Hindu mythology she is linked to kali, parvati and the blood thirsty matrakas

During the Portuguese regime in Goa, there was a lot of forced conversion of Hindus into Christianity hence,  there were a few temples that were already converted to construct church.  May years ago the devotee and villagers valiantly fighting against the Portuguese to stop this conversions. 

Satreo is one such joyous festival. It is celebrated not only to welcome goddess shantadurga to cuncolim but also to celebrate the victory of devotees against the Portuguese to stop conversion of temples to churches. 

Shree shantadurga kunkalikarin temple, is one of the goan's oldest and is located at fatorpa in quepem taluka. This day marks a special place in the hearts of shantadurga kunkalikarin. Satreo is a part of shigmotsav at cuncolim. On the full moon day of the Hindu month of palguma the shigmotav at cuncolim begins. 

No cuncolim wants to ever miss the opportunity of being a part of this festival even the Christians attend this festival . The festival not only tells the story of victory of villagers against the Portuguese but also connects goddess to her original site 

Ashwita Naik 

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