DEVI KELBAI PETHECHI JATRA

DEVI KELBAI PETHECHI JATRA:
Centuries old tradition of Goddess Kelbai in Mulgao.

Devout worshippers gathered at the Devi Kelbai Temple in Mulgao to partake in the annual Pethechi Jatra on Saturday. With folded hands and hearts brimming with devotion, worshippers offered prayers, seeking solace, prosperity, and protection from the benevolent deity.

The Jatra is a celebration of the seven sisters, namely Lairai of Shirgao, Morjai of Morjim, Kelbai of Mulgao, Mahamaya of Mayem, Mirabai or Milagres of Mapusa, Ajadipa of Anjadiv island and Shitala of Patala, along with their lone brother Khetoba of Vaingan, came from the Ghats and settled in different parts of Goa.
From Chaitra Shuddha Panchami till Chaitra Shuddha Ashtami (eighth day) Kelbai deity is in Mayem. From Mulgao she is taken in a procession in a cane basket, through a traditional path leading to the adjoining Mayem village. The cane basket with insignias of Kelbai is kept in the village for worship. The wooden masks of various deities which signify the presence of the goddess is carried in the cane basket are unique and reflect the rich cultural heritage of Mulgao.

On the Chaitra Shuddha Ashtami, Malyachi jatra is held in Mayem, wherein a lamp is lit and held on the head by the devotee.

Devotees participating in the zatra are known as the Dhonds. Their attire includes a white dhoti, a coloured piece of cloth on their shoulders, and an entwined cane (Beth Kathi) in their hands. Before entering the temple, the devotees bathe in a water tank and thereafter dance in the temple.

At midnight, the devotees accompanying the cane basket proceed to Mayem. Devotees observe a fast for nine days, beginning from Gudi Padwa, the Hindu New Year's Day, and eat only vegetarian food.