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Render: Goa's dying occupation

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Goa has earned a lot of coconut trees, spanning across the state. It does not only provide us with coconuts but also with so many other benefits. It particularly gives us, feni (drink) which is very locally produced in Goa, and the one that produces this is called the RENDER (TODDY TAPPER).   On 15 th March I meet one of my well-known Render who is now supposedly an extinct person. Very few of these are left in the state because there is a lack of demand and they are just leaving their jobs. Today we are seeing what their story is, what they have to tell us, and what is this concept of MADECHO SUR, let’s find out.     Meet Premnath Velip who is in his 40s and is very active. He is the eldest brother in their family. He's been working as a render for the past 20 years. He said, “I am carrying forward my father’s profession. I have done this work and raised my kids. I have educated them. I have not studied much.”   Let’s take a glance at the statistics which clearly sho

Breaking Bread: A Journey into the World of Goan Poder Bakers"

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Goa, a small coastal state in western India, is known for its picturesque beaches, serene backwaters, and lively culture. One of the lesser-known yet significant aspects of Goan culture is the traditional occupation of baking. The art of baking in Goa has been passed down through generations and has become an integral part of Goan culture.  The Local Bakery of Goa is more than just a bakery. It is a cultural landmark that reflects the history and heritage of Goa. The bakery is an important part of the local community and is a gathering place for friends and family. The bakery has become a part of the daily routine of the locals, who come here to buy fresh bread and cakes for their families. It is also known for its traditional Goan bread and cakes, which are made using natural ingredients and traditional baking techniques. The bread is baked in a wood-fired oven, which gives it a unique flavor and texture. The bakery's most famous bread is the Poie , a traditional Goan bread that i

From Field to Table: A Look at the Life of a Kunbi Farmer in Goa"

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Farmers are the backbone of every nation. Farming is one of the most well known occupation of Goa. They are the once who provide us with all the food that we depend on. A farmer lives a very Simple life he goes to the field early in the morning when the rest of the world is sleeping comfortably in their warm beds, he rarely cares for the heat or rains or the cold. He has to face all the climatic conditions without any complaints. A farmer is someone who we all know. He is engaged in farming on a small farm. He grows various crops including paddy, wheat, pulses, Onions, chillies, oilseeds, sugarcane, corns etc. The life of a farmer is not full of joy. He works day and night in his crop field and works very hard during the sowing and harvesting season. On 15  March i visited one of the Field just to look for someone who would give me some answers to my questions but luckily i met Rosa vaz who was a well known neighbour of mine. She lived a very simple and hardworking life. she told me t

The Artisans of Goa: A Blog on Traditional Craft Mollam

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Hey, have you ever seen the Mollam?  If you did you will have an idea of what I am talking about, it is one of the Goan traditions which was the occupation and a source of living. Yes was! When I think about it, I'm so sorry to see traditions die Mollam (made of palm leaves)   In my childhood, I have seen people making a living by selling this Mollam . If u go to see they were the reason we had a roof above our heads. It was a tradition passed on by their ancestors.  Everyone learned to do it by watching them.  I was keen to know more about Mollam & I met these 2 women who used to make the Mollam. They were very sweet and kind enough to enlighten my knowledge about the Mollam.  When I asked them they said that they don't practice the Mollam anymore & the reason would be that now no one needs them and it's also difficult to prepare as it leads to back pain and muscle pain. It does look good but it's not easy work. It's a lot of responsibility.  They used to

Exploring the Traditional Fishing Communities of Goa

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Goa is known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant culture and fishing is a popular activity among the locals & tourists. There are many fishing villages along the coast of Goa where you can experience traditional fishing methods and even go on fishing expedition. There are several places in Goa where you can go for fishing including beaches, rivers, backwaters. The occupation of fishing has been a traditional way of life in Goa for centuries. Goan fishermen have been plying their trade for generations, using traditional methods and techniques to catch fish in the Arabian Sea. Some of the popular fishing spots in Goa include Baga Beach, Zuari river, Chapora river etc. Goa has a rich tradition of fishing, and it's been an important occupation for the local communities for centuries. Fishing in Goa is not just a means of livelihood, it is also a way of preserving the rich cultural heritage of the state. The fishermen of Goa are known for their unique techniques and skills, which hav

Sewing through Goa : The Life and Times of a Goan Tailor

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  When we think of Goa, the first things that comes in our mind is usually its beaches, nightlife, and food. However, there is one lesser-known but equally fascinating aspect of Goa that deserves attention – the art of tailoring. Goa has a rich history of tailoring, and the Goan tailors are renowned for their exceptional craftsmanship and unique sense of style. What sets the Goan tailors apart from the rest is their ability to blend traditional Indian designs with Western influences. This is a reflection of the state's unique history, which has been shaped by Portuguese colonization, Indian culture, and the influence of the hippie movement of the 60s and 70s. As a result, the Goan tailors are adept at creating clothing that is both traditional and modern, and that reflects the diverse cultural influences of the region. The Goan tailors are known for their use of high-quality fabrics, such as silk, cotton, and linen. They also use traditional techniques, such as hand embroidery and