The Running Knights

Mahadev temple, Sal

The Gadyachi Jatra an age old tradition of Bicholim is a part of the Shigmo festivsal of north Goa. The Jatra is a ceremony conducted by believers to appease the spirits and express their gratitude to Mahadev- the god of spirits. On this day over 15,000 rally in to participate by dancing and beating drums to rhythmic chants. The ceremony begins on the day of holi pournima. The wooden trunk of the gigantic mango tree near the Mahadev temple is decorated with leaves. As soon as a crowd (romat) comes to the mand' dancing to the beats of dhol and taso, as the villagers pray for blessings. The elderly folk sing continous chants of folk songs called “naman”.  People from local communities like Raut, Parab, Naik, Ghure, Mhale are some of the main participants and form the “Gade”. During the festival the Gade are believed to lose consciousness and be taken over by the spirits as they run around chasing mysterious torches lit by the spirits. They only regain consciousness when scared water is fed to them. One of the astonishing facts of this ceremony is that while these people run around in mayhem, surprisingly no one is ever hurt in the stampede. Even the older people will proudly tell you how they’ve been running for a track record of 50 years, some even more. I was truly mesmerized by this rather bizarre yet fascinating folk tradition. Speaking to locals, they told me about this continued tradition and how it helps clear out any anger or grudges that the spirits may hold against them. Even if you’re not a believer, the three night fair held after the festival is guaranteed to pique your interest