In a theatrical performance, 650 students of a Cujira school to depict state’s temple culture

Panaji: A single theatrical performance involving 650 students from Class VI to X of Cujira-based Dr K B Hedgewar High School, will depict Goan traditions and festivals through drama on Sunday.
Through narration, dance and drama, the students will introduce the audience to the history and cultural and spiritual significance of some of Goa’s key temples. Besides this, the children will also depict the Goan folk festivals of Dhalo and Zagor. The local deities worshipped in different villages as Ajoba and Rakhandar, will also find a mention in the performance, said school headmaster Vilas Satarkar.
“Every year, Hedgewar school stages a unique and thematic grand drama. This year’s theme is based on Goa’s renowned temples, their history, traditions, and festive celebrations. The drama will depict the cultural and spiritual richness of Goan temples such as Bhagwati temple of Pernem, Mulvir devasthan of Malpe, Shantadurga temple of Kavlem, Shantadurga Kunkalkarin of Fatorpa, Mhalasa Narayani of Verna and Mardol, Kamakshi of Shiroda and Navdurga of Borim,” said Satarkar.
He said the tradition of worshipping the village deity Sateri will also be touched upon in the performance, whose script, after research on various temples, has been written by teachers Smita Gavkar and Shubhada Shiker with the assistance of other teachers and experts.
The performance will be staged at Kala Academy on Sunday at 10am and has been kept open for the public.
“The drama will also touch upon Lord Parshuram, the worship of goddess Lairai, the deity Khetoba and the seven sisters. With the collective efforts of all the teachers in the school, this unique production will be brought to life on stage,” Satarkar said.
The play is directed by the school’s theatre art teacher, Jayendranath Haldankar, while the dance choreography has been directed by dance teacher Manjushree Mate.
“I appeal to the people of Goa to attend this extraordinary cultural drama and enjoy the rich heritage it celebrates,” said Satarkar.