Fatorpa Zatra

ZATRA

Zatra is a konkani word for the pilgrimage festivals celebrated at Hindu temples in Goa. During the Zatra, the idol or Murtis of the Hindu deity are taken out on special procession either in a "Palkhi" or in a large, multi-storied chariot called the Rath.

FATORPA ZATRA

One of the most famous Zatra of Goa is celebrated at the temple of Shantadurga Kunkolienkarin at Fatorpa in Quepem taluka.  During this festival people from all over Goa come together to worship the deity irrespective of their caste or religion they belong to.

Earlier the temple of Kunkolienkarin was situated in Cuncolim village 12 km away from Margao. During Portugues rule the original temple in Cuncolim was destroyed, but the image of Shantadurga was taken away to Fatorpa. A new temple was built in the village of Fatorpa. But deity remains till today.

The zatra continues for five days during December or January, during Paushya Shuddha Panchami upto Dashmi according to the Hindu calendar.

 The first day is Palkhi where the idol is taken out of the temple on special procession. Second day is called Hatthi Ambari which includes the elephant chariot. Earlier the elephants were used to carry idol of goddess Shantadurga but now artificial elephant, made up of wood is used to carry the idol.

Hatti Ambari of Shree Shantadurga Kunkolienkarin

Third day is flower chariot, in konkani we call it as Fulancho Rath where the rath is fully decorated with flowers, next day is Vijayrath, it is a sign of victory over the evil, made up of horse chariot and finally at the last day we have Maharath where the place experience more crowd of devotees.

It is a festival of unity where there are no constraints of caste, religion etc.