Cuncolim Travel and Tourism Guide
Cuncolim is a small village in south Goa originally known as Kumkumahalli which means 'a village where kumkum or vermillion is produced’. Cuncolim is a place where you can experience the unity among different communities. The Hindus, Muslims and Christians all stay together peacefully and celebrate each other festivals with same joy and happiness. Goa known for beaches, festival celebrations, dances, songs, Cuncolim is one such place where history is attached with.
History of Cuncolim
Cuncolim is best known for Cuncolim revolt also known as Cuncolim Matrydom term coined by Catholic Church against Portuguese in 1958. Christian priests and civilians were massacred y Kshatriyas on 25th July 1983 protesting against colonial Portuguese government for demolishing Hindu population as they were forcing them to convert to Christianity.
It is also known that hot water where the priests were thrown has miraculous healing power
Culture of Cuncolim
Cuncolim has a unique and traditional way of village irrigation in the form of 12 bunds (is water gathering centers).
Cuncolim proudly stands for the origin of Shree Shantadurga temple before being demolished and now stands in Fatorpa which at that time wasn't part of Portuguese territory.
Festivities in Cuncolim
Two major festivals are celebrated in Cuncolim:
- Zatrotsav: Zatrotsav of Shree Shantadurga Fatorpekareen is celebrated in the month of December or January. The six day event is celebrated with various religious and cultural activities. This celebration involves Maha-abhishek, artist, fireworks, carnival, magic show, Prasad distribution. Chariot procession is the highlight of the festival celebration. 1st day is the commencement of the festival, 2nd day the elephant chariot, 3rd day flower chariot, fourth day is maha-rath chariot of horses and the main chariot on the 5th day and on the 6th day entertainment programmes are held.
- Sontreo: Sontreo is umbrella festival celebrated in Cuncolim. It is celebrated in the month of March or April where Shree Shantadurga is taken back to its original place from Fatpora and re-enacting the migration of Hindu families who fled to Salcette to preserve their faith. Sontreo meaning ‘procession of umbrella’. The significance of 12 umbrellas carried in the procession represents the 12 clans. The umbrellas is made of metal poles and carved wood and the men smeared in red.
Cuncolim Economy
- Cuncolim is abundantly rich in fertile land and fresh water.
- Woodcraft also adds to the economy as you would be able to see the making of wooden art and craft. The Chitari community expertise in low crafted wooden stool used for religious functions.
Best Time To Visit Cuncolim
It is best to reach at the time of the grand celebration of Zarotsav and Sontreo, 1st week of December feast of St. Xavier.
Tourist Attractions Near By Cuncolim
Other than church and chapels, Cuncolim seven temples, Molangunim caves, waterfalls at the foot of seven temples, and Nayaband Lake.
