Every Saraswat family has the ritual of visiting the home deity temples in Goa, especially during Dasara / Navratri / Shivaratri. This time-honored tradition brings families together to seek blessings and reconnect with their spiritual roots, while also enjoying Goa’s beauty and culture. Our trip this year was no exception, blending devotion with a bit of adventure.
Day 1: October 12, 2024
We began our exciting trip at 7:30 a.m., opting for the scenic Khanapur—Bhimgad—Anmod Route. The journey was smooth, and we paused at Anmod for a hearty breakfast. By 11:15 a.m., we had reached the beautiful Ramnathi Temple in Ponda, Goa. After settling down, we participated in the temple pooja at noon and enjoyed a delicious lunch served at the temple itself.
Post-lunch, we checked in to Farmagudi Residency (which was pre-booked in advance) to freshen up before setting out to explore nearby temples. Our temple-hopping included visits to the majestic Veiling Shantadurga, Mardol Mahalasa, and Keri Vijayadurga temples. In the evening, we returned to the Ramnathi Temple for the grand Palki procession and stayed back to witness the Makar ceremony, at night.
Makhar
The Makar is a large, intricately designed hanging altar into which a special idol of the temple deity is seated and swayed like a swing. Made of wood and adorned with beautiful carvings and embellishments, the Makar is a true work of art. The seated deity is swung with great reverence and energy, moving not only in front and back but also side to side, like a pendulum. Adding to the spectacle, the Makar is even rotated in circular motions, creating an awe-inspiring ritual that captivates everyone present.
It was a spiritually fulfilling day, and by midnight, we were back in our rooms, exhausted but content.
Day 2: October 13, 2024
We started the day early at the Ramnathi Temple to receive the Prasad. We anticipated a delay but it went smoothly and quickly. Light snacks in the temple canteen and made our way back to the hotel.
However, our joy was slightly overshadowed by Dad’s concern for our pet Simba, who was home alone and wanted to take the bus journey back home. Determined to return, we went to the Ponda bus stand, but due to the overcrowded bus at Ponda and no seats available, the next bus was after 2 hours. So, we decided to drive to Panaji instead. After a delicious lunch at Hotel Shivam near the Panaji bus stand, Dad took the bus journey from the Panaji bus stand, and the rest of us enjoyed a scenic drive across the breathtaking bridges on the way to Madgaon.
Next, we reached Majorda Beach, where the cool sea breeze rejuvenated us. We walked along the seashore towards a beach shack, enjoying a relaxing moment by the water. The calm breeze and soothing sound of the waves made it a perfect spot to unwind as we sat under the shades of the shack. It was an unplanned beach visit, and we hadn’t brought any extra clothes, so we simply folded our pants to the knee and dipped our feet into the refreshing sea waves.
We then headed to Colva Beach, a popular beach in Goa that attracts many tourists and is always bustling with activity. The lively atmosphere, with its vibrant crowds, beachside stalls, and water sports, contrasts the quieter beaches in Goa.
We had some tasty snacks, shawarma, and ice cream from the beachside stalls.
After a day well spent, we returned to Farmagudi Residency, grabbed a much-needed shower, and rested for an hour before heading out for dinner at Hotel Goan Majestic in Ponda. The seafood cuisine there was a delightful end to the day.
Day 3: October 14, 2024
We set off again at 7:30 am, driving towards Madgaon, and stopped for breakfast at Hotel Udupi Pai Palace in Madgaon city where we relished a traditional South Indian breakfast. From there, we drove through the scenic Karmali Ghat. The winding roads were flanked by dense greenery. Every turn offered a new vista, from valleys bathed in sunlight to patches of thick forest. It was a peaceful and scenic journey, where time seemed to slow down, allowing us to soak in the beauty of Goa’s natural landscapes.
Detour from the highway towards Canacona, and visited the Parashuram Temple followed by Gokarn Partagali Math at Poinginium (Paigini).
We made a short stop at Galgibagh Beach, known as the cleanest beach in Goa. The pristine shoreline, untouched by crowds, offered a peaceful retreat. The golden sands and clear waters were truly breathtaking, and we couldn’t resist capturing the beauty around us. We took some pictures to remember this serene spot.
By 1:30 pm, we reached Karwar and had lunch at Hotel Udupi Ratna Sagar before continuing our journey. Driving through the Binaga tunnel and continued the highway until Ankola and deviated towards Yellapur.
We took a quick chai break before braving the rough Arabail Ghat road, driving this stretch was a test of patience, the worst roads and the senseless driving by the heavy vehicles, tankers, and buses.
Finally, we passed through Yellapur and reached Kalghatgi, only to encounter another stretch of challenging roads on our way to Dharwad. After enjoying chai and bhajji at the Dharwad bypass road junction, we drove the last leg of our journey and reached Belgaum by 7:15 pm, bringing our trip close.
Until next time,
Warm Regards:
Gokool Kini
(Soul Warrior)
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