The year was 1899. India was in the grip of terror — the Bubonic Plague had arrived, leaving no corner untouched. It was part of the Third Plague Pandemic, a deadly wave that had spread from China across the seas, reaching even the shores of Portugal. And in the small coastal town of Vasco in Western Goa, the people were living in fear.
No medicine worked. No healer’s potion brought relief. Families locked themselves indoors as despair crept through every home. But when science failed, faith whispered — “Seek the divine.”
A Journey for Hope
One night, twelve respected men from Vasco gathered under a flickering oil lamp. They spoke not of fear, but of faith. Their destination — the Shri Damodar Temple at Jambavli, far away, through forests, rivers, and winding dirt roads.
The journey took them nearly four days. They rode in bullock carts, crossed rivers in wooden boats, and carried their weary bodies in palanquins. Yet, their determination never faltered.
When they finally stood before the idol of Lord Damodar, they placed their plea before the priest, asking for guidance through Kaul Prasad — the divine message.
The priest prayed to Shri Damodar and interpreted the kaul, “Clean your surroundings. There is no temple in Vasco. Take this Shreefal (coconut) and worship it there. Dambab will protect his devotees.”
Dambab comes to Vasco
The twelve returned to Vasco, tired but with renewed spirit, carrying the sacred coconut. Now came the question — where to place it?
Among them, Anant Joshi stepped forward. “Use one of my sal (reception room),” he said. “Let the Lord rest there.”
By morning, word had spread. People came — some sick, some fearful, some simply hopeful. They prayed, offered flowers, and bowed their heads before the humble coconut resting on a small platform.
And slowly, the miracle unfolded. The illness began to fade. The air felt lighter. Vasco, once plagued by disease, began to breathe again.
Some said it was the cleanliness drive that saved them. But for the people of Vasco, there was no doubt — it was Dambab’s blessing. What began as a temporary shrine in a small sal soon became a permanent temple.
Dambaba stays in Vasco
In the years that followed, the Shreefal was worshipped daily. Later, local businesses offered to the temple a silver mask of Lord Damodar, inspired by the one in Jambavli.
During renovations in 1969–70, the mask was stolen. Undeterred, the community installed a stone idol in its place, and later created another silver mask.
Vasco Saptah
That little sal has now become the heart of one of Goa’s most vibrant celebrations — Vasco Saptah.
Every year, as the month of Shravan arrives, and the air turns fragrant with rain and devotion, the people of Vasco prepare for a week of music, worship, and togetherness. The festival begins the day after Nag Panchami.
On the eve of Saptah, members of the Shree Damodar Bhajani Saptah Samiti and local devotees travel to Zambaulim, to the ancient Shri Damodar Saunsthan. They offer a Shreefal at the Lord’s feet, seeking blessings for a safe and joyous celebration. That very coconut is then ceremoniously brought back to Vasco — marking the divine beginning.
Once installed in the temple, the town bursts into life. Bhajans echo through the night — 24 hours of nonstop singing, drumming, and chanting. By dawn, Vasco becomes a sea of faith.
The Processions of the Paars
As night falls, the streets glow with color and rhythm. Enormous Tableaux, called Paars, roll through the lanes — each one telling a story from Hindu mythology. They are accompanied by Bhajan groups and Dindis, dancing to the beat of Taals (cymbals).
Each Paar belongs to a different community:
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Failwale Samaj, the railway track workers from Mormugao Harbour — they have the honor of entering the temple first, as they were the first to offer a silver mask to Lord Damodar.
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Bazarkar Samaj, the market traders.
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Daivadnya Brahmin Samaj, the goldsmiths.
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Vishwakarma Brahmin Samaj, the carpenters and artisans of Mestawaddo.
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Nabhi Samaj, the barbers known as Mhales.
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Gaddekar Samaj, the bullock cart and truck owners of Vaddem-Vasco.
At dawn, the six Paars assemble before the temple, bowing before Lord Damodar in a spectacle of devotion. After the prayers, all but one Paar — that of the Failwale Samaj — are dismantled. This Paar returns once again from Mormugao Harbour on the last Monday of Shravan, completing the circle of tradition.
Music lovers are treated to soulful baithaks by renowned classical singers — a melody-filled homage to faith and culture. Famous singers like Pandit Bhimsen Joshi, Pandit Jasraj and Mahesh Kale have performed for Vasco.
Faith, Fair, and Festivities
When the nonstop bhajans end, the sacred coconut is taken in a grand procession to Khariwado for immersion. But the spirit of Saptah doesn’t end there — it lingers in the form of a week-long fair that transforms Vasco into a festive carnival.
The streets come alive with stalls selling sweets, trinkets, handicrafts, and utensils. For Christian families, it’s a time-honored custom to buy Matoli Saman — decorative fruits made by Chitari artists — along with household gifts for newlyweds. Hindu families, too, continue this tradition during Ganesh Chaturthi.
Though modern “Made in China” goods have begun to flood the markets along with Chinese street food, the people of Vasco strive to keep the soul of the festival alive — authentic, Goan, and deeply spiritual.
References:
Interview with Joshi family: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NVoMkjxpI4c&t=1869s
Article from Goan Publication: https://epaper.thegoan.net/3902985/THE-GOAN/THE-GOAN#page/5/2