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Goa's Streets Echo with Ancient 'Vasudev' Devotion
13 Dec
Summary
- Barefoot devotees known as Vasudev chant devotional songs door-to-door.
- They collect alms while dressed in colorful costumes with peacock feathers.
- This Hindu tradition from Maharashtra is gaining popularity in Goa.
A centuries-old Hindu tradition from Maharashtra, known as 'Vasudev,' has recently found a growing following in Bicholim, Goa. These devotees embark on early morning journeys, going from house to house with bare feet. They chant "Vasudev ala re Vasudev ala," a devotional call, and sing hymns in praise of Lord Krishna, who is also known as Vasudev.
Dressed in eye-catching, colorful attire adorned with peacock feathers and carrying hand cymbals, the Vasudev performers present religious narratives and sacred songs. Their presence is particularly significant during festive periods like Diwali. Beyond their musical offerings, they also conduct rituals called 'uddhar' for the peace of ancestral souls, in return for alms and offerings.
Currently, two individuals in Vasudev costume have arrived in Bicholim and Sanquelim, having journeyed from Baramati in Maharashtra. This revival of the tradition is viewed by locals as a vital means to foster spiritual awareness and encourage the remembrance of the divine amidst the fast-paced modern lifestyle.
