PANAJI
As Carnival’s promotion explodes on various social media platforms – a bid to draw tourists from across the world – the island of Divar is standing firm against the tide. The villagers have made their stance clear: they don’t want to go global. At the heart of this quiet defiance is the ‘Potekar Fest’, an age-old tradition that runs parallel to Carnival.
Masked figures roaming the streets on three days is a part of their deeply rooted narrative fest that has survived for centuries. But as this began to be highlighted on social media with Goa Tourism also allegedly promoting it, the islanders demanded that all the promotions be withdrawn.
They fear loss of control, safety threats and invasion of their space.
“This is a festival for Divarkars, by Divarkars,” Alexinho Monserrate, one of the residents, asserted.
He recalled that last year, some non-islanders arrived on two-wheelers and four-wheelers on the island, disguised themselves as Potekars and began misbehaving. “When residents sensed trouble, the Old Goa police were called but the miscreants had already fled. We cannot let such incidents repeat,” Monserrate told The Goan.
Echoing his concerns, Prasad Halmalkar made it clear that Potekar is neither a tourist attraction nor a cultural showcase. “This is not about entertainment, and we are not even showcasing Goa’s culture or tradition. It is just a narrative that has continued for centuries. Publicity is drawing unwanted attention, and we fear more outsiders including tourists will disrupt it,” he said.
The residents also cited past incidents of eve-teasing and molestation by non-Divarkars as a chilling reminder of the risks of an open festival. “We know our people. If anything goes out of line, we can handle it. But when outsiders blend in, especially under masks, it becomes a serious security challenge,” Halmalkar explained, speaking to The Goan.
Another growing fear is a misuse of the anonymity that Potekar costumes provide. “Anyone with a grudge could slip in unnoticed, causing chaos while hidden behind a massive mask,” another resident pointed out.
In their memorandum to the Tourism Department, the residents led by Monserrate also criticised recent changes creeping into the festival. They also urged the department to disassociate from organising this event without properly verifying the facts of Potekar.
“Some islanders themselves funded a PA system last year, mounted on a four-wheeler and turned the event into a spectacle. Potekars gathered at the island’s main square and there was just nothing. It defeated the essence of the fest,” he lamented.
Adding to their frustration, villagers also questioned why government advertisements listed Potekar as a four-day event when it traditionally lasts only three. “Not only did the department publicise it without consulting us but it also got the details wrong,” Halmalkar alleged.
The memorandum further raised apprehensions that outsiders behind the mask could invite trouble if there’s any untoward incident like molestation, rape or murder.
