Unity in Tradition: Tisreachem Fest - Feast of Clams

Every May, the Gulmohar tree, also known as the Mayflower, adorns the Goan skyline. It rises in the sky like an orange and red flame, captivating everyone in its path and transforming the Goan countryside into a breathtakingly beautiful picture frame. Goa is set to take part in the Festival of Democracy in May, where citizens will have the power to determine their fate for the ensuing five years. Goa is known for its beaches, rivers, meadows, forests, hills, and plateaus—a kaleidoscope of breathtaking scenery that soothes the body and mind.  Every community celebrates Tisreanchem (clams) or (seashells) Fest on the second Sunday in May. This is a wonderful representation of the secular character of 'Goans' and is observed in Nerul's Bhattier, Dandadi, and Forta Vaddo. The 'Bamon Vaddo' villagers in Merces have observed this May feast for more than 50 years. Attending the 'ladainha' serves as a homecoming celebration for married women. At the grassroots level, these flavors, colors, and passion united everyone, including the diaspora. Hills are being leveled, concrete buildings are strewn along the shore, and more domestic travelers are visiting Calangute or Candolim for wild nightlife. The mudança has now moved to Singapore and Europe for the wealthier Goans. But Goa, with all its celebrations, is a brand that should be preserved! Even though May is a hot and muggy month in Goa, it is also the month of summer vacation when the Goan diaspora—those from both inside and outside the nation—return home to rekindle their village kinship and visit their ancestral home. For many Goans, no matter how far they travel, their village is their version of heaven on earth. There is always more light in his or her village!   a grand community annual celebration that was recently held at St Anthony Chapel in Bhatti Ward of Nerul. (Source: Google Images)  On the second Sunday of May in Bhatti Ward, Nerul, North Goa, a unique spectacle unfolds, disrupting the usual Sunday chaos in homes. Women emerge from their houses clutching 'adoli', traditional tools used for scraping fish, drawing curious onlookers to follow their path. Their hurried steps converge on a single destination - a house where several other women are seated in the courtyard, engaged in the meticulous task of cleaning clams. This cleaning ritual marks the preparation for the revered 'Tisreachem Fest' or 'Feast of Clams', a cherished tradition that fosters unity among the villagers of Nerul. Philip Dsouza of Bhatti, Nerul, explains, "What makes this celebration unique is its community spirit. Members from every house in Bhatti village come together to participate in the preparations, transcending strained relationships to unite in a shared endeavor." For residents, the feast serves as a joyous reunion, drawing back those who have moved away to cities like Bombay, Dubai, Bahrain, and Kuwait. The atmosphere at the celebrant's house is one of jubilant camaraderie, as women bond over shared traditions, laughter, and the anticipation of the festivities to come.   You can Find Women Coming Together To Prepare Traditional Dishes ~ (Source: Google Images)  Yes, the significance of shielding one's culture is an integral part of their values ~ the Goa community is known for it! Goans have combined the best aspects of both cultures via a stunning synthesis of the East and the West. Goa is home to a cosmopolitan society where a harmonious coexistence of various religious beliefs is observed, including Christians, Catholics, Muslims, and Hindus. Without introducing any religious barriers into the community, Goans celebrate all important festivals with fervor, including this festival of clams (seashells), by their long-standing traditions and customs.