The Taka Procession of Poinguinim

A Living Tradition of Faith, Folklore, and Community

Every three years, the tranquil village of Poinguinim in South Goa’s Canacona taluka bursts into life with a vibrant celebration known as the Taka Procession—locally called Takyachi Zatra. This centuries-old tradition is not merely a festival but a profound expression of collective faith, mythology, and village unity, centered around the worship of the fierce yet protective folk deity Shri Betal (also known as Vetal).

 

A Pact with the Deity

According to local lore, in the 13th century, Shri Betal—having conquered twelve kingdoms—arrived in Poinguinim. The villagers, seeking peace and prosperity, promised to honour the deity with a grand festival every three years. This pact laid the foundation for the Gadyanchi Jatra, a tradition that still holds deep spiritual and cultural significance for the people of Poinguinim.

The village’s very name is believed to derive from the word Panchyagram, meaning “five villages.” Each village is devoted to a specific deity—Parshuram, Purushottam, Durgadevi, Adipurush, and Vetal—who together form the spiritual backbone of the region.

 

The Triennial Ritual Cycle

The celebration unfolds over a three-year cycle, with each year playing a distinct role in preparing for the grand finale:

Year 1 – Jevnni

A ritual communal feast that brings villagers together to strengthen social ties and spiritually prepare for the events to follow.

Year 2 – Taka Procession

The focal event of the second year, the Taka Procession, features a ceremonial journey carrying the Taka—a sacred cloth inscribed with eulogies extolling the virtues of Shri Betal. This historic artifact, dating back to Saka era 1745, is embroidered with text in an early form of Marathi associated with the Yadav-Bahamani period.

Carried by a devotee believed to be in a trance and possessed by the spirit of Vetal, the Taka is taken on a spiritual pilgrimage across the region. The procession begins at the Navdurga Temple in Aarva and passes through villages including Karpanas, Galiem, Sadolshe, Kolsar, Chandanaped, Loliem, and Khargal, finally returning to the Vetal Temple in Poinguinim.

One of the most iconic and symbolic moments occurs at Chandanaped, where the crowd gathers to witness the ceremonial crossing of the Galgibaga River—a powerful act symbolizing purification and transition.

Year 3 – Gadyanchi Jatra

The culmination of the cycle, this grand fair features elaborate rituals, folk performances, devotional offerings, and a spectacular community gathering to honour Shri Betal. It is a vibrant celebration that unites tradition with living cultural expression.

 

Shri Betal: The Fierce Protector

Shri Betal, also known as Vetal, is a revered folk deity across Goa, especially among agricultural and fishing communities. Associated with the tantric tradition, he is believed to wield immense power over spirits and supernatural forces.

Iconographically, Betal is depicted in a fearsome form: naked, adorned with a garland of human heads, robust arms, a dagger in one hand, a bowl in the other, and serpents as ornaments. To appease him, devotees offer fowls, goats, and liquor. In ancient times, even buffalo sacrifices were performed in some villages.

Despite his fearsome appearance, Betal is also seen as a benevolent guardian. Devotees from Poinguinim and beyond often visit his temple to offer gratitude for fulfilled wishes and seek blessings for protection and prosperity.

 

The Wisdom of Nagu Velip

At the heart of this folklore is the story of Nagu Velip, a wise and respected villager who is said to have diplomatically mediated with Shri Betal. Using cleverness and humility, Nagu Velip convinced the deity to channel his powers into protecting the village instead of ruling through fear. This negotiation established Betal as a guardian figure and set the foundation for the triennial celebrations.

 

The Procession: Spirit in Motion

The Taka Procession begins at the Vetal Temple in Velwada, with the resonant rhythms of traditional folk instruments setting the tone. Leading the procession is a representative of Vetal, accompanied by four devotees known as Gade, dressed in traditional attire and carrying two Tarangas (ceremonial flags) and two Satryos (insignias of the deity).

As the procession moves through the villages, it carries an invitation to the following year’s Gadyanchi Jatra, symbolically bringing blessings to each community and uniting them in anticipation.

 

Celebration of Culture and Unity

The Taka Procession is far more than a religious observance—it is a living celebration of Goa’s rich and diverse cultural heritage. People from different faiths and communities join together in song, dance, and devotion, making it a powerful display of unity and tradition.

This ancient ritual serves as both an invitation to a grander celebration and a vibrant reaffirmation of Poinguinim’s identity—one rooted in resilience, reverence, and shared history.

 

A Rare Glimpse into Goa’s Spiritual Soul

For those seeking an authentic cultural experience in Goa, the Taka Procession of Poinguinim offers a rare and unforgettable journey into the heart of a community’s spiritual life. It is a reminder that even in our fast-changing world, some traditions remain timeless—sacred threads that connect generations, unite villages, and keep the spirit of a people alive.

 

Photos by Lynn Barreto Miranda / lynn.barretomiranda.com

Photos are of the Taka Procession held on 20th March 2016 at Poinguinim.