Guardians of the green: Goa’s tribal rituals during Diwali honour the tiger

Keri: Tribal communities in Goa, including Gauda, Kunbi, Velip, and pastoral Dhangar, have long honoured tigers as forest protectors through traditional worship rituals during Diwali.

These communities maintain sacred groves and shrines dedicated to the tiger deity, performing various ceremonies to show respect and seek protection.The Velip community in Kaley, Sanguem, maintains a sacred grove called Vaghrya gal, recognised as the tiger’s natural habitat. They perform annual rituals at a shrine featuring a stone tiger sculpture during Diwali.In Cazur village of Quepem, tribal Velip women perform the Dhillo folk dance at the Chichepann sacred grove.

They invoke Vaghro through folk songs, believing the deity resides in Vaghaped, a natural cave associated with tiger worship.“In the past, while on community hunting, no one dared to kill the tiger. If by mistake, a tiger was killed, in his memory, our ancestors celebrated a special fair, where he was decorated with flowers and various rituals were performed to appease him at the sacred place known as the Vaghamol,” said Bhik Paik Velip, 80.

The village of Gaondongarim in Canacona features a shrine dedicated to Vaghrodev near the Shri Mallikarjun deity. Similarly, Ambaulim in Quepem has established a shrine with a stone tiger sculpture where special food called Mhatan is served during annual rituals.In Colamb-Rivona, Sanguem, villagers perform rituals on Vaghrya amaas (new moon night) of Paush month to protect their cattle and families from tiger attacks.

Despite previous threats from mining activities, Colamb’s tribal residents maintain strong beliefs about tigers in nearby forests.The folk drama Bharnul in Gulle includes a scene depicting a tiger’s accidental death by Kunbi migrants from Dharbandora. The drama shows them seeking a shaman’s help to appease the tiger deity’s spirit.These tiger worship practices continue across various Goan villages, preserving ancient traditions that reflect the deep connection between tribal communities and wildlife.

Each village maintains its unique rituals and sacred spaces dedicated to tiger worship.The ceremonies range from folk dances and songs to special food offerings and dramatic performances, demonstrating the diverse ways these communities express their respect for tigers. Sacred groves and natural caves associated with tiger worship remain protected as important cultural and ecological sites.