Zatra(जात्रा) is the
Konkani language term for the pilgrimage festivals celebrated at Hindu temples in Goa, India; the equivalent of ''
yatra'' and ''
jatra''. In Maharashtra the alternative term
Urus is used as well.
During the zatra, the idol(s) or
murtis of the Hindu deity or deities are taken out on special procession either in a "
Palkhi" (sort of a
Palanquin) or in a large, multi-storied chariot called the
Rath.
Traditionally, every temple observes this festival once a year on the traditional day.
All zatras usually occur after
Diwali
Diwali (), Dewali, Divali, or Deepavali ( IAST: ''dīpāvalī''), also known as the Festival of Lights, related to Jain Diwali, Bandi Chhor Divas, Tihar, Swanti, Sohrai, and Bandna, is a religious celebration in Indian religions. It is ...
in October and continues until the
Shigmo or
Holi festival in March.
The most famous zatra of Goa is that of the temple of the Hindu deity
Lairai at
Shirgao, a place located roughly 30 km away from
Panaji when people walk on burning coals with bare legs and that of deity Goddess Shantadurga at Village Fatorpa in Quepem Taluka; approx 50 km from Panaji and 18 km from Madgao. These Zatras can be compared to Mela (Hindi) for its other commercial and entertainment activities.
Popular snacks sold and consumed during zatra are ladu which is the local name for
laddu and khaje (खाजें) which are fried chickpea flour sticks dipped in a
jaggery
Jaggery is a traditional non-centrifugal cane sugar consumed in the Indian Subcontinent, Southeast Asia, and Africa. It is a concentrated product of cane juice and often date or palm sap without separation of the molasses and crystals, and can ...
and sesame mixture.
Also occurring during the zatra is the phenomenon of possession, usually but not exclusively of women, by the spirit of the deity; this is called ''Bhar'', whereby they act as oracles and claim to predict future events.
Outside of Goa, the most famous ''zatra'' is the
Rath Yatra of the
Jagannath Temple in
Puri,
Odisha, India which contributed the word ''
juggernaut
A juggernaut (), in current English usage, is a literal or metaphorical force regarded as merciless, destructive, and unstoppable. This English usage originated in the mid-nineteenth century and was adapted from the Sanskrit word Jagannath.
...
'' to the English language.
See also
*
Jatra (Maharashtra)
References
Culture of Goa
Hindu festivals
Religious festivals in India
Culture of Maharashtra
Hinduism in Goa
{{Hinduism-stub
Festivals in Goa