Celebrating the earth on Chovoth

A self-sustaining home in Ponda with an eco-friendly Chaturthi celebration teaches us how to live in harmony with nature

- PANTALEAO FERNANDES

A tiny virus has hit us where it hurts – and earthlings are scampering to make amends for continuously abusing nature – whether in celebration of festivals or in our daily lives like generation and disposal of garbage or concepts of reuse/upcycle/recycle.

But much before the virus struck, a few environmental warriors were already active. While on a drive through the green village of Bandoda in Ponda, an earthy, red house that seems to blend right into the background catches attention. It is the residence of well-known dentist Dr Dilip Bandodkar. His love for nature and rural life prevented his migration to the city.

He explains, “My wife Chhaya and I entered our new home – built in place of our ancestral house – in 1988. Staying in close contact with nature and the village had a big influence on us. It is built completely out of mud and wood, taking advantage of the natural elements, wind directions, cross ventilation and natural light.”

For this nature lover, Ganesh Chaturti is celebrated as a thanksgiving to Mother Nature. He elucidates, “This festival comes just after Shravan. Nature is filling our coffers – providing for our needs for the whole year with water through abundant rains and food. The paddy harvest is just over or around the corner. We give gratitude by worshipping the wet soil – the Ganesh idol. We, as a society, are god fearing. We don’t want to break traditions for the fear of insulting god and incurring his wrath.”