Bonderam Festival – Divar’s Colourful Tribute to Tradition By August, Goa’s fields come alive — especially on the scenic island of Divar, where Bonderam, the iconic Festival of Flags, takes centre stage. This vibrant celebration blends history, tradition, and village spirit, drawing both locals and visitors into its colourful embrace. Bonderam has its roots in old land disputes, when villagers would clash over field boundaries. To settle these tensions, the Portuguese introduced colourful flags (bandeiras) to mark property lines — giving the festival its name. Over time, this custom evolved into a joyous event that today sees Divar’s two wards, São Piedade and Malar, proudly carry on the legacy. The festival begins with flag hoisting and a lively procession, tracing traditional boundary lines. In earlier days, mock battles using pop-guns (fotash) were part of the fun, but with their ban, float parades became the highlight — showcasing local creativity through satirical themes, music, and dance. A week before the main celebration, Malar hosts its own intimate version of Bonderam, full of authentic charm. Preparations begin early with youth rehearsals and elders designing artistic floats. In recent years, Goa’s beloved festekar, Marius Fernandes, introduced the Bonderachi Pasoi — a heritage walk where guests meet villagers, hear age-old stories, and enjoy local Goan cuisine. The next day, the first corn is ceremoniously harvested and offered to the gods, marking gratitude for nature’s bounty and celebrating Goa’s timeless connection to the land.
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