World Goa Day 2018: Good Time Had By All In East Bay!

CASTRO VALLEY, CA – World Goa Day 2018 was heralded in lively style recently in the Hayward/Castro Valley region as Bay Area residents, with ties to the tiny, touristy state on the western coast of India, gathered to celebrate the unique culture and traditions.

On Aug. 7 at Don Castro Regional Recreation Area in Hayward, a picnic was hosted with the theme "Amchi Mati Amchi Bas" -- meaning "Our Soil and Our Language," according to organizers, adding that unlike other parts of India, Goa has red soil and a language called Konkani.

"Some of the Goans from Silicon Valley came by bus," participant Bella Comelo said. "In the bus, they sang Konkani songs and played games. On arrival, the kids dispersed to play scavengers' hunt, and the adults started cooking Goan delicacies, like Pork Solantulem, Fish Ambotic, Chicken Xaccutti, fried fish, Goan prawn curry with okra -- which are some of the well known Goan dishes."

While Indian restaurants are prolific in the region, these particular dishes, traditionally served in earthen-ware pots, are rarely found on menus, she said.

At the picnic, the customary pots were used, set up against a backdrop of a replica Goan house with red-colored brick walls.

The main attraction of the day was the "open mic" event, where children and adults showed off a variety of talents and included a "fancy dress" competition, plus one contestant, a "fisher woman" with live fish in her basket.

"Being a coastal state," Comelo said, "catching fish is one of the main occupations and a great hobby. World Goa Day is celebrated globally to show our pride in Goan culture. As we say, we are proud Goans!"

The day ended with the special treat godshem -- a sweet dish made with rice, lentils, coconut milk and coconut jaggery and chai.

"Wherever there are Goans, they always get together and celebrate their Goan heritage," Comelo added. "They do not forget their roots. Long live, Goa!"

ALSO COMING UP NEARBY:

• Rail Fair 2018 - Train Rides & Music: Ardenwood Farm, Fremont
• 'Mail Call,' Air Force Band & Food Trucks: USS Hornet, Alameda
• Annual Sister Cities Festival 2018: Union City
• Greek Food & Music Festival 2018: Castro Valley
• 'Lighten Up Fall 2018' with Comedian Brian Copeland: San Leandro

--Images via Joseph Lorenco