NT BUZZ
With its winding lanes and age-old fields, Parra has become the muse of a new book by Cosme Lobo. Titled ‘Parra: The Quintessential Goan Village’, the author, a former school teacher, takes the readers on a nostalgic journey through the village, revisiting its heritage, and traditional life of the people and places that shaped the identity of Parra. He offers a brief history and geography of Parra, Verla and Canca, the three ‘aldeias’ of the past also known by the ‘PVC’ acronym.
Readers are taken through various temples, chapels and the St. Anne’s Church of Parra that the people throng to. An interesting mention in the book is on the earliest place of worship, called the ‘deusan’, where diverse religious communities still gather to worship.
The book notes the hardwork of the farmers who have been long known for the mouth-watering watermelons of Parra. Readers are reminded of the toddy-tappers of the past, noted musicians of the yesteryears, sports personalities, freedom fighters and others who shaped the destiny of Parra. Further, the book focuses also on current Parra trend setters: coconut shell artists, a reviver of the ‘mollam’ craft, a Hollywood actor, and a young lady aircraft pilot.
The role of freedom fighters and political leaders is also noted in the book which will be released on December 23 at the Festival of Stars at the Parra Tinto. Its foreword is by Parra parish priest, Fr. Pedro da Gama. The book is published by Goa,1556.
