Goa, April 2 -- The day started with prayers to the gram devtas, the village deities, as a way of seeking their blessings for a successful celebration. Following the prayers, the community joined forces to stack wood for the Homkhand fire, which acts as a central element of the festival.

Later in the day, the Romat parade commenced with a prayer gathering at Laxminarayan Mandir Muddavado. The procession then made its way to the Shri Sharvani Mandir at Salmona, where the group received further blessings from Devi Sharvani, a revered goddess. Accompanied by the beats of dhol-the drums, the Romat continued its journey to Dhonvado, making annual stops at important locations such as the Parulekar residence and Shri Vetal mandir Molebhat.

One...