"ᴡᴀyꜰᴀʀɪɴɢ ᴛʜʀᴏᴜɢʜ ᴛʜᴇ ʙy-ʟɪɴᴇꜱ ᴏꜰ ʜɪꜱᴛᴏʀy ᴀᴛ ᴄʜᴀɴᴅᴏʀ"

In this blog I am going to take you through a picturesque village of Chandor. This alluring village which is today called Chandor was earlier known as Chandrapur and was the capital of Kadamba rulers, it is also known as Old capital of Goa. The village is surrounded by fields, Hills, Chapel’s on all sides of the corners with the river Kushawati passing through it lies a historical rich in heritage and culture, that shows the history of kings rules and Portuguese rules period and of modern days.

Our Lady of Belem church is called Nossa Senhora de Belem in Portuguese. Our lady of Bethlehem Church was built in 1645. On 6th January the Parishners of Chandor celebrates the feast of Belem Saibinn and the Epiphany of Three kings in a traditional way. The Three kings are crowned and dressed as kings and come Riding horses from our lady of Piety Chapel at Mount Hill towards Nossa Senhora de Belem church, Chandor with gifts in their hands. In a huge procession that is accompanied by a traditional brass band. Participating in the ritual and celebration is a unique experience everyone should be a part of. Keeping in mind our village feast the traffic island opposite the Chandor Church has been given the name as “The Three Kings circle’ The tableau of the Three kings is the highlight of this traffic island.

SUNNI JAMIA MASJID in Chandor is a very beautiful place with the house of almighty Allah. And also one of the coolest mosque in South goa to visit.

Statue of Nandi Shiva Bull

During the time of king Bhoja there was a Shiva temple. The statue of Nandi Shiva bull believed to be of 13 century s is still there in cotta. An archaeological site of 11th century temple.

 

Mussal Dance

Mussal dance takes place at cotta on the eve of goan carnival. After the prayer at mandda khuris, the dance begins from St. Tiago Chapel and goes towards the houses at cotta. The elderly head along with the group of the villagers known as Gaonkar dressed with traditional dress, a dhoti, kurta and parka from the circle holding a mussal in their hands and singing the local language konkani “Hari haracho khel khelayta, khel durgabhayr shivo dita”. Outside the Fernandes house they Dance and sing and many people come to watch the tradition which is following from years. This dance is performed to celebrate the victory in the 14th century of the Hindu king of Vijayanagar harihar over the cholas.

 

Fernandes heritage house

Fernandes heritage house is also known as Voddlem Ghor which is near St. Tiago Chapel at cotta. The Fernandes house was built over 500 years ago and is a blend of its Hindu origins and later Portuguese. The House also has the miracle statue of Menino Jezu near the altar, a wooden lover’s chair and other olden furniture. The owner of the house is friendly and Mr. Ranjeev explain you the past history about it.

Historic Menezes Braganza House

We have a historical monument near the church at Chandor which was built in the 17 century after Fernandes house to remember the sacrifice of the Menezes Braganza family who played a important role to free the Portuguese rule from Goa State for the love of Goa and Goans. This house is divided into two parts. The famous heritage house in Chandor with great salon, a large ballroom with floor made of Italian marble Rose wood furniture carved out by Goans carpenters of that era. It is having a beautiful Chapel inside the house on the altar you can also see the nail of our Saint Francis Xavier our patron Goencho saib. Many tourists visit here from different parts of the world. Different Film shotting too take place at regular intervals. The owner son of this house Ashley tells you everything about it.

The Alma khuris was built In the year 1982.

Remedios bakery is famous for its hot Pao and the Chandor market is famous for the pork and Goan favourite pork sausage.

ST. JOSEPH'S EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTE CHANDOR was established in 1951 and it is managed by the Pvt. Aided. The school consists of Grades from 1 to 10. It aims to provide an education and environment that nurtures and develops the intellectual, spiritual, emotional and physical growth of the child.

O' cuzinero is the most famous restaurant in Chandor. It provide various cuisines with an aesthetic seating arrangement and the best services.

         

 CONCLUSION

Visitors and tourists who come to Goa and want to see the rich heritage and culture, must surely visit Chandor and take a look at the Menezes Braganza House and the Fernandes House. These two places will give you the best insight to the culture of the Indo – Portuguese era that took place in Goa.

A walk around Chandor will fill you up with new experiences and memories that you will surely hold close to your heart for a very long while.