Loutolim

Loutulim
Lottli
Loutolim
Village (Aldeia)
Loutulim
Loutulim

Location in Goa, India

Coordinates: 15°20′N 73°59′E / 15.33°N 73.98°E / 15.33; 73.98Coordinates: 15°20′N 73°59′E / 15.33°N 73.98°E / 15.33; 73.98
Country (1961-present)  India
State Goa
District South Goa
Sub-district Salcete
Past country (1510-1961)  Portugal
Area
 • Total 17.81 km2 (6.88 sq mi)
Elevation 32 m (105 ft)
Population (2011)census of India
 • Total 6,121
 • Density 340/km2 (890/sq mi)
Languages
 • Official Konkani
Time zone IST (UTC+5:30)
PIN 403718
Vehicle registration GA
The annual feast of Saint Sebastian is held in January in the Monte chapel on top of the monte (hill).

Loutolim / Loutulim (Konkani: Lottli, pronounced [lɔːʈlĩː]) is a small village located in Salcette (South Goa) in the state of Goa, India. It is primarily a residential area with limited commercial or industrial activity. The village is popular due to its location 10 km from the commercial city of Margão and its distinct importance in Portuguese times. Architecturally the village is said to hold some impressive Portuguese-era mansions, many of which still stand the test of time. The main activities revolve around the church square which is graced by the majestic 16th century Savior of the world church (Salvador do mundo).

The village had held significant importance to Portugal and has hosted several Portuguese viceroys who would reside at influential local residences. Most of the area still consists of lush green forests, dense and diverse vegetation and open paddies surrounded with lines of coconut trees, characteristics which help the laid-back village retain its old world charm. This village perfectly signifies the popular Goan expression 'Susegad' or 'Sossegado'.

International and domestic tourists often visit the village for its majestic church, imposing mansions, aromatic spice plantations and exotic heritage, one of the most frequented areas being the 'Ancestral Goa museum'. Loutulim does not have much by way of accommodations or activities and is hence best summed up as an experience of a non-touristy Goa.

History

Legend has it that Brahmins founded the settlement of Loutolim when they came to Goa from northern India. The word Loutolim arising from Lovótollem, is coined from a combination of the words Tollem (pond in Konkani) and a grass, Lovó, found growing in plenty around the pond.

Goa was one of the major trade centers in Asia and has thus been attracting influential dynasties, seafarers, merchants, traders, monks and missionaries since its earliest known history. Since the Portuguese territory of Goa existed for over 450 years, the social and cultural make-up of Goa is an interesting amalgamation of eastern and western cultures (specifically Portuguese), with the latter being a more visible characteristic. Loutulim along with the rest of Goa (under Portuguese administration) was part of the province of Portuguese-Goa from 1510 until its annexation in 1961 (It was still under dispute and represented in the Parliament of Portugal till 1974/75). Throughout its history Goa has undergone continual transformation in turn leaving an indelible impression on various aspects of its cultural and socio-economic development.

A small sundial located beside the church in front of the Parochial residence still stands. It is of historic value and is said to have been placed there during the Portuguese-era. The entire structure is made of stone. It is still a widely spoken about artifact and serves as a basis to start conversations based on science or culture. As with most Goan villages a semi-covered gathering area is also present near this point. The church square also has a statue of 'Salvador' or 'Savior' (Jesus) and a grotto of Mary, mother of Jesus.

In Loutulim, the pioneering work in education was conducted by two priests. Two well-known colleges with boarding arrangements were opened by Fr. Fillipe Miguel de Quadros and Fr. Evaristo de Figueiredo. Both colleges attracted students from different parts of Goa and even from far off Macau. Priesthood had a tremendous influence on the Goan way of life. Even to date a priests opinion and counsel is taken by most Goan families.

Geography

Location

Loutulim has an average elevation of 32 meters (105 feet). It is somewhat a triangular shaped village and lies between the villages of Verna, Quelossim, Camurlim, Borim. The River Zuari passes besides the village.[1]

The main village market is located behind the church whereas public institutions such as the bank and post office are located in the church square (in front of the church). The church cemetery is located across the square, its main gate in line with the main entrance of the church. Other relevant buildings in the church square include the church community hall, school, communidade building and village panchayat (governing body) building. General stores, pharmacies, a hardware store and a cafeteria are located behind the church.

The nearest railway station is at Margão (about 10 km away) and the nearest airport is at Dabolim (about 18 km away).

Demographics and Culture

Church of Salvador do Mundo, Loutolim.

Language

The 'Saxtti' dialect of Konkani, belonging to the Indo-European family of languages is the local language and is widely spoken. It is primarily written in the Latin script in Loutulim. Portuguese is spoken by the elite and older generations including those with Portuguese ancestry. English is spoken by all and is compulsorily taught in schools.

Religion

Most Salcete towns in Goa (part of the Velhas conquistas) have Catholicism as their predominantly followed religion. The culture of Goans is specifically connected with their religious upbringing. Most festivals and feasts revolve around the church and its activities. A notable Hindu community also exists.

As in other parts of Goa, both Hindus and Catholics live together in peace and harmony, mingling with each other during their religious festivals. The religious activities of the Catholics are centered around the Savior of the World church (Igreja do Salvador do Mundo) while those of the Hindus are centered around the Sri Ramnath temple.

Culture and food

Weddings are an elaborate affair and a typical Goan catholic wedding is a white wedding. After a church wedding, the celebrations shift to a reception at which the newly married couple, as the guests of honor, and the hosts and perhaps members of the wedding party lead the attendees in a bridal march. Typically a wedding cake is cut after this and the first dance is held by the bride and groom followed by the guest. Goan wedding celebrations always include dinner and wedding dances. Wedding cakes are often multi-tiered layer cakes that are elaborately decorated with white icing. Cutting the wedding cake is often turned into a grand ritual. After the cake is cut, a number of short speeches and a toast are given in honor of the couple.

Lotlikars (or Lotlicars), or people from Loutulim, love fish and seafood. The cuisine is influenced by Hindu Gaud Saraswat Brahmin origins and four hundred years of Portuguese culture as well as a recent blend of modern techniques. The locals enjoy rice with fish curry (xitt kodi in Konkani), which is the staple diet in Goa. Coconut is widely used in cooking along with chili peppers, spices and vinegar, giving the food a unique flavor. Various seafood delicacies include kingfish (visvonn, the most common delicacy), pomfret, shark, tuna and mackerel. Among the shellfish are crabs, prawns, tiger prawns, lobster, squid and mussels. Pork dishes such as vindalho, chouriço and sorpotel are widely eaten. Beef dishes and chicken xacuti are cooked for major occasions among the Catholics. A rich egg-based, multi-layered sweet dish known as bebinca is a favourite at Christmas. Rissóis de camarão, beef croquettes, fried mussels and semolina prawns are favourite starters.

The most popular alcoholic beverage of Goa, feni is widely served at occasions here. It could be made from the fermentation of the fruit of the cashew tree or from the sap of toddy palms. People also consume other liquor and wine is extremely popular (especially on feast days).

Education, Religious and Welfare institutions

Savior of the world high school, Goa

Schools (escolas)

The educational needs of the village youth are provided for by the three schools in the village, namely :-

  1. Savior of the World High School, Loutulim
  2. Govt. Middle School, Loutulim
  3. Govt. Primary School , Rassaim, Loutulim

Religious and Welfare institutions

Shanti Avedna Ashram

The Shanti Avedna Ashram is run by the Holy Cross sisters who take a lot of pains to attend to the terminally ill cancer patients from all over Goa.

The Albergue or the Home for the Aged

The Goa Government's Institute of Public Assistance (Provedoria) manages the Albergue. A lot of people from all parts of Goa are cared for in this old age home.

Pilar sisters convent

The Pilar sisters have their headquarters based in Loutulim. They also organize some vocational courses like cooking , tailoring ,etc for the village girls.

Ursuline sisters convent

The Ursuline sisters run the St Francis Xavier Convent in Loutolim. Some of the nuns also teach in the Saviour of the World High school besides providing a helping hand in the day to day church activities.

Churches and chapels

The Jesuits undertook the task of Christianization of Salsette in 1567 A.D. Most of those who chose to remain behind had to become Christians (specifically Roman Catholics, as with mainland Portugal).

The Savior of the World (Salvador do Mundo) church was built by the Jesuits in 1586[2] to look after the spiritual needs of the community. This church along with its square forms the center for the village. Most daily life revolves around this edifice as all essential commodities are in its vicinity.

The church also has six affiliated chapels (copels). These are spread across the 5 wards (vaddos) of Loutulim. They are listed as follows;

  1. Mae De Deus chapel, Devotte
  2. The chapel of Our lady of Miracles, Vanxem
  3. The chapel of St. Sebastian, Monte
  4. The chapel of St. Joseph, Rassaim
  5. The chapel of Our lady of Rosary, Carvota
  6. The chapel of St. Sebastian and St. Benedict, Orgao

Adjoining the main church ,there is a Portaria which traditionally was the meeting place of the villagers after Sunday mass. Here they would talk, discuss, and part. One can take it as a habit rooted in the ancient past, a legacy of the over 450 year Portuguese-era. Very close to the Portaria is the sundial standing on a circular pedestal which provides for sitting. Here the village elders would spend the evening exchanging views and opinions on various topics of interest. It was for them a well spent evening.

Over time the use of these types of spaces is constantly changing not just in Loutulim, but in most parts of Goa. In more urban areas these are now unused spaces except for the occasional curious passerby or the Sunday mass (missa) who stop by to converse. Although they still stand in their original forms, their use as social spaces has evolved. Many locals still feel rooted to their cultural identities and this notion helps fuel the need to maintain and relive these historic spaces.

Temples

The captain of Fort Rachol, Dom Diogo Rodrigues ordered the burning and destruction of all the temples in the village. Many gaunkars who wanted to preserve their culture and religion (Hinduism) fled to safer grounds across the Zuari river during the 15th century (along with their idols). Unlike villages and towns in Salcette and Bardez (part of the Velhas conquistas), where churches were built over the demolished temples, the plot of land where the old Ramnathi temple stood remained vacant due to some opposition among the locals. The idol was removed from the original temple at Loutulim and smuggled away to its present day abode of Bandora (Bandivade) in order to avoid persecution at the time by the Portuguese regime. The area was then under the control of Bijapur, although it became part of Portuguese-Goa at a later stage in the 18th century (Novas conquistas).

A new temple of Lord Ramnathi was built recently on the same plot. However, the original idol still stands in an 18th century temple of Indo-Portuguese architecture at Bandora, Goa.

Prominent people[3]

Attractions

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 "A messy affair — Loutolim". TimesOfIndia.com. The Times of India. Retrieved 10 September 2016.
  2. ↑ Lourenço, José (2005). The Parish churches of Goa. Amazing Goa publications.
  3. ↑ "LOUTOLIM - Compiled by Armstrong Monteiro". www.oocities.org. Retrieved 2016-11-05.
  4. ↑ "Goa Art Galllery - Mario Miranda". goaartgallery.com. Retrieved 2016-11-05.
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See also

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