September 8, 2025

Panaji buzzes with joy on Anant Chaturdashi, the special day when people say goodbye to Lord Ganesha after 11 festive days. But for two families — the Mhamai Kamats and the Mahales — this day becomes a grand celebration of sharing and devotion. They open their homes to hundreds of visitors, serving free community meals, welcoming anyone who drops by! The Mhamai Kamat family, with roots running 350 years deep, has been carrying this tradition since 1890. Early at 6am, their ancestral home in Panaji shines as they clean up and get busy grinding rice for the special prasad called ‘paiss’. Huge pots bubble on traditional stoves, cooking the delicious mahaprasad that brings joy to every guest. A family member shares, "We started this tradition in 1890. The cooks are brought all the way from Karnataka; they are also part of the Saraswat community." Before the feast, a vibrant ‘mahaaarti’ fills the air with chants and prayers. The meal starts at 7pm and continues till midnight, followed by an all-night ‘kirtan’ sung by women, adding a soulful magic to the event. Over in Mala, the Mahale family honors the ‘Madananta Vrat’ — a sacred fast and feast tradition that’s over 100 years old. Raghuvir Mahale reveals a fascinating origin story: "This fast started a hundred years ago when my great grandfather, who lived in Cumbharjua, met a saint who came to his doorstep with an idol of Anant. The saint told him to worship him and observe the fast, and moments later, he passed away. Since then, we have been observing this fast." The Mahales welcome devotees bringing coconuts marked with family names and fruits as offerings. For many couples hoping to conceive, this is a blessed day. They come seeking Lord Anant’s blessings, and parents celebrate by paying respects after their child’s birth. The Mahale feast is served in the afternoon after the ‘aarti’ on steel plates in a large open space at their home. The sumptuous meal features 14 vegetarian dishes, including the traditional ‘varan-bhaat’ and various sweets made with milk, sugar, and jaggery — a true flavor fiesta! These two families weave tradition, faith, and community spirit so beautifully, turning Anant Chaturdashi in Panaji into a lively, colorful festival of love and togetherness. So, if you’re around, don’t miss the chance to join this timeless celebration — where faith meets feast in the warmest way possible!

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Tags: Anant chaturdashi, Lord ganesha, Community meal, Mhamai kamat family, Mahale family, Ganesh festival traditions,