Bicholim: Youth from Mayem-Vaiginim have created a traditional matoli using 292 varieties of flowers and forest fruits at the residence of Ranganath Gaonkar. The centrepiece is Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj seated on a horse, crafted from corn husk.Gaonkar said only a few youths and elderly people have retained the matoli-making tradition, which is close to disappearing. He said many households now make matoli only as a ritual, using a handful of commonly available forest fruits, mango leaves and a few other plants.He said preparations for matoli began well in advance, with the group spending a few weekends before Ganesh Chaturthi travelling across Goa to collect flowers, plants and forest produce. They visited Netravali, Sanguem, Quepem, Canacona, Sattari, Pernem, Dodamarg and other areas. When they found unfamiliar forest fruits, they consulted local elders before collecting them.Gaonkar said matoli has long been an important part of Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations in Goa and called for the preservation of the knowledge and craftsmanship involved. He linked the decline of matoli-making to the destruction and disappearance of forest plants and the gradual loss of traditional knowledge. He also noted that some forest fruits used in matoli are poisonous but are believed to have medicinal properties.The group participates annually in the matoli competition organised by the department of art and culture. Last year, they depicted Swami Samarth, and the year before, Lord Bodgeshwar.Gaonkar urged younger people to take an interest in matoli-making and help keep the tradition alive.He was assisted by Mitesh Gaonkar, Babi Gaonkar, Subhash Gaonkar, Saksham Chodankar, Prashant Gaonkar, Mohandas Gaonkar, Priyatama Kalangutkar, Pritisha Govekar, Anvi Govekar, Anaya Govekar, Rajesh Gauns, Priyesh Naik, Gauresh Gaonkar and Nagesh Nagvekar.
