The Catholic feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which falls on 15 August coincides with the Independence Day of India.

It is a feast held dearly by the Goan Catholic community, as many villages across Goa celebrate Konsâcheñ fest (harvest festival) on this day and Patoleo is the star dish of the celebration.

The simplest version of the Goan Catholic Patoleo is prepared by smearing parboiled rice (ukadeñ tândul) paste on fresh turmeric leaves (hôldi pân) to which a filling of freshly grated coconut (chûn) and coconut jaggery (mâddâcheñ godd) is added. Lastly, the leaves are folded, sealed and steam cooked, preferably in a traditional utensil known as chondrõ. These are served hot on a platter with the leaves on and eaten after peeling them off. They are often accompanied with tea or other hot beverages.

Patoleo has great significance in many other Goan traditions. For example, they are sent with vojen (bride's trousseau) to the bridegroom's house byBy Dr the Goan people—Catholics and Hindus alike. The tradition of distributing Patoleo to neighbours and friends after the arrival of a new born in the family is still retained by some Goans. In bygone times, Patoleo were also distributed to mark the completion of construction of a house in Goa. Some Goan Catholic families send Patoleo to a house where people are mourning the death of a family member.

Patoleanchem Fest: Socorro gives Goa a taste of ‘Goenkarponn

Since 2012, Soccoro parish, under the competent hands of Fr Santana Carvalho and with the creative skills of Marius (Festakar)Fernandes has been serving up a traditional yet fun-frothy-frolicky, non-alcoholic yet heady mocktail of authentic Goan drama, dance and delicacies. Each year, the village showcases its toil and talents. Traditional instruments like the ghumot set the stage for education and entertainment. Every year, its something new even as they revere the old!

This year due to isolation Goans will miss the feast. But you can go back down memory lane with me by clicking on the links below. ENJOY!

2014

https://m.timesofindia.com/city/goa/Patoleanchem-Fest-Socorro-gives-Goa-a-taste-of-Goenkarponn/articleshow/40311835.cms

2015

https://www.mangalorean.com/panaji-polleanchem-fest-held-at-socorro/

2017

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/socorros-patoienchem-fest-sees-6-in-1-celebration/articleshow/60078077.cms

2018

https://itsgoa.com/patoienchem-fest-is-back-this-independence-day-at-socorro-church-gardens/

Some VIDEOS to get you in the mood:

https://youtu.be/vm_O28ISvXk

https://youtu.be/P64xWMaU9kY

https://youtu.be/wwsh_DPuFDg

I wish to thank Marius Fernandes for willingly sharing his photographs with me for this article.

Recent update:

A classmate residing now in Canada, Jenny has not forgotten our traditional PATOLEO and has in fact even grown the plant whose leaves are used to make this delicacy.

Sharing her pictures.