Raneache Zuem

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Raneache Zuem
Zuem Bridge.jpg
Coconut plantations of Raneache Zuem as seen from the Zuem Bridge
Raneache Zuem is located in Goa
Raneache Zuem
Raneache Zuem
Raneache Zuem is located in India
Raneache Zuem
Raneache Zuem
EtymologyIsland of the Rane's
Geography
LocationNorth Goa, Goa, India
Coordinates15°40′18.97″N 73°51′10.27″E / 15.6719361°N 73.8528528°E / 15.6719361; 73.8528528Coordinates: 15°40′18.97″N 73°51′10.27″E / 15.6719361°N 73.8528528°E / 15.6719361; 73.8528528
TypeSubcontinental island
Adjacent bodies of waterChapora River
Length145 m (476 ft)
Width780 m (2560 ft)
SarpanchParesh D. Gawas
Deputy SarpanchVishwajya V. Haldankar
Demographics
Languages
Additional information
Time zone
Official websitevpnadora.com

Raneache Zuem (transl. Rane's Island) is a small island situated within the North Goa district of Goa, a coastal state in India. It is in close proximity to the village of Revora, with the two connected by a well-known tourist spot called Zuem Bridge (Island Bridge). This small island, located on the banks of the Chapora River, is known for its compact size and is home to approximately 26 to 30 houses. Administratively, the island falls under the jurisdiction of the Nadora village panchayat, which is part of the Bardez Taluka.

History[edit]

The Rane clan and other individuals settled in Raneache Zuem approximately 350 years ago, the island is known for its unique traditions, which are still observed today. One of these traditions is the celebration of the Ganesh Chaturthi festival, which has been a significant part of the inhabitants' lives for over three and a half centuries. The festival is known for its elaborate decorations called chitras, which attract visitors from nearby regions such as Bardez, Pernem, Bicholim, and neighboring villages in Maharashtra.[1]

The local families have made concerted efforts to preserve this tradition since the time of Portuguese rule, and their houses are often referred to as "Wings of the freedom struggle of Goa," as stated by Raj Singh Rane, a member of the Rane family.[1]

Characteristics[edit]

The island is also known for its lush vegetation, primarily attributable to the extensive cultivation of areca nut trees. Additionally, the presence of the Rashtroli Temple suggests that the majority of inhabitants adhere to the Hindu faith. The prominent highlight of the island is an ancestral residence, dating back 350 years, which stands as the largest house and is owned by the local landlords known as bhatkars. Notably, the island boasts several other ancestral houses from the Portuguese era, each exceeding 300 years in age, distinguished by their distinctive and intricately crafted wooden columns supporting the roof beams.[2]

Festivals[edit]

In the annual celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi, the inhabitants of the island welcome visitors by inviting them into their homes. As part of this festive tradition, they showcase artistic tableaux known as chitras. These captivating displays portray significant scenes from the Hindu religion and narratives related to Ganesha. Crafted with diverse materials such as clay, paper, wood, and cloth, these chitras exemplify the creativity and devotion of the island's residents.[1]

References[edit]

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 Digital, G. T. (2023-09-26). "At Raneache Zuem Chaturthi, locals leave doors and hearts open". Gomantak Times. Retrieved 2023-10-08.
  2. Gracias, Franky. "Time stands still on Goa's Raneachem Zuem island". Gomantak Times. Retrieved 2023-10-08.