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CHINCHINIM WALK
This short walk is a window to the world of Southern
Goa and its churches, chapels, cross and sit-outs
especially constructed for ladinhas. It is a world
filled with an appreciation of a life gone by
combined with the art of living graciously in
the modern world.
Begin this walk at Our Lady of Hope Church in
the heart of Chinchinim village in the Salcete
District of Southern Goa. Do not miss the decorative
elements on the church facade that are outlined
in gray, one of the many preferred colours for
Goan architecture. The Art Deco elements on the
two protruding balconies are probably additions
that were made several decades after the church
was first built. For a look at the church interior,
it might be worth attending the Sunday Service
that begins at 9 a.m. in English and Konkani.
The furniture in the church is Gothic design
with a few Rococco elements that have survived
the test of time and changing tastes. The church
was constructed in the middle of the 18th century
and then refurbished on 30th April 1888. This
is a fine example of Goan craftsmanship. Take
a look at the marble flooring and the exquisite
gold gilding work on the apse. Our Lady of Hope
holds a bouquet of flowers in her hand and displays
a munificent smile on her face. The Feast of Our
Lady is celebrated each year on 8th March and
participating in it is a treat for the mind and
eye.
The most interesting pieces of accessories in
the church are the bowl-shaped lights that hang
from the high ceiling. Compare these with the
lights that hang at the Mangueshi Temple in the
Eastern district of Ponda. Legend has it that
the temple of Chinchininath once stood where the
church stands today. The church replaced the temple
and if you look towards the right, you will see
the palatial home of the Loyola-Furtado family,
a home that now stands on the site of the temple
tank. If you get an opportunity to get invited
into the house, the Gothic family chapel in teak
wood will provide the historic link that the family
had with the church in its neighbourhood.
It is best to ignore the building of St. Mary's
High School attached to the church, which mars
the beauty of the church grounds and the huge
banyan tree in the compound. Instead, take a few
steps to your left as you leave the church and
walk into the village. A dirt road takes you to
some curious examples of what is now popularly
called Mickey Mouse Architecture and then to a
house named Gabdena House. Take a right into the
dirt lane and slow your pace down to experience
life in a Southern Goan village. The house on
your right in a typical rural setting was built
in 1888-1890 and is a home for the elderly. It
bears an impressive name OUR LADY OF MISSIONARIES
OF MARY CHARITIES ASSOCIAI ION and is run by the
Provedoria or the Public Assistance, one of the
oldest welfare institutions in Asia.
Go past the open wooded grounds on both sides
and come face with Sonia Furtado's beautiful
heritage home. The house is graciously opened
to visitors on request.
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