Goa is known for its scenic beaches and serene landscape. However, there are much more to see there. Goan village that can only be witnessed for one month in a year is one among those.
South Goa’s Curdi Village is submerged underwater for 11 months and can be witnessed only in the months of May when the water recedes. During this period, Curdi is visited by its original inhabitants who organise traditional festivals that are also witnessed by many tourists.
Curdi was known for its picturesque location between two hills of the Western Ghats in the Sanguem Taluka just 5 km from the Salaulim Dam’s catchment area. It is also accessible by bike via the Curchorem-Ponda road. However, it gets submerged in water as soon as the monsoon begins and remains underwater for the rest of the year until May.
In Curdi, the village that emerges from underwater for just one month in a year, you will see eroded remains of houses, temples and trees and broken remains of water canals. It is believed that people from all religions lived here which is why remains of a temple, mosque and even church can be found here.
According to a BBC report, in 1961 after Goa was liberated from the Portuguese, its first chief minister Dayanand Bondodkar announced the construction of the state’s first dam which would eventually displace the people of Curdi. By 1986, the entire population was moved to neighbouring villages . This dam was to benefit all of South Goa with an unlimited water supply and thus, the sacrifice by Curdi’s residents was made.
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