A BAKER FROM GOA

A BAKER FROM GOA. GROUP 1.

[Audio] The story takes us back to the time when Goa was ruled by the Portuguese. They were very famous for their breads. The Portuguese may have left but the bread-makers continue to have an inevitable stature. It is possible that the original ones may not exist, but their profession is being continued by their sons. They are known as 'Paders' in Goa. The mixers, moulders and their time-tested furnaces continue to serve the people of Goa with their famous bread loaves. The thud of their bamboo stick can still be heard in some parts of the village..

[Audio] He used to visit their house twice a day. In the morning his jingling sound of the bamboo woke them from sleep. They all ran to meet him. The loaves were purchased by the maidservant of the house. But they always ran to get bread bangles. Sometimes the baker had special sweet bread. His entry created the 'jhang-jhang' sound from the bamboo. Through one hand the baker supported the basket on his head and the other hand banged the bamboo on the ground..

[Audio] After greeting the lady of the house by saying 'Good morning', the baker would place his basket. He had loaves for the elders' and the bangles for the children. There used to come a typical fragrance from the loaves. He had loaves for the elders' and the bangles for the children. There used to come a typical fragrance from the loaves..

[Audio] The lady of the house prepared sandwiches on the occasion of her daughter's engagement. Cakes and lbolinha's formed important items on various occasions like Christmas and other festivals..

[Audio] In those days the bread-seller wore a particular dress known as 'Kabai'. It was a single piece long frock up to the knees. Even today they can be seen wearing a half pant that reaches just below the knees. People usually comment that he is dressed like 'a Pader'..

[Audio] The baker would collect his bill at the end of the month. They recorded their accounts on the wall in pencil. Baking was a profitable profession in old days. The baker and his family never starved and they looked happy and prosperous..

[Audio] Thank you..