Book: One For The Road; Author: Biula V Cruz e Pereira Publisher: Goa 1556; Pages: 320; Price: Rs.350
Goa
and alcohol have a complex equation, but there could be a lot of
misunderstanding over this, a new book published on the subject
suggests.
In Goa, alcohol plays a significant role as a "social
lubricant" and is considered essential for hospitality, says the book,
"One For The Road" (Goa 1556, pp 320, Rs.350), authored by Biula V Cruz e
Pereira, associate professor of sociology Fr Agnel's College in Pilar,
some 10 km from here.
She asks in her book: Why is alcohol
consumption at bars frowned upon even though it is permitted at
occasions and parties? Why do only men visit Goan bars? How did the
labelling of deviants and addicts - the term used in the local Konkani
language is 'bebde' - come about?
Rituals and beliefs are
associated with distillation. In Goa, alcohol, interestingly enough, is
used in medicine and antiseptics, in deliveries and childcare, as an
appetizer, an antiflatulent, for deworming, to treat colds and fevers -
and as an analgesic.
Alcohol goes into food as an ingredient
here. Feni, the traditional brew, and vinegar, made here from coconut
toddy to add the sourish taste to food, goes into meat preparations, as a
preservative, in Goan sausages and fish preparations. Wine is used in
cakes, while 'sur' (toddy) goes into leavening.
In Goa, feni gets
used to ward off "evil eye", and to mark the 'xim' (a boundary marked
at the time of marriages). Alcohol or sur offerings also play other
roles in religion, both Catholic and Hindu. Feni is used at the
crematorium at times, or even for exorcism.
Goan Catholics, says
the book, have assimilated the use of alcohol in their daily life and
celebrations. Goan Hindus, whose attitudes are similar to those in the
rest of the country, however do not condemn alcohol consumption by
others. A growing number of Hindus, particularly younger, consume
alcohol in individual settings or as part of socialisation.
She
says it is clear that alcohol existed in Goa before the Portuguese
arrived here, though the alcohol industry "flourished in Goa during
Portuguese rule".
'Situational drinking' is another area needing
understanding, while the social norms of - and attitudes to - alcohol
consumption are also explained.
"Public opinion plays an
important role in labelling a person an alcoholic... In Goan society, a
bebdo is a person addicted to alcohol of any kind, who drinks
excessively till he loses motor control and cannot retain a regular
job," Pereira notes.
She discusses accepted norms on drinking to
socialise, the acceptable age for drinking and the timing of drinking.
Modes for serving alcohol, group formation, and who serves the drinks
are also focussed on.
(27.02.2015 - Frederick Noronha can be contacted at [email protected])
