Kupari
Kupari | |
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| File:Marylouisrumao.jpg Kupari Woman Dressed in a traditional dress |
Kupari (Portuguese: compadre[1][2] meaning God Father to one's child Word derived from Kumpari and feminine being Kumari or Portuguese Comadre[3]) are a sub group of East Indian community. This community is concentrated mostly in Bassein (Portuguese: Baçaim)[4], India, which is about 60 kilometres (37 mi) north of Mumbai. The population is about 40,000 to 45,000. The language spoken by the Kupari community is called Kadodi, which is a mixed dialect of Marathi, Konkani, and Marwari with very few words derived from Portuguese. 97% of this population is Roman Catholic[5], and the remaining minority is a mixed population of various Christian Protestant sects. Education along with religion and missionary works has helped upliftment of the Kupari society. They have 100% literacy rate.
History
The Kupari community came into existence during the Portuguese rule of Vasai in 15th century when most of the Samvedic Brahmans embraced Christianity as their possessions were confiscated and they were ostracized by orthodox Brahmans. Till the late 1960s and early 1970s the population was highly dependent on farming. The Kupari community is mostly concentrated around these parishes in northern Vasai:[6]
- Nirmal
- Agashi
- Nandakhal
- Gass
- Bhuigaon
- Umraala
- Naanbhat
- Shrilaiwadi
- Bolinj
- Mardes
- Wagholi
- Gomes Ali
- Rajodi
Costume
The traditional costume of the Kupari consists of a dhoti, white shirt, black sleeveless jacket and a red cap with earring pierced in the left ear for men, and a red blouse with red checkered kashta (a type of sari) for women.[7]
Traditions
- Baltim (Baptism)
- Komsar (Confession)
- Cominyav (First Holy Communion)
- Hamdav (Associated with marriage)
- Lagin (Wedding)
- Saudio (Celebration next to wedding day)
Recipes
- Variety of fish gravies (specially Bombil)
- Indel (specially prepared meat/fish to last for certain days) anglicized vidialo
- Vade (fried item made from mixture of flours)
- Dhapti (steamed item made from mixture of flours and vegetables)
- Hingoli (traditional specialty)
- Fogey (portuguese spherical bread)
- Dodal ( Portuguese Sweet)
- Fuddi ( Portugueuse feijoada (typical plate made with pork))
- Sanna (Rice Bread)
Festivals
Kuparis today
Kuparis have been well educated for generations. They are hardworking, which aids their ventures in a variety of sectors. In recent years Kuparis have shown transition towards various sectors, including engineering, medicine, and corporate enterprises. A considerable amount of the Kupari population has relocated to the North America, Europe, Middle East and Australia.
See also
References
External links
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