Cultural Mapping of Daman
Commissioned by the Government of Daman, Diu, and Dadra & Nagar Haveli, a project was initiated to document the Intangible Cultural Heritage of these Union Territories. The project focuses on capturing the knowledge, skills, and practices in which the local communities of the region are actively engaged.
Daman is a city and Union Territory in India, covering an area of 102 sq km. It is located on the west coast of the subcontinent, just south of Valsad. Surrounded on three sides by the state of Gujarat and bordered by the Arabian Sea (Gulf of Khambhat) on one side, Daman is situated between the Kolak River to the north and the Daman Ganga River, which divides the city into Nanidaman (northern part) and Motidaman (southern part). The area has a rich history and was an important location for overseas trade. The communities residing in this region include the Tandels, Patels, Portuguese, Halpatis, and Parsis. Due to its diverse and complex history, Daman has developed a unique blend of multiple cultures, each retaining its individual identity.
The history of Daman dates back to roughly the 8th and 13th centuries, when it was a stronghold of the Chowda Rajputs and later came under the control of Muslim rulers. In the late 16th century, the Portuguese seized the territory, becoming an important colony. Daman was incorporated into India on December 19, 1961, ending the colonial rule in the region.
The legacy of Portuguese influence is still visible in the architecture and cultural aspects of the area. The Indo-Portuguese dialect is still spoken by several members of the Portuguese/Christian community. Their traditional attire and cuisine have largely remained unchanged. Major festivals include Christmas, Good Friday, and Easter, and they also participate in the ‘mando’ dance.
The Tandels and Patels are considered the original inhabitants of Daman. The Tandels are primarily a fishing community residing in Nanidaman, while the Patels have traditionally been agriculturists and farmers. The cultural and social lives of these communities reflect their occupations. For instance, the Tandels worship ‘Samudryanarayan,’ their ocean deity, along with their boats as part of a daily ritual before going fishing. Their major festivals, including Nariyal Purnima and Dimla, occur during the monsoon season when fishing is prohibited due to breeding periods. Other deities worshipped by the Tandels include ‘Satyanarayan’ and their Kul Devtas. A unique tradition within this community is the practice of ‘Samuhik Lagna’ or community weddings, which remains prevalent in Daman.
In contrast, the Patels have rapidly urbanized, with many shifting away from agriculture to work in industries. However, their festivals and predominantly vegetarian cuisine still connect them to their heritage. They worship Hindu deities like Lakshmi Mata and Holi Mata, as well as crop-specific gods like Ravali, Mahhar Dev, and Kanhari. The Patels also celebrate Portuguese-influenced festivals such as New Year’s and Valentine’s Day. One of their distinctive cultural expressions is the ‘Ghor’ folk dance, performed during Diwali and Dussehra.
The Halpatis, another community in the region, are primarily cultivators or tribals, residing in Nayla Pardi Village. They are among the few communities that still practice the traditional craft of weaving straw mats. Their religious practices blend ascetic traditions with Hindu beliefs, and they have a spiritual leader known as “Bhuwa,” who holds indigenous knowledge and is believed to protect the community.
Though the Parsi community is marginal in this region, they have maintained their cultural identity, evident in their lifestyle, clothing, culinary habits, and religious practices.
The culture and heritage of Daman, along with its resident communities, are under threat due to rapid industrialization and modernization. These changes have significantly altered their traditional lifestyles and impacted the region’s ecology.
This documentation was published in 2014
