My Life and Times Growing Up in Revora, Goa

Revora, my hometown, is a quaint village that lies along the Chapora River. Famous for its seventeenth century 'Our Lady of Victory Church' (Nossa Senhora da Vitoria), paddy fields and hills... I've spent most of my childhood summers here, all the cousins reunited at our grandmother's home during summer vacations.

Our Lady of Victory Church, Revora. 2021 shot by Nasya Pereira

Early mornings, the birds have you waking up with the sun. The cousins ran wild, hide and seek in the garden, climbing trees and jumping over walls... we also choreographed dance routines to ABBA, or Gwen Stefani, the Black Eyed Peas, your 2000's top of the pops! Watching ripe mangoes fall, running to see who could collect it first. Susegaad afternoon naps, a never ending heatwave here in Goa.

Jumping onto high haystacks and lying under the warmth of the golden sun in the fields. Long walks up the hill in the evenings, welcomed halfway by the scents of cashews drifting down the plantations, making us hurry to watch the feni distillation process for the day. At the hour of sundown, just in time to see the sunset, as we sat on top of the highest rocks on the hills near the konkan railway tracks, snacking on wild berries that we picked on our way. Strolling carefully on the train tracks or through the dry canals, feeling the mellow summer winds pass us by, colors of the setting sun on our face... not a care in the world.

Sunset over the Revora village chapel on the hills. 2021 shot by Nasya Pereira

The temperature cools as the sun sets, the far away power grid lights up in Colvale, as seen from the hills, a wonderful view. Sunsets can be best viewed from the hills or by the Chapora River from the famous Raneache Zuvem island bridge at the border of the village. You'll find villagers out fishing on this bridge or in boats, slowing down mid-river to watch the sun. Palm trees on either side of the river, women of the village burning dry leaves on the banks at dusk, the people of the island walk back home after a long day of work after hearing the church bells ring at 7pm.

Smoke over the river banks at dusk in Revora. 2019 shot by Nasya Pereira

Christmas time over the Chapora River. Revora 2019 shot by Nasya Pereira

As dusk approaches, you can spot the moon slowly rising over the hills through the mist along with Venus appearing not too far from the horizon. For our summer nights back in the day, us cousins would have little parties in the balcão, with our favorite music playing, watching the moon and dancing amongst disco light lamps from the 90's (they still work just fine to this day!) until we were all too tired for the night... Boys from the neighboring village far away would play goatrance music after midnight, and since there wasn't much noise or vehicles in the village back then, you could hear it if you listened carefully...

The nights in Revora are special, throughout the different seasons; hot summer nights or the chill winds of winter. A gentle reminder to breathe and be grateful for the day gone by. The crescent moon hangs gently over palm trees, as moonlight enters through the large windows of home, brought in by the winds. Soft music sounds of old can be heard from the neighboring temple until late into the night...

Revora, to me, is like a 2000's village that never really changed. Memories of my sweetest childhood nostalgia greeting me around every corner...

Moonrise in Revora. 2020 shot by Nasya Pereira