One of the most famous zatras of Goa is celebrated at the temple of Shantadurga Kuncolienkarin at Fatorpa in Quepem taluka. During the festival, people from all over Goa, belonging to different religions, communities and castes come to worship the deity.
A myth is associated with this temple, it is believed that when the Shantadurga temple was constructed, the Gaunkars had difficulty installing the deity because it was too heavy and the priests could not carry it inside. They gathered and prayed for a solution. The goddess appeared in their dreams and told them to prepare the way; and that she would go herself. So, they decorated the floor with flowers. The following morning, the statue was found inside the temples and there were footprints on the petals.
The zatra is held for five days during December or January, during Paushya Shuddha Panchami upto Dashmi of the Hindu calendar. The highlight of this event is the chariot procession on four days. The first day is called Hathi Ambari, which includes an elephant chariot. The second day is the procession of the flower chariot, popularly known as Fulancho Rath. The procession of the Vijayrath, a chariot of horses, is held on the third day. The Maharath procession, which has the main chariot is held on the last day, and is thronged by crowds of devotees, marking the finale of the zatra rituals.
