An Enchanted Version of Atlantis: The Village That Rises from the Waters

Curdi, nestled at the South East location of Goa, is a village steeped in enchantment and history.? Situated by the Selaulim Dam in Sanguem, Curdi reemerges from beneath the waters each year, offering a mesmerizing spectacle. Once a flourishing community with verdant fields and a vibrant culture, Curdi was submerged in 1986 due to the construction of the dam. This development, aimed at addressing Goa's growing water demands, led to the displacement of large number of families to nearby villages such as Vaddem and Valkinim. Nature, however, grants the residents of Curdi one month each year to celebrate their history and their homeland.

For most of the year, Curdi lies hidden underwater, its past only hinted at by submerged remnants. However, as the peak of summer arrives, towards the oncoming monsoons, the waters recede, revealing the ghostly ruins of the village. The village even had a number of Hindu temples, a chapel, and a mosque, showcasing one of the most significant examples of secularism.

Every summer, the residents of this little hamlet leave their misfortunes behind and gather to celebrate homecoming. They gather to celebrate with feasts and religious ceremonies, transforming this ephemeral emergence into a heartfelt tribute to their lost homes. Once a home to two of India's finest classical singers, Padmashri Mogubai Kurdikar and her daughter Padmavibhushan Smt. Kishori Amonkar. All one can see here now is cracked earth, stumps of trees, eroded remains of houses and religious structures, broken household items, ruined water canals, and large tracts of barren ground mingled with water bodies. The locals still feel that it is their love that magically brings this village in front of their eyes every year. Curdi's tale has captivated historians, filmmakers, and scholars, ensuring its legacy endures and its story is shared far and wide.

The brief reappearance of Curdi each year is a testament to the resilience and enduring spirit of its former inhabitants, serving as a poignant reminder of the village's rich history and the sacrifices made for the region's greater good. Many incidents of re-surfacing of invaluable heritage objects of archaeological value have been noted, and are preserved for visitors to appreciate.