Matoli, Gastronomic Culture, Festival, and Tourism: Exploring Ganesh Chaturthi in Goa through the Lens of Cultural Ecology Theory and the Convivialist Approach

The celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi in India, and particularly in Goa, is deeply intertwined with unique cultural practices that reflect the region’s rich cultural heritage, traditional values, and ecological consciousness. Central to these practices is the tradition of Matoli, a decorative canopy made from locally sourced herbs, fruits, roots, and shrubs. This study examines the role of Matoli in Ganesh Chaturthi, focusing on its connection to biodiversity, community participation, and the gastronomic culture associated with the festival. Matoli not only highlights the diversity of Goa’s plant life but also symbolizes the community’s deep relationship with its natural environment. Furthermore, Ganesh Chaturthi is characterized by the preparation of various traditional foods, linking culinary customs to ritual practices.

This study explores how the gathering of materials for Matoli and the preparation of festive dishes foster community cohesion, encouraging collaboration and shared cultural expressions. Drawing on cultural ecology theory (Steward, 1955; Rappaport, 1967; Harris, 1966), the research investigates how societal practices are intimately connected to the natural environment. Employing a mixed-method approach, the study integrates ethnographic fieldwork, botanical surveys, and interviews with local residents to analyze both the cultural and ecological dimensions of the Matoli tradition, along with its culinary aspects.

The findings underscore the potential of these practices to preserve cultural identity, promote sustainable food habits, and strengthen community bonds. In line with the Convivialist Manifesto (https://convivialism.org/), we argue that tourism must coexist with the regular functioning of host societies, without structurally altering or subordinating these ones, adhering to an alternative post-neoliberal convivialist logic. By examining the interplay of tradition, biodiversity, and food culture, the study offers insights into how festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi can function as platforms for cultural preservation and environmental awareness.