The Kupari community came into existence during the Portuguese rule of Vasai in 15th century when most of the Samvedic Brahmans embraced Christianity as their possessions were confiscated and they were ostracized by orthodox Brahmans. Till the late 1960s and early 1970s the population was highly dependent on farming. The Kupari community is mostly concentrated around these parishesin northern Vasai:[6]
· Nirmal
· Agashi
· Nandakhal
· Gass
· Bhuigaon
· Umraala
· Naanbhat
· Shrilaiwadi
· Bolinj
· Mardes
· Wagholi
· Gomes Ali
· Rajodi
Costume
The traditional costume of the Kupari consists of a dhoti, white shirt, black sleeveless jacket and a red cap with earring pierced in the left ear for men, and a red blouse with red checkered kashta (a type of sari) for women.[7]
Traditions
· Baltim(Baptism)
· Komsar (Confession)
· Cominyao (First Holy Communion)
· Hamdao (Associated with marriage)
· Lagin (Wedding)
· Saudio (Celebration next to wedding day)
Recipes
· Variety of fish gravies (specially Bombil)
· Indel (specially prepared meat/fish to last for certain days) anglicized vidialo
· Vade(fried item made from mixture of flours)
· Dhapti (steamed item made from mixture of flours and vegetables)
· Hingoli (traditional specialty)
· Fogey (portuguese spherical bread)
· Dodal ( Portuguese Sweet)
· Fuddi ( Portugueuse feijoada (typical plate made with pork))
· Sanna(Rice Bread)
Festivals
· Natal(Festival of nativity christmas)
· Easter
· Pali Fiesta
· Bandra Fiesta
· San Jao
Adresao
Kuparis today
Kuparis have been well educated for generations. They are hardworking, which aids their ventures in a variety of sectors. In recent years Kuparis have shown transition towards various sectors, including engineering, medicine, and corporate enterprises. A considerable amount of the Kupari population has relocated to the North America , Europe, Middle East and Australia.
Ethnicity
Most of the kuparis have their ancestry through samvedic brahmin community while some trace few relations in neighbouring vadvalite community as well as goan community due to inter communal marriages. Minor traces of portuguese ancestry in this community cannot be denied due to portuguese intercommunal marriages during portuguese rule as in case of St. Gonsalo Garcia .
History
On 23 December 1534, the Sultan of Gujarat, signed a treaty with the Portuguese and ceded Bassein with its dependencies of Salsette, Mombaim (Bombay), Parel, Vadala, Siao (Sion), Vorli (Worli), Mazagao (Mazgao), Thana, Bandra, Mahim, Caranja. In 1548, St. Francisco Xavier stopped in Bassein to preach. This marked the advent of christianity into Bassein. Conversion was carried out by preaching or by throwing bread into the wells. If the brahmins drank the waters from those wells they were ostracized by orthodox brahmin community and declared as heretics. These brahmins would then move out of the village premises. They were then helped by christian missionaries given new names, new dress code and brought into roman catholic faith. During this period most of them lost their assets as a result of shunning. These outcast individuals then turned to the church under which they were united. During this period Portuguese built 3 churches in present day northern bassein for these converts: Nirmal (1557), Agashi (1568), Nandakhal (1573) All these beautiful churches are still used by the Christian community of Vasai..
Religious Practices
Pirsao
Also called miravnuk this is a holy procession carried out with candles during the lent season. Usually through the villages surrounding a parish.
Paya bharni
This is the ceremony that is conducted when the foundation stone for a house has been laid. Ceremony begins with the burial of some jewelery into the earth and breaking of a coconut the priest then makes some prayers and blesses its construction. This ceremony has its roots in the hindu tradition of bhoomi pujan.
Bejimat
Bejimat is the ceremony conducted during the inauguration of a new home. During this ceremony a priest is invited to a home who then prays before the people sprinkles holy water through t the home and blesses it.
Yentar
This ceremony is conducted when final funeral rites are given to a person. This is conducted in a church followed by prayers and burial at a cemetery
Saatvoh
This ceremony is conducted on the seventh day of a funeral. During this the affected family dedicates a mass for the dead this is followed by a dining service at the family's place which usually includes meat and alcohol to mark the passing of sorrow.
[Upas
This is the fast carried out during the lent season of 40 days.
Religious Services
The religious services of the kupari community confirm with the seven sacraments of the Roman Catholic faith. Some of them can be seen below
Baltim (Baptism)
Komsar (Confession)
Cominyao (First Holy Communion )
Chrisma(Confirmation)
Varad (Wedding)
Yentar(Final Funeral rites)
Family Life
Lifestyle and Culture
Olden Days
Modern Times
Language
Clothing
Traditions
Ayaez
Hamdao
Saudio
