Divar Island lies in the Mandovi River about 10 kilometres upriver from the capital of Goa, Panjim. The name Divar has evolved from the word ‘dipavati’ which means ‘Small Island’ in Konkani. This beautiful little island is a serene and seldom visited place that retains the old world charm of rural Goa.
In fact, most of its inhabitants once lived in Old Goa, but fled to the island to escape from a terrible plague that was sweeping across the mainland. The largest settlement on the island is a picturesque village called Piedade.
Divar was the site of two important temples — the Sapta-koteshwara Temple, as well as a Ganesh temple that stood on the solitary hill in Piedade. These temples were later destroyed.
Today, Divar is well known for its beautiful church, the Church of Our Lady of Compassion.
The world famous Bonderam festival is celebrated in Divar, during the monsoon with great fanfare. The festival was attended by thousands of tourists and locals.
