Goan festivals Celebrating Fellowship and Secularism

[Gets Holidays]

Feasts and festivals run in Indian blood. Keeping secular views in tact, the country celebrates small and big festivals with equal vigor. The beach state of Goa,ever bustling with life, is marked by fairs and carnivals around the year. The confluence of different communities in course of Goan fests promotes peace and harmony. Zatra or food, music and dance grace every occasion. Here’s a brief teaser of major Goan celebrations.

Shigmo: The Goan counterpart of Holi, the festival of colors observed in spring. Shigmo, a six day harvest fest takes off from Damodar Temple. The cities of Panaji, Vasco and Margao wear a festive mask adorned with balloons, streamers, colorful bulbs. Evenings marked with music dance and bonfires see hundreds of revelers taking part in the cultural extravaganza. Shigmo concludes on a full moon day, often referred to as Rang Panchami. People dab colored powders on each other and exchange greetings. A martial dance form hodemodni showcases men dancing with wooden horse (accentuated with bright clothes) attached to the lower part of their bodies. The dancers wear costumes which have a close esemblance to royal Rajput wardrobe with a headgear. With bridle in one hand and brandishing a sword in the other, they move to the beat of dhols, drums and cymbals. Feasting on Prawn curry, arroz doce (rice pudding) is fun!

Goa Carnival: The three-day carnival celebrated in February comes with a fresh lease of life and merry-making. Unlimited food and liquor, graceful dance moves and music are major turn ons! The Portuguese initiated this fest ages ago, and the tradition is relived with great pomp till date. The carnival aims to promote the vibrant cultural heritage of Goa. Major towns see night long parades, masked dance, rhythms of guitar and drum beats. The festival is led by King Momo. People shed off their worries and backlogs to start life afresh in course of the fest. Red and black dance complete the festival.

Ganesh Chaturthi: Who said Gods don’t celebrate birthdays? Reality check, their birthdays aren’t limited to family and friends! Lord Ganesha’s birthday, Ganesh Chaturthi is one of the major festivals in India, celebrated during August or September. People decorate their houses with flowers and bring in clay idols of the Lord. People worship Him through prayers, devotional songs. Sweets specially ladoos and modak are offered. In many places, people of all ages are seen moving along with a huge clay idol of Lord Ganesha on streets. On the last day of Ganesh Chaturthi, the idols are immersed in the sea.

Grape Festival: Calling wine lovers across the world! People from every nook of the country and world come under one roof to unwind in the four-day extravaganza. Be it international hoteliers or wine makers, you’ll see hospitality professionals come together to make the most of this unique carnival. Live music, dance, fashion shows and wine tasting sessions are open to one and all.

Sao Joao: The feast of St John, on June 24 is unique. If you love being wet or enjoy pool party, you have to see this. Take a few sips of Goan liquor feni and jump into ponds, wells or streams. Mostly youth take part in the heritage carnival. The day is marked with prayers, parades and hymns on streets. Boat races are also seen in some parts of Northern Goa.

Christmas: Goa is known for nightlife. Christmas and New Year Eve attract global crowds to lavish resorts and beach parties. After attending midnight masses, people groove to international tunes nightlong. Churches get a royal makeover. Santa Claus is often spotted distributing sweets and tokens to kids. Pubs are stacked with crowds, live bands or DJs. Tireless dancing saga continues nightlong! Electrifying party ambiance marked with class, make Goa the most popular tourist halt in the last week of December.

Apart from festive fervor, if you want to enjoy a perfect beach holiday, Goa is your ultimate destination. Sun bathing, swimming, water sports and other adventure activities on the backdrop of turquoise sea and yellow sands — you won’t regret of having chosen Goa as a holiday destination.