Top 5 monsoon festivals to enjoy in Goa

New Delhi: Goa is a land of pristine beaches, street food, coastal areas, local delicacies, monuments, history, culture, vibrant nightlife, and beautiful landscapes which sets it apart from other places and makes you visit this place once in your lifetime. But trust me, when I say Goa during monsoon is a big yes. You may think how stupid this is but Goa to witness monsoon is one of the best life experiences you should not miss for an unforgettable trip. With waterfalls, branches, unexplored places and most important its monsoon festivals lined up for the monsoon months that you shouldn’t miss.

As the rainy clouds cover Goa’s green scenery, excitement grows for the lively festivals that come with this time of year. Each festival has its special appeal, giving a peek into Goan traditions and culture. Here is a list of festivals to not miss in monsoon in Goa.

Sao Joao Festival

One of the most famous monsoon festivals of Goa is celebrated on June 24 every year in honour of St. John the Baptist, the Sao Joao Festival is one of Goa’s most popular monsoon celebrations. This festival is marked by young men jumping into wells, ponds, and rivers to retrieve gifts thrown in by villagers, symbolizing the baptism of Jesus by St. John. The vibrant event is celebrated with great fervour, especially in North Goa’s Siolim village. Revellers wear colourful headgear made of leaves and flowers, locally known as ‘Kopel,’ and indulge in boat races, folk dances, and traditional music. The festival will take place at Helipad, Old Goa with all the joyous fervours.

Sangodd Festival

The Sangodd Festival commemorates the feast days of Saint Peter and Saint Paul and is celebrated on June 29. This age-old boat festival showcases canoes cleverly linked with wooden boards to form a floating platform decorated with coconut trees, blooms, and balloons. The event showcases folk dances, music, and theatrical acts, highlighting the rich cultural heritage of the fishing community. The festival will take place at Asslona.

Chikhal Kalo Festival

Famously known as the ‘Mud Festival’ of Goa, the Chikhal Kalo festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm in the village of Devki Krishna Temple, Marcel in Ponda. This distinct festival entails merry celebrations as participants enthusiastically immerse themselves in mud and partake in traditional games. The festivities revolve around the Devki Krishna Temple, honouring Lord Krishna and his mother Devki. The festival will start on 17 July and ends on 18 July 2024.

Touxeachem Festival

The Touxeachem Festival is celebrated at St. Anne’s Church in Talaulim and includes presenting cucumbers to St. Anne as a sign of respect. This custom originates from the plentiful cucumber harvest, symbolising appreciation for Goa’s first crop of the season. These cucumbers are then distributed among the community, enhancing the festive atmosphere.

According to the clergy, individuals bring two cucumbers, placing one at the feet of Our Lady while touching the other to the sacred statue. The cucumbers presented during the festivities are then shared among the local community, visiting priests, and nearby villages. Some prefer to savour the cucumbers fresh, while others incorporate them into revitalising salads.

Bonderam Festival

Bonderam is celebrated on the fourth Saturday of August on Divar Island. This festival marks the olden days when the Portuguese tried to resolve disputes between local villagers by marking boundaries with flags. The event kicks off with a lively parade featuring traditional music, dance, and colourful floats. Participants often engage in mock fights using toy weapons, mimicking the flag dispute. The festive atmosphere is further enhanced by live music, dance performances, and delectable Goan cuisine.

Goa’s monsoon festivals offer a unique glimpse into the region’s rich cultural tapestry. Each festival brings with it a unique charm and spirit. Visiting Goa during the monsoon not only allows you to witness these cultural extravaganzas but also to experience the lush, green beauty of the state in its most verdant form. So pack your bags, and embrace the rain.

Monsoon festivals in Goa: Here is a list of top 5 monsoon festivals to not miss in Goa this year, witness the most of beauty and culture at these festivals. Travel Lifestyle News -Fashion Trends, Beauty Tips, Celebrity Party News, Relationship advice, Travel and Food Tips