Goa Fairs & Festivals
With
the majority of the population being Hindu, Goa has scores of festivals celebrated
all around the year. All these festivals do not occur on fixed dates of the
caldendar year, since they are based on the Hindu calendar.
Despite the long period of Portuguese colonisation, the Hindu festivals have
retained their unique Goan character and are celebrated with deep fervour.
In Hindu mythology, Goa is called the land of the Gods and with good reasons.
There are hundreds of Gods and Goddesses with differing names, tastes, rituals
and traditions. Most of these have remained unchaged over the centuries while
others have adapted to the changing times and circumstances.
Quite a lot of the Goan festivals are actually Jatras (feasts) of the local
or family deity celebrated at the temple of the God or Goddess called Devasthan.
It is a festive and colourfull occassion in the temple complex with thousands
of devotees taking part in the celebrations and the palakhi (palanquin) procession.
Hindu Festivals: Mahashivratri:
A celebration in the honour of Lord Shiva held at all the principal Shiva templeIs,
it is celebrated in Harvalem, Ramnathi, Kavlem, Mangueshi, Nagueshi, Shiroda,
Brahmapuri. Shirgao, Kasarpal, Fatorpa and Panaji.
more about Hindu
Festivals
Muslim Festivals: Units of
Shah Abdullah at Ponda -17th Zilhaj (February).
more about Muslim Festivals
Christian Festivals: January
6: Feast of the Three Kings at Reis Magos, Cuelim (Cansaulim) and Chandor.
more about Christian Festivals
Carnival: Among the various colourful
feasts and festivals feasts and festivals that Goa celebrates -with great eclat,
Carnaval and Shigmo are the most rumbustious, awaited by the population with
intense enthusiasm. Unlike 'Shigmo' which is also celebrated in some oilier
parts of India, although under different appellations, 'Carnaval Goa's own,
unique, and the Union Territorys contribution to India's other expressions at
untrammelled revelry.
more about Goa Carnivals
Shigmo Festival: Holi in Goa is celebrated
as Shigmotsav, which is a festival of farewell to winter and welcome to spring
celebrated with colour, songs and dances to the beat of drums. Float parades
depicting various scenes of mythology are also held.
more about Shigmo Festival
Other Festiavls Goa: A time
to express happiness at the arrival of spring is a 3-day festival of colour,
fun and frolic providing a healthy entertainment for all. young and old. with
khells, dance and parades. It is celebrated in February March.
more about Other Festivals of Goa
