Bonderam Festival: A Kaleidoscope of Culture on Divar Island Amid the kaleidoscope of cultural events that adorn Goa’s calendar, the fourth Saturday of August heralds the spirited resurgence of the Island of Divar, as the cherished tradition of ‘Bonderam’ casts its enchanting spell. As the island springs to life with fervor, it embraces […]
Santachem Pursao (Procession of Saints) at Goa Velha
Santachem Pursao (Procession of Saints) at Goa Velha Every year thousands of people flock from different parts of Goa and the world to the village of Goa-Velha to take part in the ‘world famous procession of Saints’. The Church of St Andrew in Goa Velha, hosts the procession on the fifth Monday of […]
Mussoll Dance at Cota, Chandor
Mussoll Dance at Cota, Chandor At the historical village of Chandor in the Kshatriya (warrior) caste villager’s courtyard this Mussal (pounding mace) march – cum- dance is performed on the second day of Goan Carnival. The dance performed by men who carry ‘Mussal’ – a war weapon in medieval times, is performed with […]
Three Kings Feast at Cansaulim
Three Kings Feast at Cansaulim The traditional feast of Epiphany popularly known as Three Kings or Magi feast is celebrated on 6th January at Cansaulim, Chandor in south Goa and Reis Magos in north Goa. The feast of the three kings commemorates a journey undertaken by three wise men nearly 2000 years ago […]
Colva’s Fama: Where thousands seek miracles from Menino Jesus
Colva’s Fama: Where thousands seek miracles from Menino Jesus Thousands of devotees will throng the 400-year-old Our Lady of Merces church for the grand ‘Colva Fama’ to seek the blessings of Menino (Infant) Jesus tomorrow October 17, 2016. The fama mass will be celebrated at 5.30am after which the Infant Jesus statue is brought out […]
Konnsanchem Fest (Harvest Festival)
Konnsanchem Fest (Harvest Festival) The Harvest Festival is celebrated all over the world in different ways and our little state is no exception. In Goa, the festival is celebrated in almost all villages as a sign of gratitude to the Almighty for bestowing the farmers with a bountiful harvest. Steeped in history – […]
Sangodd at Ambelim and Assolna
Sangodd at Ambelim and Assolna ‘Viva Sangodd’ shout out the banners at the Sangodd (meaning ‘fishing canoes tied together’ in Konkani) at Ambelim and Assolna. This annual event is held by the fishing community to celebrate the feast of St Peter and St Paul on June 29 in Goa and marks the start of […]
Touxeachem Fest at Telaulim
Touxeachem Fest at Telaulim Touxeachem Fest, which translates to ‘Cucumber Feast’, is celebrated with religious fervour and age-old rituals at St Anne’s (Santana) Church in Telaulim, near Goa Velha. Over many generations, this picturesque village in Tiswadi has attracted thousands of devotees from across the state. Grandparents Day is celebrated on July 26th all around […]
Sao Joao Boat Festival in Siolim
Sao Joao Boat Festival in Siolim It is the feast of St John the Baptist on June 24th. On this day young men around Goa jump into wells to retrieve gifts thrown in by villagers. This celebration is called Sao Joao, one of the more famous Christian feasts in the state. The festivals […]
Candolim Sangodd along Sinquerim River
Candolim Sangodd along Sinquerim River Honouring Saints Peter and Paul A large crowd of people gathers in Orda, on the northern bank of the Sinquerim river, which meanders languidly south of Candolim, to celebrate the annual Sangodd, which marks the feast of Saints Peter and Paul on June 29. A substantial percentage of […]