The ever vivacious Goa is a land of many sparkling festivals that give the Goans one more chance to celebrate the moments of life. Round the year, people are seen merrymaking and feasting in lieu if one or another festival. The festivals of Goa are a way of socializing and winding out. But the festivals are not devoid of any religious importance. They are of course woven round some socio – religious basis. Let us know more about some of the famous festivals of Goa.
Goa Carnival: Carnival is a Latin which means ‘giving up meat’. Many people of Goa believe that the concept of Goa carnival came form the Roman festival Satrunalia. The festival started initially by Portuguese included throwing of flour, eggs, oranges, lemons, mud and dirty water at each other. It was thought of as getting rid of old and dirty things before Lent. Today, the festival involves a musical extravaganza where you have lot of music, masked dance, cross dressings, and mock battles. Many cultural functions and competitions are held and King Momo does the award ceremony.
Shigmo: If you like Holi, then you will love to be in Goa at the time of shigmo which is a Goan style of Holi. Shigmo also known as Shigmotsava, is a harvest festival that heralds spring. Celebrated on full moon days, this is regraded as the biggest Hindu Goans festivals. Processions, songs, dramas, dances, bonfires, festoons and banners are all an integral part of the festival.
Christmas: Celebrated by both, Hindus and Christians of Goa, this is the biggest festival of Goa. Christmas which is synonymous to season of goodwill and festivity brings joviality to the faces of Goans. With carols singing and concerts, the festival start around mid December. The market places, the villages, houses, streets everywhere there is illumination and decoration. Beach parties are a special attraction of Goa Christmas.
Saptah Festival: This is yet another famous festival of Goan Hindus. The festival falls in the shravan month of Hindu calendar that is in the month of September. The legendary festivals lasts for six days and has some anecdotes associated with it.
Ganesha Chaturthi: Held to commemorate Lord Ganesha, this festival is celebrated to thank the God and is associated with a good harvest. People start preparations for the festival very early and welcome God with enthusiasm.
Easter/ Good Friday: The Goan Catholics revere this festival much. It is the end of the Lent which is a significant observance in pious Catholics. After 40 days of Lent, the people of the state, end it on the day of Good Friday and it is followed by Easter.