Goa in monsoon – monsoon festivals ; to celebrate the coming of the rains and hence a time of abundance. Monsoon festivals epitomise the quintessential Monsoon Goa. Visit Goa in the monsoon to experience all this and more first hand. Similarly experience the Goan culture and seasonal food such as patolleo and jackfruit in Goa . Despite the weather there is a lot fun to be had at the traditional festivals and beliefs of bygone days. Last but not least enjoy the lush greenery and the monsoon rain. The mountains and the waterfalls in the Ghats are extremely scenic
Celebrate Sao Joao Feast
On the 24th of June enjoy the captivating spirit of tradition, merriment, colour and and celebrate St John the Baptist (Sao Joao feast) feast. Indeed it is celebrated by jumping into a village well filled up with rainwater, stream or pond to retrieve gifts and feni (alcoholic drink) and shouting ‘Viva Sao Joao’. The villagers wear colourful costumes and fruit and flower-laden kopel on their head. At the same time head towards Siolim in North Goa to see a more vibrant and joyous celebration. There is lively music, dance and alcohol . The fully decorated boats on the lake opposite St. Anthony’s Church look very picturesque.
Bonderam Feast – feast of flags
The Bonderam festival in late August is a community event. Above all it celebrates the marking of ward boundary with flags. A procession of a brass band, children and adults dressed in different costumes, taking part in a fancy-dress competitions and a parade of floats. However in the evening the whole street turns into a big dance party with live bands and a DJ. There are various food stalls serving tasty local fare and bars
Celebrate Patolleanchem Festâ
On the 15th of August, Our Lady of Assumption Church in Succoro village near Panajim, Goa celebrates Patolleanchem Festâ honouring the indigenous sweet dish called, ‘patolleo’. Patolleo a sweet made with jaggery and rice wrapped in a turmeric leaf. After that the ubiquitous Goan brass band grace the occasion with vibrant Konkani favourites
Sangodd Feast – Feast of the fishing community
It is the feast of St Peter and Paul hence the local fishing community celebrate Sangodd Feast on June 29th. Firstly the fishermen offer prayers to the Almighty by reciting prayers and litany for their safety at sea. A makeshift float is constructed by attaching three fishing boats.
Moreover dance performers and singers on the float to entertain the revellers standing on the banks of the river.
Chikalkalo, a traditional festival at Marcel, Goa after the ‘Ashadi Ekadashi’. Devotees plunge themselves into a mud bath.
Goa in monsoon – monsoon festivals of Handi Khuris -The blessing of the Handi (sluice gate)
takes place on August 20 in Cutorim. As a result of the donations offered by devotees ensure that the fields remain cultivated by the farmers. Blessings are bestowed and prayers to the Lord answered at the miraculous cross
Consequently the blessing of the holy cross at the sluice gate ensures that a good harvest will take place
The sluice gate provides regulated river water supply to the surrounding paddy fields. For this reason the paddy fields of Cutorim are the granary of Salcette Goa
Watch YT video – Goa in Monsoon – Monsoon Festivals