Festivals in goa

Festivals in Goa
Fairs and Festivals in Goa are really a refreshing experience for the town dwellers as well as the visitors to the enchanting beach town. Various festivals and events in Goa are celebrated with all the pomp and show. The long list of the most-popular Fairs and Festivals includes Monsoon Festival Goa, Christmas & New Year Celebrations in Goa and the Festival of Three Kings Feast. Goa Christmas Celebrations and New Year Celebrations are world famous and people from across the world come and enjoy the glamour of these memorable moments. The most-awaited Goa Carnival Festival 2012 was celebrated last February.

Christmas :-

Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. People make it a point to go and attend the mass at midnight. And after this, they decorate their homes with Christmas trees, cribs, stars as well as amazing lighting. People also eat sweets and give gifts to their family members and friends.

Diwali :-

Diwali is also a significant festival of Goa. On this day, it is believed that lord Krishna killed the demon named as Narkasur ruling Goa, through his ‘sudarshan chakra’. Therefore, the festival is celebrated with the burning of the effigies of Narkasur that is mainly done at dawn. Hindus make it a point to light up their houses and to wear new clothes.

Ganesh Chaturthi :-

This festival is related to Lord Ganesh and his birth. People embellish and clean their homes as well as the places where they worship the lord. Amazign idols of the lord are made by the people of the villages and also, this is a time when people get together, share gifts, have fun and enjoy to the fullest.

Feast of St. Francis Xavier :-

St. Francis Xavier was a much loved saint who died on 3rd December and therefore, in Old Goa, every year, people assemble to participate in the feast. The famous and amazing church named as Basilica of Bom Jesus still hold the body of the saint preserved in a casket which is brought to the sight of people only after 10 years, on the day of his feast. Since the saint lives in the memory and hearts of the Goan people, this festival is celebrated with much cheer.

Shigmo :-

This festival is celebrated during springtime and the celebrations extend to five days. People also call this festival as Shigmotsav and all its festivities come along with the festival of Holi. During this festival, honor is paid to various warriors to return to their homes after defeating the invaders. At this time, people play with colors. People hold umbrellas as well as small sticks and enjoy dancing.

Three Kings Feast :-

This is a feast which takes place when three boys of Goa play the role of going to see Jesus. They are actually taken by a small boy playing the kettle drum. In order to meet Jesus, the kings ride on the back of a horse and pass through the Hill of Remedios to take part in the High Mass. During this feast, people also worship the Lady of the Mount and make it a point in gaining blessings from and shelter in the lap of the goddess.

Sao Joao Festival :-

This is a festival that is celebrated with much cheer on 24th of June every year since during this day the catholic community pays honor to St. John the Baptist. The festivities involve a number of folk dances that are referred as ‘Sangodds’. The people of the village, mainly the young people make it a point to wear leaves and fruit laden crowns. People also present fruits to their in-laws as well as friends.