The Diwali celebration in Goa is unique and one of a kind, and there is no doubt about that! Be it the Narkasur Dahan at dawn on Narak Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali) or the unique celebration of Gorwaancho Padwo, celebrated to thank cows and bullocks for the new harvest. While all of India is excited for Ravan Dahan on Vijaya Dashami/Dussehra, Goan children and youth eagerly await Narkasur Dahan – a vibrant collision of art and tradition. The following morning, Goans celebrate Dhakti Diwali by bursting a karith (a small, bitter fruit) and eating fao (poha) to celebrate the victory of good over evil. Do you know why Goans eat fao on Diwali? You’ll find that answer in this blog along with many more Diwali-special fun facts. But that isn’t the highlight of this blog. On the second day after Vhadli Diwali (Tulsi Lagn), Madgaonkars’ celebration continues with the Dindi Utsav, unique to Margao. In this blog, you’ll read more about this one-of-a-kind celebration in Madgaon!

The Dindi Utsav in Margao

The Dindi Utsav in Margao is a religious and cultural festival where devotees honour Shree Vithal Rakumayee. Started by a group of devotees in 1909, it is one of the oldest festivals in Salcete taluka, celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion. 

The Origin

The origin of this festival is an interesting story: when devotees were unable to travel to Pandharpur to pay their respects due to restrictions imposed by the Portuguese, they decided to celebrate their own festival instead, which eventually became the Dindi festival. Today, Dindi is celebrated only in two places – Pandharpur, Maharashtra, and our beloved Margao in South Goa!

The History 

The Dindi Utsav of Margao attracts a huge crowd, and its history is astounding. In terms of Hindu mythology, the two important dates to note are Ashadi Ekadashi and Kartiki Ekadashi, significant in the celebration of Lord Vitthal Rakhumai. Ashadi Ekadashi is celebrated in July with great devotion at Pandharpur, Maharashtra. On that day, the procession of Sant Dnyaneshwar, Sant Tukaram, and Sant Eknath meets in the pilgrimage town of Pandharpur. During the 450 years of foreign rule, Madgaonkars found a cause to meet, mingle, and celebrate through the Dindi Utsav. On the day of Kartiki Ekadashi, devotees throng to Pandharpur to celebrate the utsav. The very next day, the holy marriage of Tulsi with Lord Krishna is conducted in homes (Vhadli Diwali). This is followed by the Dindi Utsav in Margao. This year shall mark the 115th year of the Dindi Utsav celebration in Margao.

The Celebrations Continue…

Every year, various competitions, such as rangoli, lantern making, and vegetable carving, are held during the day. By evening, the streets of Comba light up with many beautiful akash kandils. Later, a procession carrying the idol of Lord Vithal Rakhumai from the Hari temple in Pajifond moves to the Vithal temple in Comba. The procession also visits the Damodar Sal in Comba before it reaches the Vithal temple. Dancers move along with the procession, tuning to the beats of “Vithal Vithal Jay Hari Vithal.” Fairs gather in the streets of Margao, and vendors selling toys and sweets attract children. The commercial capital of Goa engages in devotion throughout the night. Madgaonkars seek the blessings of Lord Vithal Rakhumai, and devotees sing bhajans and abhangs.

This year onwards, the Dindi Festival will be granted state festival status, as promised by the Chief Minister of Goa last year.

Why do Goans eat Poha on Diwali?

This unique celebration in the heart of Margao adds to the Diwali celebration in Goa. At the start of the blog, I promised you a fun fact: Why is poha eaten on the morning of Diwali? As someone who doesn’t really enjoy poha, I always asked my mother this. It was only this year that I got my answer, and here it is:

Goa’s Diwali is unique because it celebrates nature, mainly the harvest period. Diwali is mostly celebrated in the last week of October or the first week of November, which is when the first rice harvest starts in Goa. To celebrate this, poha signifies the first harvest that we auspiciously have on Diwali. This symbolises a good agricultural yield for the season. But there is an interesting mythological story too. It is believed that Sudama gave Krishna poha when he first met him. And when Krishna went back home after defeating Narkasur, he had his favourite poha to celebrate his victory. Maybe that is another reason why we have poha for Diwali breakfast?

Did you know that eight types of poha are made in Goan households on Diwali? How many types have you tried? Think about it this Diwali, and if you’re in Madgaon, Goa, don’t miss the one-of-a-kind Dindi Utsav. You might just find a new Diwali tradition to treasure. Happy Diwali!