Lesser Known Festivals of Goa

Goan Festivals Beyond the Big Names

A playful celebration of Krishna’s childhood in Mashel, Ponda. Villagers gather at the Devaki-Krishna temple, playing in the mud and throwing puran polis, urging everyone to embrace their inner child and let go of all worries!

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On Divar Island, Potekar transforms the village into a lively scene as locals dress in homemade costumes and masks, scaring children and collecting sweets. The unique Goan version of Mardi Gras, filled with laughter, bells, and communal feasts!

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The village of Zarme in Valpoi hosts a chilling festival, reenacting the accidental beheading of young men mistaken for thieves. Chorotsav sees villagers perform a haunting ritual under the full moon, offering a powerful tribute to their ancestors.

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Diwali in Goa: A celebration of light and culture Click the link below!

In Chandor, villagers reenact a Kshatriya war dance, rhythmically beating mussals (pounding sticks) to recall the 14th-century victory of King Harihar over the Cholas. The festival's intensity leaves everyone mesmerized by its historical significance and powerful beats.

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In Sal village, this three-day festival honours Lord Mahadev, the God of Ghosts, through mysterious rituals during the Shigmo celebrations. It attracts crowds with its spiritual depth and reverence for the unseen forces guiding the community.

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A fiery tradition in Malcornem where devotees dance in a trance around burning cow dung cakes. The night is alive with energy, as bare-chested men endure the heat, celebrating spring with a powerful show of faith and endurance.

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Goan Festivals Beyond the Big Names

A playful celebration of Krishna’s childhood in Mashel, Ponda. Villagers gather at the Devaki-Krishna temple, playing in the mud and throwing puran polis, urging everyone to embrace their inner child and let go of all worries!

Chikhal Kalo

On Divar Island, Potekar transforms the village into a lively scene as locals dress in homemade costumes and masks, scaring children and collecting sweets. The unique Goan version of Mardi Gras, filled with laughter, bells, and communal feasts!

Potekar

The village of Zarme in Valpoi hosts a chilling festival, reenacting the accidental beheading of young men mistaken for thieves. Chorotsav sees villagers perform a haunting ritual under the full moon, offering a powerful tribute to their ancestors.

Chorotsav

Diwali in Goa: A celebration of light and culture Click the link below!

In Chandor, villagers reenact a Kshatriya war dance, rhythmically beating mussals (pounding sticks) to recall the 14th-century victory of King Harihar over the Cholas. The festival's intensity leaves everyone mesmerized by its historical significance and powerful beats.

Mussal Khel

In Sal village, this three-day festival honours Lord Mahadev, the God of Ghosts, through mysterious rituals during the Shigmo celebrations. It attracts crowds with its spiritual depth and reverence for the unseen forces guiding the community.

Gadyachi Jatra

A fiery tradition in Malcornem where devotees dance in a trance around burning cow dung cakes. The night is alive with energy, as bare-chested men endure the heat, celebrating spring with a powerful show of faith and endurance.

Sheni Uzzo

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