Sao Jao Festival of Goa

 Sao Jao Festival

Image credit-google.

Sao Jao Festival: 

Sao Joao is a joyous festival celebrated by the Catholics in North Goa. The devotees often dive in and even swim inside wells, in honor of St. John. Furthermore, this lively l is celebrated mostly by the young men in Goa.

There is so much of song, dance and merriment, you can’t help but get carried away with the heady spirit of the season. The music of the drums called the Ghumato  and the percussion instrument called the Kansallem can be so enticing that you can’t help but become one with all the joy surrounding you, you might even want to join the revellers and jump into a well with an ecstatic shout of “viva Sao Joao” as the villagers do

It is dedicated to St. John the Baptist and is celebrated on June 24th as Sao Joao feast in Goa. The festival celebrations include villagers jumping into the wells, streams and ponds. This jump is to signify the joy that St. John felt when Jesus was born. During monsoons this event is the major attraction for tourists. Pool parties and private Sao Joao parties in Goa serve as a complete package of merriment and joy. Guests are made to wear crowns made of leaves and flowers called ‘Kopel’. Popular Goan food is served with music bands and dancers perform at various locations .

 So be present to enjoy this festival on June 24th Every year.