Ganesh Chaturthi Utsav in Goa

 Ganesh Chaturthi Utsav in Goa.

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Ganesh Chaturthi is one of the most popular of Hindu festivals. This is the birthday of Lord Ganesha. It is the day most sacred to Lord Ganesha. It falls on the 4th day of the bright fortnight of Bhadrapada (August-September). It is observed throughout India, as well as by devoted Hindus in all parts of the world.

The Ganesh festival is one of the most widely celebrated Hindu festivals all over India and holds a special place in the hearts of Goan people. It is an occasion of fun and frolic, a time of cleaning and decorating the place of worship of the elephant headed God, who is very much revered amongst his humble devotees all over. More importantly, it brings about a reunion of family and friends, exchanging gifts and overall rejoicing to celebrate the birth of Lord Ganesha.

There are various idols of Lord Ganesh in different shapes and sizes well adorned and installed in heavily decorated pandals by various merchant associations and other merchant groups in all the cities of Goa, the preparations for this much adored festival begins just at the culmination of the harvesting season or the holy month of Shravana. As per Hindu customs and traditions, Lord Ganesha idols are worshipped with due respect and devotion amidst a lot of gaiety and splendour for 1 1/2, 5, 7, 9 or 11 days in the month of Bhadrapada after which they are ceremonially immersed in big lakes or oceans. The immersion on thej day of Anant Chaturdashi marks the end of the most favourite festival of the Hindu people in Goa and all over.

The festival ushers in a season of joyous celebration all over Goa. Besides the religious significance, the festival is an occasion for family members to reunite and seek the blessings of Lord Ganesha. People of all communities visit their Hindu friends to join in the celebration.

Food during Ganesh Chaturthi.

This is the most auspicious and important festival of the Hindu community in Goa. Also known as Chovoth. The variety of food offer during this  auspicious festival 

Ukkadiche Modak

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Modak are considered to be one of the favorite food of Lord Ganesha Ukkadiche Modak are made up of rice flour stuffed with cocount and jaggrey fillings  and than steamed.

Laddos 

Ladoos like coconut ladoo, besan ladoo and nevereos are also a popular snack. 

Delicious food is offered as a bhog to Ganeshji and than served to guest.

It's one of the best festival in India where helps to reunite family.

Bonderam Goa festival

 Bonderam Goa festival - the colourful festival of Goa

Although Goa is a small state of India . Biut, still itis famous for its festive culture.

When it comes to festivals, traditions, and celebrations Goans are most active people I believe. Everyone comes together to participate in the revelries be it Ganesh Chaturthi, San Joao, Diwali, Christmas, Saptah, Bonderam, Shigmo, Carnival, everyone loves to have a good time. Bonderam is one such festival not to be missed

The “Bonderam” festival is celebrated on the Island of Divar on the fourth Saturday of August every year. The word “Bonderam” originated from the involvement of flags. “Bandeira” is the Portuguese word for flag. It is stated that during the Portuguese rule in Goa there were frequent disputes between two sections of the Divar village, namely Sao Mathias and Piedade over property issues. These often led to violence and fights in the village. Subsequently, the PortuguesIt is believed that this island was once a place of Hindu pilgrimage. There were a 

The island is blessed with lush green fields and hills. During the rains, the entire place is beautified by its flora.

Every year at the Bonderam festival. The crowd assembles along either side of the main road of the Divar. The tempo is set by a band. The band is usually lofal. People wielding fake shields and swords engage in mock battles. The beautifully colored floats accompanied by colorfully dressed youngsters makes for quite a pretty picture.

This Island is only accessible by ferry which you can get at Old Goa. The island is 12 kms away from Panjim. If you do not have your own transport then you can either hire a car or call for a cab. If you are heading to Divar from North Goa (Candolim, Baga, Calangute, Mapusa) you can catch a bus to the main bus stop in Panjim and take a cab from there or see if your hotel has taxi options. If you are heading to Divar Island from the south (Margao, Vasco) you can use the shuttle service that will bring you to the main bus stop in Panjim. Once in Panjim, you can hire a cab. Please make sure you check for the current rates at your hotel or homestay

It is believed that this island was once a place of Hindu pilgrimage. There were a few temples situated here, Shree Saptakoteshwar, Shree Ganesh, and Shree Dwarkeshwar. The Hindus were requested to take the idol of Ganesh to Khandola, near Marcel, also under the Portuguese rule at the time.

So Don't miss this unique experience and enjoy Bonderam Festivle.

Sao Jao Festival of Goa

 Sao Jao Festival

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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.

Festivals of Goa

 

Goa is a colourful palette of awesome  parties, Indian and Portuguese cultures, glorious churches, seafood, busy beaches, upbeat nightlife and yoga retreats.This pint-sized Goa is much more awesome than these treasure troves of joy because of its mind-boggling fairs and festivals.Goan life is incomplete without dancing, singing, and merrymaking. Festival tourism in Goa is really an essential part of Goan experience. From far, Goa looks like India’s most relaxed state, but fairs and festivals of Goa will show the mind-boggling and soul-soothing chaos of fun. The fairs and festivals give you yet another reason to visit this stunning coastal state.Tourists from all over the world come to Goa to blend in trance of colourful festivities that are celebrated here throughout the year.If you want to experience a different side of Goa which is energetic, where you don’t have to just relax and chill in peace, where you can dance and sing as much as you can, then festivals of Goa are waiting for you to delight your soul. There is really a huge list of fairs and festivals of Goa, but here for you is the list of only the most popular fairs and festivals of Goa to enjoy.

Some of the famous festivals of Goa are:

1.Goa Carnival-This is the most famous festival and is being celebrated since the 18th century.The carnival has colorful parades and enactment of mythologies. It's vibrant colors in the costumes, dances, and flags make it the most happening fest of Goa.

2.Sao Joao Festival-The Feast of St. John, the Baptist is celebrated on 24th June every year as thanksgiving for the arrival of monsoons.Sao Joao is a joyous festival celebrated by the Catholics in North Goa.

3.St.Francis Xavier Feast-The Feast of St.Francis Xavier is celebrated annually on December 3rd in Goa to honour the memory of St.Francis Xavier.The atmosphere of Goa during the festival is truly dynamic, as thousands of people come together to pay their respects to the saint and enjoy the festivities.

4.Bonderam-This is the most happening festival celebrated on a grand scale on the island of Divar. there is a fancy-dress competition which is followed by the traditional float parade. This is followed by a live band performance by the famous music bands of Goa.

5.Goa Arts And Literary Festival-The event is organized by ICG in association with the Goa Writers' Group, with support from the Directorate of Art and Culture, Government of Goa.

6.Goa Sunburn FestivaMany enthusiasts across the globe throng Goa during this festival and have the time of their lives. The festival offers music, entertainment, food and shopping.

7.Grape Escapade-The Grape Escapade is a unique festival in Goa offering an experience a blend of fine wine, lifestyle, haute cuisine and entertainment over 4 days in January Every year.There is wine tasting, entertainment acts, fashion shows and a beauty contest that are central features of the festival.