Tag: Goa Festivals

#faith

Babreshwar Jatra at Calangute: Faith, Festivity and the Spirit of the Banana Festival

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Sakshi Aiwale

Babreshwar Jatra at Calangute is one of those celebrations where faith is not just practiced but lived collectively. Each year, the jatra draws devotees from across the region, transforming the temple surroundings into a space filled with prayer, reverence, and vibrant cultural energy.

From the early hours, devotees gather to participate in live rituals and traditional prayers, creating an atmosphere charged with devotion. The sounds of chants, the sight of offerings, and the steady flow of people reflect the deep-rooted belief associated with Babreshwar, a deity revered for protection, blessings, and guidance. Families, elders, and youth alike come together, reinforcing the strong sense of community that defines the jatra.

A distinctive highlight of the Babreshwar Jatra is the Banana Festival, a ritual that sets this celebration apart. Devotees offer bananas with great respect, expressing gratitude for blessings received and seeking divine grace for the future. The simplicity of the offering carries profound meaning, symbolising humility, abundance, and unwavering faith. Rows of bananas offered at the temple become a powerful visual representation of collective devotion.

Beyond the rituals, the jatra is also a celebration of tradition and cultural continuity. Local customs, shared meals, and the gathering of neighbours and families strengthen social bonds, turning the event into a living expression of Goa’s spiritual heritage. It is a time when faith transcends individual belief and becomes a shared experience.

Babreshwar Jatra at Calangute stands as a beautiful blend of devotion, tradition, and cultural unity—where every prayer, every offering, and every gathering reinforces the enduring connection between faith and community.

#faith

Bodgeshwar Jatra 2026 to Be Observed on January 2 at Mapusa, Goa

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The Bodgeshwar Temple festival, popularly known as the Bodgeshwar Jatra, is one of the most revered religious events in North Goa and will be observed on January 2, 2026, in Mapusa.

Celebrated during the Paush month of the Hindu lunar calendar, the Jatra is dedicated to Lord Bodgeshwar, also lovingly worshipped by devotees as Bongini. The festival is held on Paush Shukla Paksha Chaturdashi, the fourteenth day of the waxing phase of the moon, as per the traditional lunar calendar followed in Goa.

Each year, the annual jatra attracts scores of devotees from across Goa and neighbouring regions to this modest yet spiritually powerful temple. A widely held belief among devotees is that Lord Bodgeshwar is a wish-fulfilling deity, and that sincere prayers offered here are never left unanswered.

During the festival, the temple premises are adorned with special lighting arrangements, creating a vibrant and devotional atmosphere that continues late into the night. The illumination, combined with traditional rituals and offerings, makes the Bodgeshwar Jatra a deeply moving spiritual experience.

The Bodgeshwar Jatra stands as a testament to Goa’s rich religious traditions, drawing together faith, devotion, and community spirit year after year.

Business

TVS MotoSoul 5.0 Returns to Goa With Its Biggest Celebration of Motorcycling Culture

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Experience the Thrill of TVS MotoSoul 5.0: Goa’s Biggest Celebration of Motorcycling Culture

TVS MotoSoul 5.0 is revving back into Goa with more power, passion and performance than ever before. Set to take place on 5th & 6th December 2025 at the iconic Hilltop, Vagator, this edition promises to be the most immersive and electrifying celebration of motorcycling culture in India.

This year, the festival raises the bar with a thrilling mix of motorsport action, custom bike showcases, lifestyle experiences and a world-class music lineup that brings together the country’s top artists.

A Festival Where Speed Meets Sound

The highlight of MotoSoul 5.0 is its spectacular live artist lineup. Superstar rapper Badshah will headline with a high-energy performance, while Nucleya, DJ Akbar, and the fusion-rock band Lagori will bring pulsating rhythms to keep the crowd on its feet.

The music experience is crafted to sync with the spirit of the biking community — bold, loud, kinetic and unforgettable.

Motorsport Action Like Never Before

MotoSoul 5.0 offers two days of adrenaline-packed activities for riders, enthusiasts and thrill seekers:

  • Dirt track and flat track sessions led by pro riders
  • Live stunt showcases featuring top stunt performers
  • Custom motorcycle displays showcasing India’s best builders
  • Experiential zones for test rides and bike interactions

The festival celebrates every aspect of motorcycling culture, from craftsmanship to performance.

Lifestyle, Creativity & Community

Beyond racing, MotoSoul brings together creators, artists and innovators through:

  • Creator workshops & talks
  • Art and graffiti zones
  • Mixology corners & gourmet food stalls
  • Brand showcases, gear, merchandise and more

MotoSoul 5.0 is designed as a holistic experience where community, creativity and culture meet.

Event Details

📍 Location: Hilltop, Vagator, Goa
📅 Dates: 5th & 6th December 2025
⏰ Time: 1 PM onwards

With thousands of bikers, creators, travellers and music lovers expected to attend, TVS MotoSoul 5.0 is set to be one of Goa’s biggest events of the year — a celebration of speed, sound and spirit.

Events in Goa

Goa Illuminates with Tradition and Devotion at Tripurari Poornima Celebration in Sanquelim

Tanisha Cardozo

Vithalapur in Sanquelim transformed into a glowing canvas of devotion, colour, and cultural splendour as Goa celebrated Tripurari Poornima 2025. The annual festival, jointly organised by the Department of Tourism, Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC), Department of Art and Culture, and Department of Information and Publicity, drew immense participation from local communities, artists, and visitors from across India and beyond.

The festivities began with a sacred procession dedicated to Lord Shrikrishna, followed by the graceful Palkhi of Shree Vitthal Rakhumai, filling the air with devotional fervour. Cultural performances portraying Goa’s folk traditions received resounding applause, as dancers and musicians showcased the state’s vibrant artistic identity.

The evening’s highlight, the traditional Boat Show, illuminated the waters with dazzling, artistically crafted boats, symbolising Goa’s deep connection with its rivers and maritime heritage. The captivating reenactment of ‘Tripurasur Vadh’ brought to life the sacred legend of the festival, followed by the release of ‘Saranga’ that lit up the night sky in a breathtaking spectacle.

Hon’ble Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant, addressing the gathering, praised the community for preserving Goa’s traditions through creativity and devotion. He announced that the top three winning boats will be preserved and displayed at cultural venues such as Ravindra Bhavan and Kala Academy, offering visitors a glimpse of Goa’s unique craftsmanship. He further encouraged youth involvement in culture, innovation, and research as part of Goa’s vision for Viksit Bharat @2047 and Viksit Goa @2037.

Hon’ble Minister for Tourism Shri Rohan A. Khaunte highlighted how Tripurari Poornima enriches Goa’s tourism offerings by connecting travellers to the state’s riverine heritage and spiritual essence. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to promoting authentic, community-driven cultural experiences.

Other dignitaries, including Dr. Premendra Shet, Shri Kedar J. Naik, and Dr. Chandrakant Shetye, lauded the festival’s role in uniting communities and uplifting local talent. The GTDC enhanced the site’s beauty through art and aesthetic improvements, ensuring a welcoming and immersive ambience for visitors.

The Department of Information and Publicity also set up an exhibition showcasing Goa’s infrastructure achievements and cultural milestones, adding depth to the visitor experience.

Tripurari Poornima 2025 stood as a shining testament to Goa’s rich traditions, spiritual depth, and collective pride. With every illuminated boat, every song, and every smile, the festival reaffirmed that Goa’s cultural spirit continues to inspire joy, unity, and creativity for generations to come.

Travel

GTDC Announces Special Tour for Tripurari Poornima Boat Festival 2025 at Sankhali

Tanisha Cardozo

The Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC), in collaboration with the Departments of Tourism, Art and Culture, and Information and Publicity, has announced a Special Tour for the Tripurari Poornima Boat Festival, which will take place on Wednesday, 5th November 2025, at Vithalapur, Sankhali.

Celebrated under the full moon, Tripurari Poornima is one of Goa’s most captivating festivals, blending spirituality, creativity, and tradition. The highlight of the event is the magnificent boat show on the River Valvanti, where intricately decorated miniature boats are released, symbolizing devotion and community celebration. The festival attracts locals and visitors who come together to experience the beauty of Goa’s cultural and spiritual diversity.

Speaking about the event, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, emphasized that Tripurari Poornima embodies the spirit of Regenerative Tourism, where each visitor contributes to preserving Goa’s traditions while enjoying an authentic experience. He invited both locals and travellers to join the celebration and witness Goa’s living cultural legacy.

Director of Tourism, Shri Kedar Naik, described the festival as a perfect representation of spirituality and community creativity, while GTDC Managing Director, Shri Kuldeep Arolkar, reaffirmed GTDC’s commitment to curating meaningful tourism experiences that support local engagement and sustainability.

To facilitate easy access, GTDC has organized a special coach tour from Panaji and Mapusa residencies, departing at 8:00 PM and 8:30 PM, respectively, and returning from Sankhali at approximately 1:00 AM. Tickets are priced at ₹150 for adults and ₹50 for children (6–12 years). Guests staying at GTDC residencies in Panaji, Mapusa, Miramar, and Calangute who book the tour will also receive a 10% discount on room rates.

The initiative aims to encourage participation, promote local culture, and offer a comfortable, eco-friendly travel experience for visitors and residents alike.

GTDC invites everyone to experience the magic of Goa’s moonlit waters, vibrant traditions, and festive spirit at the Tripurari Poornima Boat Festival 2025.