Tag: Goa Festivals

Goan Festivals

Chikhal Kalo 2025 Kicks Off with a Celebration of Goa’s Culture, Devotion, and Culinary Heritage

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Marcel, 5th July 2025 – The Department of Tourism, inaugurated the vibrant and deeply revered Chikhal Kalo 2025 on 5th July at the historic Shri Devki Krishna Temple, Marcela, marking the beginning of a three-day celebration dedicated to Goa’s timeless spiritual and cultural traditions. The festival was officially inaugurated in the presence of esteemed dignitaries including Shri Govind Gaude, MLA Priol constituency; Shri Kedar Naik, Director Tourism; and Shri Kuldeep Arolkar, Managing Director, GTDC; Tabla Maestro, Shri Tulsidas Navelkar; Chairman of Shri Devki Krishna Saunsthan committee, Shri Vijay Dharwatkar along with Secretary of Shri Devki Krishna Saunsthan committee Shri Venkatesh Tamba and others.

Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism stated “Chikhal Kalo is a reaffirmation of who we are as Goans. It is through festivals like these that we honour our spiritual roots, promote community bonding, and create authentic experiences for visitors. Goa is about the spirit of its people, its culture, its values. Through this festival, we continue our commitment to Regenerative Tourism by bringing the spotlight to our traditions, our hinterlands, and our identity. Chikhal Kalo is a reminder that tourism can be both transformative and rooted.”

Shri Kedar Naik, Director of Tourism, added “Chikhal Kalo is a testimony to the growing desire among locals and travellers alike to reconnect with traditions that are immersive, inclusive, and meaningful. We are proud to promote such festivals under the broader vision of ‘Goa Beyond Beaches.’ We will continue to encourage experiences that are environmentally responsible, culturally sensitive, and community-driven. The festival also complements our ongoing monsoon campaign, #GlowOnArrival, which showcases Goa’s tranquil beauty and soulful offerings during the rains.”

Held on the auspicious Dashami Tithi, the first day of festivities was packed with diverse cultural and devotional experiences that reflected the essence of Bhakti, tradition, and local creativity. The celebrations began with a Cooking Competition, where participants showcased an array of traditional Goan vegetarian dishes, celebrating Goa’s rich culinary heritage and its seasonal, community-based food traditions.

This was followed by “Nachu Kirtanache Rangi”, a beautiful performance that brought together devotional Kirtan recital and music to set a spiritually vibrant tone for the evening. The Vitthalvaari segment featured heartfelt Bhakti performances by acclaimed artists including Mugdha Gaonkar, Hrishikesh Sane accompanied by Aany Ghate, Utpal Sainker, Kedar Dhamaskar, and Govind Gauthankar.

The evening culminated in a soul-stirring Abhang and Bhakti Sangeet performance by renowned artist Dr. Bharat Balvalli, accompanied by a distinguished ensemble: Pandit Makrand Kundale, Prasad Karambelkar, Amar Oak, Dada Parab, and Govind Bhagat. The spiritual energy and musical brilliance enthralled attendees, uniting tourists and devotees in a shared experience of Goa’s living heritage.

The next two days of Chikhal Kalo 2025 promise to be equally engaging and spiritually uplifting. On 6th July, Ashadhi Ekadashi, the temple premises will resonate with the divine melodies of a traditional Bhajan recital, inviting all devotees and tourists to immerse themselves in sacred music and prayer. On 7th July, the final day of the festival, the much-anticipated Chikhal Kalo ritual will unfold—a joyful and symbolic mud festival that reimagines the playful moments of Lord Krishna’s childhood. This ritual, rooted deeply in community bonding and devotion, witnesses both locals and visitors coming together to celebrate Goa’s unique cultural identity with fervour and joy.

Shri Deepak Narvekar, Dy. General Manager, GTDC, proposed the vote of thanks.

The Department of Tourism warmly invites everyone to witness and partake in the remaining days of this rare and meaningful celebration. As Goa continues to promote tourism that is regenerative, inclusive, and rooted in tradition, Chikhal Kalo stands as a glowing example of how festivals can become a movement of cultural revival and collective pride.

Entry on all days is free.

Events in Goa

Goa set to celebrate Chikhal Kalo 2025: showcasing cultural unity & spiritual connections

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Panaji, June 28, 2025: Goa is all set to celebrate one of its most vibrant and immersive traditional festivals, Chikhal Kalo 2025, hosted by the Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, from 5th to 7th July at the historic Shree Devki Krishna Temple in Marcel. With its growing popularity among locals and visitors alike, the festival has become a powerful expression of Goa’s cultural identity and a major highlight in the state’s monsoon tourism calendar.

Celebrated with immense enthusiasm and spiritual fervour, Chikhal Kalo is deeply rooted in Goan tradition. It commemorates the playful antics of Lord Krishna and his companions, re-enacted through a friendly community mud-play, drawing participants from all walks of life. Over the years, this festival has grown into a powerful expression of Goa’s intangible cultural heritage.

The festivities will begin on 5th July (Dashami) with a Cooking Competition showcasing traditional Goan vegetarian dishes. This will be followed by ‘Nachu Kirtanache Rangi’, a devotional musical program, and a soulful presentation of ‘Vitthalvaari’ featuring well-known artists such as Smt Mugdha Gaonkar, Shri Hrishikesh Sane, Shri Anay Ghate, Shri Utpal Sainekar, Shri Kedar Dhamaskar, and Shri Govind Gauthankar.

The formal inaugural function will be followed by a devotional music concert led by Dr. Bharat Balvalli along with artists Pandit Makrand Kundale, Shri Prasad Karambelkar, Shri Amar Oak, Shri Dada Parab, and Shri Govind Bhagat — creating a spiritually charged atmosphere in the temple precincts.

On 6th July devotees will gather for a Bhajan recital inside the temple premises observed during Ashadhi Ekadashi day, the sacred day of the Hindu calendar.

The celebrations will culminate on 7th July (Dwadashi) with the iconic Chikhal Kalo – where participants, young and old, joyfully engage in traditional games like chendu fali (mud ball games) and khushti (wrestling) and other rituals in the mud, celebrating the divine playfulness of Lord Krishna. These activities will be held to the sound of traditional Goan instruments like the ghumot and shamel, creating a joyful and energetic atmosphere throughout the temple grounds. The event has become a major attraction for cultural tourism and offers an authentic Goan experience beyond the conventional.

Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism stated, “Chikhal Kalo exemplifies how deeply faith, folklore, and community spirit are woven into Goan culture. Festivals like Chikhal Kalo connect us with our roots and also provide an opportunity to showcase Goa’s cultural richness to the world. Through such events, we are strengthening our vision for regenerative tourism, where culture and tradition play a central role in shaping a responsible and inclusive tourism narrative.”

Shri Kedar Naik, Director of Tourism, added: “As part of our ‘Goa Beyond Beaches’ campaign, the Department is committed to curating and promoting festivals like Chikhal Kalo that highlight Goa’s spiritual and rural heritage. This festival is a living example of community-led cultural celebration, and we are proud to support and elevate its reach to a wider audience both within and outside Goa.”

The Department of Tourism extends a warm invitation to everyone to be part of Chikhal Kalo 2025 and immerse themselves in this vibrant celebration of Goan heritage, unity, and joyous tradition.

Events in Goa

Shiv Mahotsav 2025 creates a spiritual and cultural experience at Tambdi Surla

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Dharbandora, February 26, 2025: Amidst the tranquil beauty of Goa’s hinterlands, Shiv Mahotsav 2025 unfolded as a spectacular event blending spirituality, tradition, and cultural vibrancy. Hosted by Goa Tourism, the festival took place at Satpal Ground, Sacorda, Molem, Tambdi Surla Road, Dharbandora. The event brought together thousands of devotees, cultural performers, and visitors, transforming the venue into a vibrant hub of devotion and celebration. The festival was held in celebration of Maha Shivratri and was a grand showcase of Goa’s rich spiritual traditions, culture, and artistic heritage.

The grand celebration was inaugurated in the esteemed presence of Hon’ble Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant; Hon’ble MP Rajya Sabha Shri Sadanand Tanavade; Hon’ble Chairman, GTDC, Dr. Ganesh Gaonkar and Smt. Sadicha Ganesh Gaonkar; Director Tourism, Shri Kedar Naik; Managing Director, GTDC, Shri Kuldeep Arolkar; Shri Amol Deshmukh; Shri Abhijit Jog; Shri Ashutosh Jawdekar; Shri Arun Bicholkar; Dy General Manager, GTDC, Shri Deepak Narvekar along with ZP members and Sarpanchs of various panchayats. The festival also saw the presence of Indian actress Sonalee Kulkarni and singer-musician Avadhoot Gupte, adding to the celebratory spirit.

Adding to the grandeur of the event, a series of meticulously curated performances offered a spiritual and cultural feast for all attendees. The celebrations featured a powerful Dhol Tasha performance by Barabhumi Sansthan, capturing the rhythmic energy of Shiv Ganas; a spellbinding Bharatanatyam recital on Shiva Bhakti by renowned artist Pavitra Bhat; and a Nrutya Natika on Shiv Sthuti, a mesmerizing dramatic dance presentation by artists from Barabhumi Sansthan.

The divine ambiance was further elevated by the Ganga Aarti ceremony, which was performed by Dr. Ganesh Gaonkar and other dignitaries, paying homage to the holy Ganga. The night culminated in a soulful live performance by legendary Bollywood singer Sudesh Bhosle, who enthralled the audience with Shiv Stuti, Bhakti Geet, and other devotional compositions.

CM Dr. Pramod Sawant while addressing the gathering said, “The true essence of Goa remains largely undiscovered, even by many tourists. Beyond the beaches, the real beauty of the state lies in its hinterlands and interior regions. To showcase this hidden treasure, visitors will be introduced to these lesser-explored parts of Goa. Special emphasis will be placed on promoting spiritual and temple tourism, highlighting the state’s rich cultural and religious heritage.’’ He further stated that the event venue is government-owned land and will henceforth be known as Shivmaidan.

Dr. Ganesh Gaonkar, Chairman, GTDC, stated, “Shiv Mahotsav is not just a celebration; it is a step towards promoting Goa’s rich spiritual heritage. The historic Sri Mahadev Temple at Tambdi Surla stands as a testament to our deep-rooted traditions, and through initiatives like this, we aim to highlight its significance while encouraging spiritual and hinterland tourism. I urge the people of Goa to support and take pride in this movement, as together, we can showcase the real Goa to the world.”

Hon’ble MP Rajya Sabha, Shri Sadanand Tanavade also spoke on the occasion, emphasizing the importance of preserving and promoting Goa’s spiritual and cultural heritage.

A moment of great pride was the release of a special book ‘Me Ganesh Gaonkar’, chronicling the remarkable journey of Dr. Ganesh Gaonkar at the hands of CM Dr. Pramod Sawant and others. During the event, CM Dr. Pramod Sawant and Dr. Ganesh Gaonkar felicitated each other alongside other dignitaries.

As part of the cultural engagement, a Rangoli competition on the theme of Mahadev’s avatars, and Shiv Ganas was organized, along with a Veshbhusha Spardha themed around Lord Shiva and Hindu gods & goddesses, providing a platform for young talent on the occasion.

MD GTDC Shri Kuldeep Arolkar welcomed the gathering whereas vote of thanks was delivered by Dy General Manager, GTDC, Shri Deepak Narvekar, expressing gratitude to all dignitaries, artists, and attendees for making Shiv Mahotsav 2025 a grand success.

On February 26th, Prasad distribution was also held at Sri Mahadev Temple premises at Tambdi Surla. Shiv Mahotsav 2025 was a true testament to Goa’s spiritual richness, drawing visitors who seek an immersive cultural experience beyond its scenic landscapes.