Siolim, Goa – July 6, 2025: The serene village of Siolim witnessed a heartfelt celebration of the Feast of St. Maria Goretti at Baman Waddo, bringing together locals in a beautiful expression of faith, harmony, and togetherness. The annual event honoured the virtues of St. Maria Goretti — a young Catholic saint remembered for her purity, courage, and forgiveness.
Among those present to support and bless the community were Siolim MLA Delilah Lobo, Sarpanch Shri Amit Morajkar, and Panch Member Shri Sandesh Hadfadkar. Their participation highlighted the close relationship between local leadership and community life in Goa.
The feast began with a solemn mass, followed by hymns and prayers that resonated through the lanes of Baman Waddo. The event was more than a religious observance — it was a vibrant reflection of the community’s unity and devotion. Residents, young and old, worked hand-in-hand to prepare the venue, organise liturgical proceedings, and serve refreshments to guests.
“This event is more than just a religious gathering. It’s a reminder of how faith can bring people together and strengthen community ties,” remarked Sarpanch Shri Amit Morajkar.
MLA Delilah Lobo also commended the ward’s dedication, saying, “It’s inspiring to see how Siolim celebrates both tradition and unity. The values of St. Maria Goretti are truly alive in the way this community comes together.”
The Feast of St. Maria Goretti in Baman Waddo once again reinforced the power of community celebration — a testament to Siolim’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage.
Marcel, 7th July 2025 – The vibrant Chikhal Kalo 2025 Festival culminated today at Sri Devki Krishna Temple, Marcel, with the much-awaited mud play that brought together hundreds of devotees, tourists, youth, and families in a joyous celebration of faith, heritage, and nature. Held on Dwadashi, the concluding day witnessed spirited participation in traditional games, devotional singing, and the symbolic ritual of mud immersion that reimagines Lord Krishna’s playful bond with the Earth.
The Sri Devki Krishna Temple ground came alive with the energy of chendu fali, kushti, and other traditional plays in the mud, as participants celebrated the divine play (leela) of the Lord with laughter and togetherness. The excitement reached its peak during the exhilarating dahi handi, in a spirited and festive atmosphere, cheered on by enthusiastic spectators. The entire experience reinforced the core values of devotion, community bonding, and gratitude for the monsoon season, the central themes that have shaped the festival over generations.
Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, who actively participated in the celebrations, remarked, “This is our lok parampara, and it’s time we take it to the world. During Chikhal Kalo, people come together to celebrate, to play, and to reconnect with the soil. It is important to preserve such traditions and pass them on to future generations. Earlier, Goa was known mainly for its beaches—today, we are proudly promoting ‘Goa Beyond Beaches.’ With government support for festivals like these, we are also creating economic opportunities for our local communities. Over the past three years, Chikhal Kalo has received an overwhelming response. I believe everyone should be part of this celebration and help spread the message of unity.”
Adding to the festivities was a Photography and Reel Making Competition, encouraging participants to document the vibrant essence of Chikhal Kalo 2025. The entries captured the playfulness, colours, and emotion of the festival, offering new-age storytelling perspectives to timeless traditions.
The past three days have seen a convergence of spirituality, music, culture, and community. From the soulful Abhang and Kirtan recitals on Day 1, to the devotional Bhajan performances on Ashadhi Ekadashi (Day 2), and culminating in today’s spirited mud rituals Chikhal Kalo 2025 stood as a celebration of Goa’s spiritual and cultural depth.
Goa Tourism, under its vision of Regenerative Tourism, reaffirms its commitment to supporting festivals that reflect Goa’s cultural heritage and strengthen community involvement. The participation from all age groups, as well as the growing interest from visitors and digital audiences, highlights the evolving appetite for authentic, local, and inclusive experiences.
As the curtain falls on this year’s celebrations, Chikhal Kalo continues to remind us of the power of tradition to unite, uplift, and inspire. The festival once again proved that true celebration lies not just in rituals, but in shared moments of joy, devotion, and connection with each other and with the land.
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.
CHICALIM, GOA – June 8, 2025 In a landmark moment for grassroots environmental and cultural advocacy in Goa, the Chicalim Bio-Crusaders officially launched their new website at a vibrant function held at Chicalim. The digital platform, developed with the aim of preserving and promoting Goa’s biodiversity, folklore, and village heritage, marks a significant step forward in community-driven conservation and education.
The event was graced by Mr. Daniel D’Souza, President of the Botanical Society of Goa, as Chief Guest, and Mr. Jack Mascarenhas, President of Goyche Fudle Pilghe Khatir (GFPK), as Guest of Honour. They were joined by Mr. Cyril A. Fernandes, President of the Chicalim Bio-Crusaders, and Adv. Fr. Micael A. Fernandes, General Secretary of the group.
🌍 A Digital Archive of Goa’s Natural and Cultural Wealth
Unveiling the website, Mr. Cyril Fernandes highlighted the rich and diverse content it houses. From the biodiversity of Chicalim, Dabolim, and St. Jacinto Island, to village history, heritage landmarks, and hidden natural treasures, the platform offers a virtual gateway into the heart of Goa’s lesser-known wonders.
A standout feature is the digital archive of Konkani riddles collected and featured in the group’s popular contest ‘Parkonnem – Kitem Tem Sang’, now made accessible to the global Goan diaspora at the click of a button.
Also featured are traditional Goan folk dances such as Fuggdi, Dhalo, Zagor, Kunbbi Naach, Dhangar Naach, Divli Naach, Mando, and Morulo, along with visual content on local fauna and flora—including wild animals, birds, butterflies, fishes, and a vibrant collection of wildflowers photographed and documented by Bio-Crusader members over the past three years.
“This is more than a website; it’s a living library of Goa’s soul,” said Fernandes.
🎓 A Learning Tool for Students and a Resource for All
The primary goal of the platform is to offer Goan students a ready reference to support school projects, ecological awareness, and cultural knowledge. The launch was symbolically officiated by students Miss Leanne Viegas of St. Andrew’s School (ICSE) and Master Divesh C. Kalangutkar, who were given the honor of being the first to access the site.
“I feel lucky to be the first student to explore this beautiful website. It’s so colourful and full of interesting things about Goa,” said Leanne.
🌟 Guest Speakers Praise the Initiative
Mr. Daniel D’Souza lauded the Bio-Crusaders’ commitment, stating that this might be the first village group in Goa to create such a comprehensive digital archive. He encouraged other communities to follow this proactive model of environmental and cultural preservation.
Echoing the sentiment, Mr. Jack Mascarenhas of GFPK emphasized that the site provides a unique opportunity for Goans of all ages to reconnect with their roots, observe local species, and cherish traditional knowledge—an effort commendably initiated not by institutions, but by the community itself.
“When local people take charge of preserving their biodiversity, the impact is lasting. This is Goa showing the way forward,” he said.
📈 A Growing Movement Since 2018
Adv. Fr. Micael Fernandes, General Secretary, opened the function with a comprehensive review of the Chicalim Bio-Crusaders’ journey since their formation in 2018. From organizing eco-walks to cultural contests and biodiversity documentation, the group has steadily grown into one of Goa’s most respected grassroots conservation movements.
The evening was elegantly compered by Mrs. Cynthia D’Souza Silveira, and a warm vote of thanks was delivered by Mrs. Vinny Fernandes, who expressed gratitude to all guests, participants, and service providers for supporting the group’s latest milestone.
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – A shining testament to heritage, unity, and resilience, the Goan Overseas Association of Victoria (GOAV) celebrated 45 years of promoting Goemkarponn (Goan identity and culture) in Australia with a magnificent Sapphire Dinner Dance held at the elegant Glen Eira Council Hall Auditorium.
The event not only commemorated a significant milestone in GOAV’s journey but also served as a vibrant reunion of generations of Goans living in Victoria, united in their love for their roots.
As guests arrived between 5:30 and 6:00 PM, they were warmly welcomed with a traditional glass of sherry, setting the tone for an evening steeped in warmth, nostalgia, and celebration. The sapphire-blue theme radiated throughout the auditorium—from decor to attire—creating a refined and visually cohesive experience.
The energy soared as ‘Colors’, a well-known 7-piece live band, took the stage and electrified the room with their vibrant music. The dance floor remained packed until past 11 PM, with spontaneous encores and a crowd-favorite saxophonist joining guests for an unforgettable moment of dance-floor revelry.
Guests indulged in a beautifully curated menu, beginning with entrée platters featuring crispy calamari and other favourites, followed by a lavish buffet dinner expertly catered by Silver Platter. The cuisine reflected both refinement and comfort, complementing the evening’s upscale yet community-rooted tone.
A sparkling blue photo corner allowed attendees to snap keepsake photos with friends and family. The night was further enlivened with raffle and door prizes, ranging from gourmet food hampers and fine wines and spirits to the coveted grand prize—a brand-new air fryer.
In her heartfelt address, GOAV President Annabel Henriques reflected on the community’s journey:
“We are proud to have brought the community together for such a memorable night. As we celebrate 45 years, we also celebrate the blessings symbolised by the sapphire—beauty, wealth, and divine favour.”
She extended her gratitude to the Glen Eira Council, all event sponsors, attendees, and especially the GOAV committee and their partners, whose dedication ensured the evening’s success.
What began in 1979 as a community initiative has grown into a cultural institution for Goans in Victoria. This 45th anniversary event was more than a celebration—it was a reaffirmation of GOAV’s mission: to preserve Goan traditions, support cultural expression, and foster a strong sense of belonging among Goans in the diaspora.
With this milestone, GOAV not only honours its rich past but confidently looks toward a future of continued cultural enrichment, youth engagement, and communal solidarity.
The Goan Overseas Association of Victoria is one of Australia’s oldest and most respected Goan cultural organisations. For over four decades, it has hosted social, cultural, and charitable events that celebrate Goan heritage and foster connections within the broader Indian and multicultural Australian communities.
