Tag: monsoon festival

Events in Goa

Bonderam Festival 2025 Brings Divar Alive with Colour, Culture, and Celebration

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Divar Island, 23rd August 2025 – The picturesque island of Divar came alive with vibrant colours, music, and festivities as thousands gathered to celebrate the 41st edition of Bonderam, Goa’s biggest monsoon festival. Organized by the Piedade Youth Association with the support of the Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, and the Directorate of Art & Culture, the festival once again showcased Divar’s unique cultural traditions and youthful spirit.

The event was graced by Chief guest Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte as the Chief Guest, MLA Cumbarjua, Shri Rajesh Faldessai as the Guest of Honor, MLA Curtorim, Shri Aleixo Reginaldo Lourenco, Fr Simao Rodrigues Parish Priest of Divar, Fr Leslie Gomes Asst Parish Priest of Divar, Sarpanch Goltim Navelim Divar, Shri Mario Pinto, Director Alcon Victor Group Varun Albuquerque and other dignitaries who joined the people of Divar in celebrating the festival.

Speaking on the occasion, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte said, “Bonderam is a living example of Goa’s vibrant traditions being celebrated with youthful energy. Festivals like these not only preserve our heritage but also strengthen community bonds while drawing tourists to experience Goa beyond beaches.”

Director of Tourism, Shri Kedar Naik added, “The enthusiasm witnessed at Bonderam reflects the true spirit of community-led celebrations. The Department of Tourism remains committed to supporting such festivals that highlight Goa’s culture, promote regenerative tourism, and give visitors a chance to engage with authentic local traditions.”

The celebrations began at dawn with the Alvorada, where a brass band marched across the island, setting the tone for the day. By the afternoon, the Traditional Flag March at Divar Center drew in large crowds, reviving the age-old spirit of unity and festivity that the event symbolizes.

Adding to the cultural charm, the All-Goa Fancy Dress Competition at Asilo Grounds delighted audiences with creativity, humour, and flair, while the much-awaited Float Parade saw the island streets transform into a spectacular canvas of colour and imagination.

As evening descended, the celebrations peaked with live entertainment featuring electrifying performances by popular acts including Junktion, 24K India, and headliner Ryan Nogar. Hosted by Ayesha Barretto and Joed Almeida, the event brought together music lovers, locals, and visitors, creating an atmosphere of joy and togetherness.

With music, dance, and revelry lasting late into the night, Bonderam 2025 once again proved why it continues to be one of Goa’s most iconic and eagerly awaited monsoon festivals.

Goan Festivals

Chikhal Kalo 2025 concludes with enthusiasm, mud play and a celebration of Goa’s living traditions

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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.