Tag: Sao Joao

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Goa Tourism launches #GlowOnArrival campaign: A rejuvenating monsoon escape

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Panaji, 12 June 2025 — The Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, has launched its much-anticipated monsoon campaign, #GlowOnArrival, positioning Goa as India’s ultimate feel-good monsoon destination. The campaign highlights the unique charm of Goa during the rainy season — where mist-laden hills, vibrant green landscapes, and the soothing rhythm of the rains create the perfect setting for rest, renewal, and reconnection.

Goa Tourism is focusing on immersive experiences that align with the ethos of regenerative travel. These include serene forest walks, heritage treks, Ayurvedic therapies, yoga and wellness retreats, as well as homestays set amidst natural surroundings. Together, these offerings aim to appeal to travellers who are seeking a deeper, more meaningful escape — one that nourishes both mind and body.

Speaking about the campaign, Shri Kedar Naik, Director of Tourism, Government of Goa, said, “#GlowOnArrival is an invitation to rediscover Goa during its most magical season. Monsoon in Goa is not just about scenic beauty but it’s about reconnecting with nature, embracing wellness, and experiencing the rich cultural warmth of our land. We welcome travellers to slow down, breathe, and leave with a glow that only Goa can offer.”

As part of this monsoon campaign, Goa Tourism has also introduced month-wise thematic promotions that will run from June to September 2025. These include: June – Festivals of Goa, highlighting vibrant seasonal celebrations such as Sao Joao and Chikhal Kalo; July – Gastronomy of Goa, focusing on monsoon-specific culinary delights and traditional recipes; August – Experience & Adventures of Goa, promoting eco-adventures such as monsoon treks, plantation visits, and soft adventure activities; and September, along with World Tourism Day, spotlights Goa’s diverse attractions—from forts and monuments to waterfalls, museums, and scenic drives.

The #GlowOnArrival campaign will be promoted extensively across digital platforms, social media, and travel networks to reach domestic and international audiences. Through this campaign, the Department of Tourism aims to redefine the narrative of monsoon tourism in India by positioning Goa as a rejuvenating escape where every arrival marks the beginning of a personal renewal.

#TravelwithAllycaral 👒, Goan Festivals

What is Sao Joao?

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The Connection of Monsoons and Festivals in Goa are very interesting. The first of the lot begins with the Feast of St. Anthony on June 13 which marks the beginging of the spree of Catholic Feasts for the year.

The festival of Sao Joao is celebrated with great pomp and splendor. According to the Catholic Church, the Feast is dedicated to St. John the Baptist and it is celebrated on every 24th of June.

It is believed as per the Holy Bible’s scriptures when Mother Mary (who was bearing Jesus) then, visited Elizabeth (Mother of John the Baptist) who was bearing John the Baptist. The baby in Elizabeth’s womb leaped in joy. Later, in river Jordan, St. John the Baptist christened Jesus Christ.

The Festival however in Goa is celebrated differently. Here the Men of the Village jump into the Wells, Ponds to collect the gifts that are thrown into it by the villagers. The genesis of this traditional festivity can be traced back to almost 175 years.

Some age old traditions attached to this festival include youth who conduct a procession where they collect gifts, fruits and then offer the same in the Wells, Ponds in their town. Marriageable girls and New brides are blessed, as they throw flowers, vegetables and seasonal fruits in water bodies to fullfill their wishes. Additionally, people wear colorful outfits and meet at near by water body and unitedly sing, dance and listen to the music as they see the youth who jump in the ponds and wells claiming “Sao Joao, Sao Joao, Viva Sao Joao.” to collect all the gifts that are thrown in the water bodies.

The Feast is till date traditionally celebrated in coastal areas of North Goa, in places like Siolim, Calangute, Anjuna, Vagator.

However with urbanisation entering our lifestyles, most of the people have shifted from wells to pools, from actual rainfall to artificial rainfall. The idea of this festival is to bring familes, friends, neighbours together and in the end well – that’s all what matters the most.

Debatable as it may be about the significance of this festival, every year several youth and men are injured as they jump into the water bodies and at times even several deaths have been reported. So This Year, Be Careful, enjoy the festival but take precautionary measures.

So while you are all set to celebrate Sao Joao, take that Kopel and put it around your head and scream to the chant of “Viva Sao Joao”