posted by Savanah on Apr 27
Many of the festivals of Goa are feasts, of the literal sense, but also in the visual sense. Some are in honor of saints and gods, and some are in honor of traditional legends. Goa’s patron saint is Francis Xavier. The festival in his name, commemorates his life and honors his death. St. Francis was a Christian missionary who traveled throughout India, predominantly in Agra. He found success in Agra and was making the journey to China, however passed away just ten miles off the shore.
Perhaps the most important festival honors the beloved Hindu elephant god, Ganesh Chaturthi. The festival occurs every year on the day of his birth. This festival occurs across the entire country of India, and is a fervent and joyous occasion and is celebrated in true Goa luxury, fit for a deity so referred. The religious ceremonies take part over the course of a few days, but the celebrations that occur afterwards often last for close to two weeks. This is a colorful occasion when the people mend past discordance with family members and ask Ganesh for his blessings.
And speaking of color, known throughout India as the most colorful, the Shigmo Festival held every year in Goa is a series of joyous parades and elaborate celebrations. This festival usually occurs in March. The culture and the rich traditional heritage covers the entire city. It is a bit like a traveling festival through the city, with various activities taking place in different areas. The costumes are elaborate and to add to the color, at a given time, participants partake in the the ritual of smearing each other with red clay powder, or Gulal. The final day, there is a grand parade. Floats that have been designed ahead of time, stream down the street, depicting different stories and myths from the Hindu culture.
The carnival in Goa is equally elaborate, and equally synonymous with the city itself. Although the carnival has roots based in religion, it has transcended those confines. This is much like the Mardi Gras in New Orleans, as it precedes the period of Lent. The carnival lasts for 3 days, however the preparation starts three months prior. A grand parade begins the festival, and is not just a parade but a spectacle of performing arts and colorful costumes. Live bands play on the sidelines, and the people dance in the street. During this time, international visitors attend hoping to gain some of the spirit of Goa, and perhaps bring that back home with them. This particular festival, is celebrated only in Goa. No other city in India takes part. To attend these festivals one must be willing to take part. And with the gaiety and fun and the color of this rich kaleidoscope, it is quite hard to refrain.
Related posts:
Leave a Reply