Diwali

The Hindu festival of the victory of good over evil is celebrated with zest in Goa. The houses are lit with earthen lamps and people decorate their homes beautifully. The effigies of the demon Narkasura are burnt in early morning hours after being rallied in the streets of the towns of Panjim, Mapusa, Margao and Vasco as well as small villages.

Ganesh Chaturthi

Ganesh Chaturthi or the celebration of the birth of Hindu god Ganesha is celebrated with great enthusiasm in Goa. Ganesha is supposed to bring good luck with him, and people prepare their houses and shops with great eagerness, to welcome the God. Ganesha comes to their homes in the form of big and small statues, which are worshipped and placed in the house for few days, and then dispersed in the sea. The dispersion of the God in the sea is akin to dispersing one’s problems with the God, who will take care of them now.

As in Maharashtra, the festival goes on for 10 days in Goa too.

Shigmotsava or Shigmo

Shigmotsava or Shigmo is Goa’s own style Holi. The festival starts on the 9th moon day and lasts till the full moon. The Hindus, attired in colourful dresses, come out in the temples to dance and celebrate the harvest season. This is also a time to bid farewell to the winter and welcome the spring. The 5th day is the time of rejoicing in which people play with gulaal (dry colours) as well as coloured water. The streets are filled with people, coloured in all colours imaginable, playing Holi. The tourists passing by are joined in the enjoyment and hence, this is not a day to step out in your best dress.