People in Goa are addicted to festivities. You will find fair and festival of one kind or the other in every month in Goa. A few of them are religious and social, and some are artistic as well. Artisticfestivals like Kala Academy’s annual festivals draw thousands of art lovers from all over India. Festivals in Goa are an integral part of the state’s culture and heritage.
Hindu Festivals
Almost all the Hindu festivities have religious origin, these have become the festivals of the whole state and society because of the mass appeal. The major Hindu festivals celebrated all in Goa are- Makarsankranti, Maha Shivaratri (worship of Lord Shiva), Holi or Shigmo (the Festival of Colours), Gudi Parva ( Hindu New Year), Ramnavami (Birthday of Lord Rama), Nagapanchami, Raksha Bandhan, Janmashtami (Birthday of Lord Krishna), Ganesh Chaturthi (worship of Ganesha, the God of omen), Dussera (the victory celebration of Lord Rama over Ravana, the King of Lanka), and Diwali (the Festival of Light). These are celebrated at various Hindu temples of Goa and are marked by religious observations and rituals. People organize colourful processions (jatras) and call the festival after the name of the place where it occurs.
Christian Festivals
The major Christian festivals in Goa showcase the strong influence of the Portuguese culture. The Feast of Three Kings, Procession of All Saints, Feast of Our Lady of Miracles, Sao Joao, Feast of Assumption of Our Lady, Novidades, Fama de Minino Jesus, Feast of St. Francis Xavier, Feast of the Lady of Immaculate Conception, and Christmas are the major Christian festivals celebrated with enthusiasm in Goa.
Apart from these festivals steeped in religious undertones, the Goa carnival is the most famous party festival of Goa, known for fascinating parades, music, dance, feast and colorful celebrations. It reflects the fun-loving spirit of Goan’s at its best. Carnival in Goa is a non-stop 3-day festival of colour, song and enjoyment. Goa Carnival generates a soothing climate and creates a healthy entertainment for all, young and old.