|
Ganesha Chaturthi
Considered as the most popular and widely celebrated Hindu festival in Goa,
Ganesha Chaturthi is dedicated to the birthday of Lord Ganesha, the Elephant
God in Hindu mythology. It is celebrated around the months of August -
September in Goa and due to the influence of the nearby state of Maharashtra;
it has gained much popularity and fame in Goa as well. Ganesha Chaturthi
wins hands down as the most popular festival in Goa.
Holi
Holi is the famous festival of colors that is celebrated to mark the end of
winters and the beginning of the spring season. It is celebrated with much
joy in all parts of northern and central India. People irrespective of age,
caste and religion come together and smear colored powder and drench each
other with colored water.
Dusshera
The festival of Dusshera is another major Hindu festival that is celebrated
in Goa. It is celebrated just before another popular festival known as
Diwali. In the festival of Dusshera, huge dummies of the Demon King Ravana
(of the Hindu epic Ramayana) and his two brothers are burnt all over the
state, which marks the victory of Lord Rama over the demon king Ravana.
Diwali / Deepawali
Also known as the "festival of lights" Diwali is celebrated all over India
and Goa with much enthusiasm and fervor. All homes are cleaned from top to
bottom and are decorated with flowers and small earthen lamps around
evening. Children burst firecrackers and burn effigies of the Demon king
Ravana, known as Narakasur in Goa.
Janamashtami
Janmashtami is a famous festival of the Hindus and is celebrated to mark the
birthday of Lord Krishna. This festival usually comes around August -
September according to the Hindu calendar. People visit temples to pray and
decorate their houses beautifully with flowers. Young boys usually hang a
small earthen pot that is filled with buttermilk known as "Dahi Handi"
at a height of around 9 - 10 feet (sometimes higher).
They then form a pyramid by standing on top of one another and attempt to
break the pot while the people around cheer them and attempt to break their
pyramid by pouring water.
Festivals In Goa
|
