Festivals of Goa

Goa is small state .There are many festivals are performed in Goa.

Tripurari Purnima:-

This celebration take place at the end of Diwali festival season. According to mythological legend lord Krishna defeated and killed the Demon Tripura.

sanquelim has the tradition of releasing lamps in the river during this festival, the ship building competition i.e.  making of miniature models boats and ship made out of thermocol and other materials has become the main highlight of the festival celebration.

The festivities take place at vithalapur in sanqulem, near the pundalik Temple. Beside the main boat competition, there are other cultural programmes. As the competition progresses the competitors boat is awarded by the organiser of festival.

Carnival in Goa:-

Carnival is the most famous festival in the state of Goa and has been celebrated since the 18th century as a precursor to the abstinence of lent . The carnival is exclusive and unique to Goa, and was introduced by the Portuguese who ruled over Goa for over five hundred years.

The original word carnival is derived from a Latin word meaning to take away meat and is an expression of the 40- day period of fasting of lent, during which abstinence from meat is a rule.

The carnival is not celebrated anywhere else in India and was in decline even in Goa in the last few years of Portuguese rule .Its revival with the liberation of Goa, and a boost to its tourism was therefore welcome. From being almost on the brink of decline, this three day festival of gay abandon and riotous revelry now attracts thousands of tourist to Goa from all over India every year.

The origins and nature of the carnival can be traced to the hedonistic feasts of ancient Rome and Greece. These carnival started in the Spanish and Portuguese colonies, and gradually became known for their singing, dancing and drinking . The carnival is presided over by king Memo, who on the opening day orders his subjects to party.
The carnival is held in February for three days and night, is primarily celebrated by Christians.

Shigmo festival in Goa:-

Shigmo parade is a street festival filled with colours, music, dances and float parade. The life of Goan  is depicted in elaborated folk performance by local men and women who dance tirelessly in huge processions along with the parade. people in Goa drees up in colored outfits, holding                     multi colored flags and playing  large musical instruments like the Dhol Tasha and flutes in processions across the cities . The mesmerizing large-than-life celebration brings fantasy and folk to from a fusion in the floats what parade through the streets.