Goan Festivals- redefining revels.

The smallest state of India, Goa has many things that attract tourists from in and out of the country. Apart from the splendid beaches, churches and temples that stand as architectural legacies, there are many other things that seem to draw people from all over the world to this small state. And it is the cooperation and harmony between the people of different languages and religions living here which highlights Goa from many other states. The people have a great carnival spirit that turns every event or special day of each and every sect or religion into a festival.

When it comes to the festivals celebrated in Goa, the first one to be mentioned is the Goa carnival that is celebrated in the month of February. It is a festival of colour and music which take over the state into a magical world of spirit and enjoyment. It is a three day event and is one of the major tourist attractions of this state. It includes music, dance, and colourful processions when all the streets in the state become lively. Another festival that is celebrated in the month march is the shigmo festival and this Hindu festival is celebrated for about five days. The Christian festival,feast of the three kings is celebrated in the memory of the three kings from Magi who came when the Jesus Christ was born and showered different gifts for the new born. Since 2005, a grape festival is also being organised here which really is an occasion of great enjoyment.

The other festivals like ramanavami, shivaratri, basanthpanchami, diwali, ganeshchaturdhi, dusshera, govardhan puja etc. are also celebrated here like inany other state of India. The beach bonanza conducted at the Colva beach in the month of April is yet another attraction here. The festival of Bonderam is another important festival that is celebrated in the Divar Island. Processions of all saints and feast of Saint Francis Xavier are also celebrated by the people including Muslims, Hindus and Christians with all the spirit. A different festival called igitunchalne which includes the walking on hot coal by the devotees of lairaya goddess is also celebrated here. This is really interesting to watch and many tourists get busy in capturing these amazing experiences into digital frames.

The festivals celebrated in Goa are inspired and influenced by the different religions and cultures of the people living there. This multicultural touch itself imparts all the celebrations a different and exciting colour which all the people enjoy irrespective of their differences on any basis. This is what makes Goan festivals a different and unique event to watch. To be with and to feel the spirit and excitement of the people, one should go there at the time of these festivals. Festivals are celebrations which pass the message of harmony, love and togetherness. These festivals also have great history to share and also reflect the culture of people here. We plan excellent trips that can make you a part of this festive spirit here in the land of Goa. More about goa visit :http://goatourpackages.com/

Goa Carnival-The mother of all festivals in Goa

Goa carnival is one of the most famous festivals in India. It has served as the main attraction in Goa tourism. Every thousands of domestic and foreign tourists visit Goa to take part in this carnival. For 3 days and nights Goa doesn’t sleep.

Goa Carnival (click here) is a festival of colour, joy, culture, food and music. This carnival is usually celebrated in the first or second week of February. It is celebrated immediately before the season of lent. For almost a week the streets of Goa become alive with color, lights and people from various nationalities. This festival is mainly a public street party or a public celebration. This festival is very unique and exclusive to Goa. No other carnival celebration is held in India. This makes Goa carnival the only one of its kind in India.

The main feature of this carnival is that the people participating and celebrating in this carnival shed off their skin of religion and restrictions and enjoy it fully. This is a truly an opportunity to mix with people belonging to various groups, backgrounds and belief. 

This carnival traces its origin to the Portuguese. This type of carnival was initially practiced in Rome and Greece which later started to spread in Spain and Portugal. When Goa was under the colonial rule of the Portuguese they introduced this festival here also. Since then this feast is celebrated every year with full glory and fun. Till date you will find some Portuguese flavor in this Goan celebration.

In the first starting day of this carnival the legendary King of the Chaos- King Momo leads this carnival followed by fire eaters, clowns, dancers, brass bands, acrobats and various colourful processions. He moves down the main road in Panaji and commands his people to celebrate, dance, drink and feast. From then this carnival starts and the streets of Goa become full with colourful processions, floats, graceful dances, guitars and drums. These processions are carried along the street and are cheered enthusiastically by the audiences placed along the two sides of the road. These programs are merrily welcomed by the audience consisting of locals and foreigners. The fun filled guitar tunes, and energetic drum beats makes them jump on their feet and celebrate this festival.

Music has almost become a trademark of Goa carnival. This festival has turned into more of a musical extravaganza. Various jazz musicians and bands come and perform in this celebration. The eye catching design of the floats demonstrating various types of rhymes, lullabies, jingles, various showcases of Bollywood and Hollywood artists add to the continuity of this festival. The carnival also hosts various cultural programs and street plays. These are performed by people from different parts of the state and country. The show of colours that this festival puts up adds to the positivity and festivity of this carnival. The streets get filled with colourful ribbons, people wearing colourful masks and attractive dresses.

Some of the main attractions in this carnival are the game of disguises, musical groups, Masquerade, fireworks, fortune tellers, open air dining hubs etc. This carnival is concluded with the famous red and black dance in Panjim, the capital of Goa. more a bout goa visit: http://www.goatourpackages.com/