Goa has a unique blend of socio-religious culture.
Being a predominantly Roman Catholic society, there
are more Christian festivals in Goa. The Goanese calendar
is marked by several feast days, thanksgiving, monsoon
celebrations, and processions, and the temples and churches
of Goa are unique in their celebration of these festivals.
Shigmo, the Goanese version of Holi, is celebrated
in the month of February and March. The "Yatra"
of Shree Lairai Temple in Sirigao, features the Dhond,
devotees, walking through the Homakund, fire.
The Feast of Our Lady of Miracles, celebrated 16 days
after the Easter, is secular by nature and is celebrated
with pomp and show by both Hindus and Christians.
The feast of the three kings at Reis Magos Cuelim and
the feast of St Francis Xavier, at Old Goa held in December
every year are unique and elaborate.
Igitun Chalne, held at Sirigao temple in Bicholim during
May, is one of Goa’s most distinctive festivals.
The main attraction of the festival comes when devotees
of Goddess Lairaya walk across burning coals to prove
their devotion.
The Feast of St. Anthony in the month of June is also
significant as it marks the beginning of monsoon. Besides
such religious festivals, Goa is also known for its
arts and crafts fairs, and food festivals.
The Kala Academy (Academy of Indian Culture and Performing
Art), celebrates various Cultural Fairs and Festivals
throughout the year.
The liveliest and most colorful of all Goan events
is the Bon Carnival, which is celebrated throughout
the state for 3 days during February/March.
The five day long Food Festival in November is a popular
fete featuring the local cuisine and cultural entertainment.
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