The Chikhal Kalo Festival concluded with vibrant activities, traditional mud play, and cultural performances, enriching Goa’s heritage and promoting sustainable tourism.
The vibrant Chikhal Kalo Festival concluded with a spectacular array of activities at the Shree Devki Krishna Temple ground, Marcel, marking the end of a three-day celebration that has significantly contributed to the spiritual essence of Goa’s culture and traditions, in India. With a large number of participants, the festival has captured the hearts of locals and tourists alike with the traditional mud play that has been part of the celebration for many generations. By integrating cultural heritage with sustainable tourism practices, the Chikhal Kalo Festival compliments the Department of Tourism’s efforts of Regenerative Tourism and Goa Beyond Beaches. It enriches the lives of our local communities with their cultural legacy and offers visitors an authentic and transformative experience, fostering a deeper appreciation for the state’s traditions and values
Speaking at the event, the Hon’ble Minister of Tourism, Shri. Rohan. A Khaunte, emphasized the importance of promoting such cultural festivals as a means to foster spiritual connection and cultural preservation. “Today we are here to celebrate Chikhal Kalo along with everyone from different villages. We always talk about Goa being a beach destination and party life but clearly it is more than that. For the last two years we have been making efforts to show people the real traditions, culture and heritage of Goa. The festival teaches us the importance of rain as well as highlights our bond with Mother Nature. It is a festival and a celebration of our heritage, our spirituality, and our community spirit. By promoting events like these, we are not only preserving our rich cultural traditions but also advancing the principles of regenerative tourism which is Goa beyond Beaches.”
The festival commenced on July 16, 2024, at Devki Krishna Temple, highlighting the cultural and historical significance of Chikhal Kalo with Traditional music and dance performances. Chikhal Kalo 2024 also presented an opportunity to local self help groups in promoting their local cuisine and products. The highlight of day 1 was the Abhangwari concert featuring the renowned singer Mahesh Kale, his mesmerizing performance left the audience spellbound. The second day featured cultural performances, including folk dances, traditional music recitals, and interactive workshops, allowing attendees to immerse themselves in local customs and traditions.
The final day, July 18, 2024, was marked by the traditional Chikhal Kalo celebrations, where generations were seen engaging in the joyous and spirited mud play with spirited games like chendu fali and khushti, accompanied by the rhythmic beats of traditional Goan music. The day was further enlivened by the exhilarating breaking of the dahi handi, a highlight that brought cheers and excitement from the crowd. The atmosphere was electric with laughter and camaraderie as people came together to partake in this unique tradition.
