Goa’s centuries-old Chikhal Kalo festival drew thousands of devotees and visitors to Marcel on Sunday, with participants taking part in the traditional mud play that celebrates the childhood of Lord Krishna and remains one of the state’s best-known monsoon cultural traditions.
Held near the Shree Devki Krishna Temple, the festival saw people of all ages entering the mud-filled grounds for the annual ritual, alongside traditional games that have become synonymous with the celebration.
The three-day festival began on July 24 and concluded on July 26 with the much-awaited Chikhal Kalo celebrations. It was inaugurated by Goa Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant.
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Tourism Minister Rohan Ashok Khaunte said the festival reflects an important part of Goa’s cultural identity and should be promoted beyond the state’s beach tourism image.
“It is important that the real part of Goa is understood and known by the people of the country and the people of the world… Goa today is no longer just a singular seasonal destination but a year-long destination promoting everything…” Khaunte said.
He said festivals remain central to Goa’s history and traditions.
“Festivities form the real history and heritage of Goa and the tradition of Goa… Chikhal Kalo is a very important festival, culturally and traditionally linked to the people, where we play with mud…” he said.
Khaunte also stressed the importance of preserving such traditions for future generations.
“It is important that the narrative of Goa beyond beaches goes in the right direction… It is very important that the next generation also understands the importance of this type of festivities…” he added.
At the inauguration on July 24, Chief Minister Sawant described Chikhal Kalo as a celebration of togetherness rooted in tradition.
“Chikhal Kalo is a unique tradition that we celebrate every year with immense joy and devotion. The mud play is not merely a ritual but a celebration of unity, where people come together without any barriers and participate with happiness, reflecting the true spirit of our culture and community,” Sawant said, according to a Goa Tourism press note.
Celebrated annually during the monsoon at Marcel, Chikhal Kalo commemorates episodes from the childhood of Lord Krishna and continues to attract devotees as well as visitors interested in Goa’s traditional festivals.
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