Celebrated in :
February
Duration Of The Festival : 3 Days and 3 Nights
If
you dream to see the beautiful colours of life, indulge yourself in
fun-filled activities or enjoy some exciting music and dance, don't bother,
because Goa offers you all together in its annual Carnival.
In Goa's towns and villages, any Carnival is a colourful affair and the Goa
Carnival is the most eagerly awaited event amongst them. A non-stop three
day festival of colour, song and music, Goa Carnival provides you a healthy
entertainment. It generates a soothing climate, full of fun-n-frolic and
captivates your imagination instantly. It doesn't matter whether you enjoy
or see others enjoying, you always end up finding lots of excitement and
happiness all around.
Though, the Goa Carnival is primarily a Christian festival, but you will
also find the influence of Hindu traditional festivity, western dance forms
and many other traditions. Originally started as a celebration enjoyed by
the local people, the Goa Carnival has today crossed the state boundaries
and draws thousands of people from different parts of the country.
History of Goa Carnival
Goa Carnival has its origin back to the time of the Portuguese who ruled
over the state till 1961. History says that Goa Carnival was introduced by
the Portuguese rulers as a rowdy celebration in which they used to throw
mud, sand-filled bags, flour, eggs, oranges, lemons, glue, a variety of
liquids and several other items on the passersby. In addition, people also
threw old used pots, pans and many other kitchen utensils out of their
homes. Apart from these, fierce battle were waged on the streets, in which
the weapons of the war were Plaster of Paris, Eggs, Corncobs, Beans and Wax
Lemons. Goa Carnival was also an occasion for unlimited eating, people used
to gorge on lavish foods, cakes, breads and parties, distributed by the
convents.
Since its origin, the Goa Carnival has been an epitome of the
fun-loving culture, which is the characteristic of Goa. Today, many rituals
have been dropped and several other added, but this festival of colour, fun
and food, still retains its original charm.
Goa Carnival Today
Held
in the month of February, the Goa Carnival is the time when the legendary
King Momo takes over the state and the streets of Goa come alive with music,
dance and colour.
Preparations For The Carnival Begins In Advance
Although Goa Carnival is celebrated for only three days, but the
preparations for this festival begins in advance, as long as three-four
months back. Rehearsals for plays, songs, dances and mock battles begin in
full swing. In fact, before the start of the carnival, every Goan fully
prepares himself for the festivity.
What Happens For Three Days
Once the festival starts, all Goan do and think is feasting, drinking and
merrymaking. The next three day of the festival is marked by the celebration
of Goa's century old culture and tradition.
Streets Come Alive With Fun-Filled Activities
Move out on the streets and get the colourful sight of floats depicting
famous lullabies and nursery rhymes. In this fun-filled atmosphere, see the
people smearing colour on each other, instead of flour, eggs, fruit and
water that was used in the old times.
Songs, Dances And Colourful Costumes Mesmerize You
Song and dance performances are major attractions of the Goa Carnival. Goan
people themselves compose and choreograph the songs and dances. Their
colourful costumes add loads of vibrancy to their performance.
Plays Provide A Glimpse Of Goan History
The plays enacted during the carnival are based on the Goan history or some
other instances related to Goa. Usually, men take part in the plays and
enact not only the role of males but even the roles of females. In their
colourful and bright dresses and unique headgears they capture your
attention at once.
Mock Battles - An Integral Part Of The Carnival
An integral part of the festival, the mock battles are fought by groups of
masked people armed with baskets of rotten eggs, saw-dust or wheat flour
packets known as cartuchos and cocotex, and syringes filled with coloured
water.
Competitions Are Highlight Of The Festival
A number of competitions are organized during the carnival and winners of
those competitions are selected by judges. On the final day, King Momo
distributes prizes to them.
Other Activities Held To Liven Up Your Spirit
Fireworks, the musical orchestra of children, the funny costumes of people,
fortune tellers predicting the future, are other few activities that you
will spot during the festival. The excitement runs so high, that you can
hardly sleep at night.
Actually, it is not possible to describe the whole festival in words,
better you should visit Goa during the carnival time to get the real feel of
that fun-filled air.
