From Sanjay Borkar in Margao for Daijiworld News Network - Goa  -  Pics:Sagun Gavade

Margao, Mar 22: Devotees from all over Goa celebrated the famous Gulalotsav of Lord Damodar in Zambaulim, 25 Km from here on Tuesday with great fervor and enthusiasm.

Lord Damodar, mainly known as “Dambab”, is an incarnation of Lord Shankar, Krishna and Vishnu. Since 16th century this festival of colour is being celebrated with great fervor.

People believe that on this special day, which comes once in a year in the month of March (Falgun), Lord Damodar personally plays 'gulal' with them. Not only the Hindus but Christian community devotees also participate in the festival, to get the blessings of Dambab.

‘It’s a great occasion for all the people of Goa. We have great faith in Dambab. At the time of Gulal, Dambab personally comes and plays the gulal, thereby showering the blessings with colour on us, said president of Mathgramasth Hindusabha, Bhai Naik, while speaking to this correspondent.

The colourful and traditional event of Gulalostav is being celebrated by Mathgramasth Hindusabha of Margao for last several years.

Gulalostav has special relevance in the rituals followed by the devotees of Lord Damodar and is part of the annual shigmotsav celebration.

A palanquin (palkhi) of Lord Damodar decorated with flowers and colour is taken around the temple, at the time of Gulal.

This time around 250 policemen were pressed into duty at the spot for security of people as rumours of a possible terror attack were in circulation.