Pics by Applied Art
Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji
Panaji, Jun 25: The much awaited traditional Sao Joao festival was celebrated with great enthusiasm and gusto in every village across the state on Thursday, June 24.
The Sao Joao revellers conquered most of the village wells by jumping into it with their decorative crowns (Kopels) on. The revellers were accompanied by the traditional musicians.
In addition there was the annual 'Sangodd' (traditional boat festival) in front of the St Anthony church in Siolim.
About the festival:
The Sao Joao festival is most pompously celebrated in Goa amongst the Catholic community and is dedicated to St. John the Baptist which is celebrated on 24th June every year. This occasion marks the celebration by the local youth in the Villages of Goa who normally jump into wells according to the existing tradition of Sao Joao festival.
They consume plenty of fruits on this occasion and are virtually unstoppable when they indulge in revelry. Specially in Salcete taluka, different types of folk dances or Mandos are held which are popularly known as Sangodds. Fruits and other eatables are exchanged between friends and relatives.
It is an existing tradition wherein anyone who owns a well and has a girl who is newly married exchanges pleasantries and food items to their in-laws as is the custom in every Goan village.
It is a real treat to watch the local youth with crowns of leaves and varied fruits on their heads going out in processions carrying Goan liquor along with them and jumping into wells to have fun. Later, they enjoy a lavish feast of meat and seafood marking the end of the festival. The rainy season is a perfect foil for the Sao Joao festival as most of the people enjoy it more when its raining heavily.