Getting down and dirty at a mud festival in Goa

Roxanne D'silva

UNIQUE FESTIVAL

The unique festival of Chikhal Kalo in Goa has become so famous that people from all across Goa come to witness the celebration in Marcel every year.

Chikhal kalo Goa| Mud festival 2023| Goa Monsoon| | Photo: Rohan Fernandes

FUN IN THE MUD

The fun festival of Chikhal kalo has been celebrated in Goa for centuries, and is basically about playing in the mud and splashing it on each other.

Chikhal kalo|Monsoon festival Goa| Marcle Goa| | Photo: Rohan Fernandes

THE TEMPLE

The festival began on Wednesday with cultural programmes, while the main event took place on Friday, June 30, 2023 near the Shree Devki Krishna Temple, in Marcel.

Chikhal kalo| Mud festival 2023| Monsoon festival in Goa| | Photo: Rohan Fernandes

THE BEGINNING

The rituals began in the morning with the traditional puja and prayers, after which all the men folk began 'playing in the mud'

Chikhal kalo| Marcle Goa| Krishna temple|Monsoon festival 2023| | Photo: Rohan Fernandes

SWEET OFFERINGS

Prasad, in the form of local sweets and fruits, were distributed to the people who had gathered to witness the festivities.

Chikhal kalo| Mud festival 2023| Monsoon festival in Goa| Goa monsoon | Photo: Rohan Fernandes

FUN & GAMES

The participants played traditional games such as Chakra, Mendrani, Dharchyani, Kabbadi, etc, which are played during this festival.

Chikhal kalo| Mud festival 2023| Monsoon festival in Goa| Fun and games| | Photo: Rohan Fernandes

MARVELLOUS MUD

It is believed that applying mud on the body helps cure a variety of skin diseases. All the participants (men folk) slather oil on their bodies and then make their way out of the temple to play games.

Chikhal kalo| Mud festival 2023| Monsoon festival in Goa| | Photo: Rohan Fernandes

FESTIVE SOUNDS

Music, played using traditional local instruments, kept the crowd in the festive mood.

Chikhal kalo| Mud festival 2023| Monsoon festival in Goa| Goa Tourism| | Photo: Rohan Fernandes

3 DAY FEST

This year, the Goa Tourism Department organised a 3-day 'Chikhal Kalo Mud Festival of Goa'.

Chikhal kalo| Mud festival 2023| Monsoon festival in Goa| 3-day festival in Goa|

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