All year round the little state of Goa bustles with events and festivities, the month of October being no exception. With the rains having retreated, locals prime up to reopen their businesses and welcome the tourist season.
When heading to a state like Goa, curating a fun itinerary is mandatory. It could include sightseeing the World Heritage Monument and Churches at Old Goa, the temples of Ponda, relaxing at the beaches of Baga, Calangute and Morjim or rejuvenating at the centuries-old Portuguese-styled homes-turned-homestays with incredible amenities. But experiencing Goa is entirely different, when one partakes in celebrations like a local.
So, here are some reasons to stop being indecisive about that Goa trip and book that flight for that perfect, memorable vacation combo this October.
IRON MAN 70.3
Just around the corner is one of the most awaited international triathlon races of the country. If you’re a sports enthusiast, witness athleticism at its finest at IRON MAN 70.3 scheduled to take place in Goa this October 8, 2023. The race includes a 1.9 km open sea swim, 90 km cycling and 21.1 km running and is a qualifying event for IRON MAN World Championships.
It has participants coming in from across the country with the last edition that took place in the state itself, witnessing age diversity with nearly a thousand plus participants.
NAVRATRI
Ready to show off your garba and dandiya moves? But the nine-day Navratri celebrations in Goa that will commence on October 15 are not just about that. Goa observes some distinct traditions on the occasion where goddess Durga is worshipped in the form of Sateri, Shantadurga, Bhumika, Bhagvati and Mauli.
Celebrations in the temples begin with a ritual where a vessel of water is filled and nine types of seeds are left to germinate, which are distributed on the tenth day to the devotees. Popular Makharostsav is also celebrated and some of the best ones are witnessed at Mahalasa Narayani Temple in Mardol, Ramnath Temple, Mahalaxmi Temple and Naguesh Temple in Bandora and Shantadurga Temple at Kavale.
NATIONAL GAMES
Watch the country’s best sportspersons battle it out at the highly anticipated 37th edition of the National Games which will be held in Goa for the very first time from October 26 to November 9. India’s multi-sport event that has athletes from across the nation competing for medals will have a record number of 43 sports with some making their first appearance this edition.
The previous edition hosted by Gujarat had nearly 7,000 athletes competing in 36 sports that included indigenous sports like kho kho, yogasana and mallakhamb to judo, gymnastics, cycling etc.
OKTOBERFEST
How about getting footloose and heading to the most-loved music festivals happening in Goa this October? Party-goer or not, there’s something for everyone from musical performances to delectable food to relishing cocktails. With an atmosphere of fun and festivity, Oktoberfest is an annually held three-day event which will take place in the last week of the month i.e. (October 27, 28 and 29).
FAMA DE MENINO JESUS
Want to learn about Goan culture where people of all faiths partake in each other’s celebrations? Join in the celebrations of ‘Fama De Menino Jesus’ taking place on October 16 in the coastal village of Colva in Salcete, the church dedicated to Nossa Senhora das Merces (Our Lady of Mercy). The feast will be celebrated on October 23 with great devotion.
Thousands of devotees from across the state flock every year to venerate infant Jesus who is believed to have miraculous healing powers. There’s also a fair to find lots of eatables, clothes and more.