Goa revels in Sao Joao festivity

Goa celebrated São João on Saturday, June 24, 2023, as the rain gods smiled upon the state! It poured in torrents throughout the day with revellers going into a festive frenzy in Siolim.

Likewise, villagers across Goa came together to raise a toast to one of its most anticipated monsoon festivals. São João, the feast of St John the Baptist, is celebrated every year on June 24.

In Goa, women and men wearing 'kopels' (crowns of flowers) celebrated the festival amidst the pouring rain, by jumping into wells and rivers keeping in tune with tradition.

Devotion marked the event when revellers prayed, and got the fruit offerings blessed before distributing it to the people.