Goa has a unique blend of socio-religious culture. Being a predominantly Roman Catholic society, there are more Christian festivals in Goa. The Goanese calendar is marked by several feast days, thanksgiving, monsoon celebrations, and processions, and the temples and churches of Goa are unique in their celebration of these festivals.
Shigmo, the Goanese version of Holi, is celebrated in the month of February and March. The “Yatra” of Shree Lairai Temple in Sirigao, features the Dhond, devotees, walking through the Homakund, fire.
The Feast of Our Lady of Miracles, celebrated 16 days after the Easter, is secular by nature and is celebrated with pomp and show by both Hindus and Christians.
The feast of the three kings at Reis Magos Cuelim and the feast of St Francis Xavier, at Old Goa held in December every year are unique and elaborate.
Igitun Chalne, held at Sirigao temple in Bicholim during May, is one of Goa’s most distinctive festivals. The main attraction of the festival comes when devotees of Goddess Lairaya walk across burning coals to prove their devotion.
The Feast of St. Anthony in the month of June is also significant as it marks the beginning of monsoon. Besides such religious festivals, Goa is also known for its arts and crafts fairs, and food festivals.
The Kala Academy (Academy of Indian Culture and Performing Art), celebrates various Cultural Fairs and Festivals throughout the year.
The liveliest and most colorful of all Goan events is the Bon Carnival, which is celebrated throughout the state for 3 days during February/March.
The five day long Food Festival in November is a popular fete featuring the local cuisine and cultural entertainment.
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