Department of Tourism on Saturday, inaugurated the vibrant and revered Chikhal Kalo 2025 at the historic Shree Devaki Krishna Temple, Marcel; marking the beginning of a three-day celebration dedicated to Goa’s timeless spiritual and cultural traditions.
The festival was officially inaugurated in the presence of Priol MLA Govind Gaude; Kedar Naik, Director of Tourism; and Kuldeep Arolkar, Managing Director of GTDC, among others.
“Chikhal Kalo is a reaffirmation of who we are as Goans. It is through festivals like these that we honour our spiritual roots, promote community bonding, and create authentic experiences for visitors. Goa is about the spirit of its people, its culture, its values. Through this festival, we continue our commitment to Regenerative Tourism by bringing the spotlight to our traditions, our hinterlands, and our identity. Chikhal Kalo is a reminder that tourism can be both transformative and rooted,” stated Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte.
Kedar Naik added: “Chikhal Kalo is a testimony to the growing desire among locals and travellers alike to reconnect with traditions that are immersive, inclusive, and meaningful. We are proud to promote such festivals under the broader vision of ‘Goa Beyond Beaches.’ We will continue to encourage experiences that are environmentally responsible, culturally sensitive, and community-driven. The festival also complements our ongoing monsoon campaign, #GlowOnArrival, which showcases Goa’s tranquil beauty and soulful offerings during the rains.”
Held on the auspicious Dashami Tithi, the first day of festivities was packed with diverse cultural and devotional experiences that reflected the essence of bhakti, tradition, and local creativity.
The celebrations began with a Cooking Competition, where participants showcased an array of traditional Goan vegetarian dishes, celebrating Goa’s rich culinary heritage and its seasonal, community-based food traditions.
This was followed by “Nachu Kirtanache Rangi”, a beautiful performance that brought together devotional Kirtan recital and music to set a spiritually vibrant tone for the evening. The Vitthalvaari segment featured heartfelt Bhakti performances by acclaimed artists including Mugdha Gaonkar, Hrishikesh Sane accompanied by Aany Ghate, Utpal Sainker, Kedar Dhamaskar, and Govind Gauthankar.
The evening culminated in a soul-stirring Abhang and Bhakti Sangeet performance by renowned artist Dr. Bharat Balvalli, accompanied by a distinguished ensemble: Pandit Makrand Kundale, Prasad Karambelkar, Amar Oak, Dada Parab, and Govind Bhagat. The spiritual energy and musical brilliance enthralled attendees, uniting tourists and devotees in a shared experience of Goa’s living heritage.
The next two days of Chikhal Kalo 2025 promise to be equally engaging and spiritually uplifting. On 6th July, Ashadhi Ekadashi, the temple premises will resonate with the divine melodies of a traditional Bhajan recital, inviting all devotees and tourists to immerse themselves in sacred music and prayer. On 7th July, the final day of the festival, the much-anticipated Chikhal Kalo ritual will unfold—a joyful and symbolic mud festival that reimagines and recreates the playful moments of Lord Krishna’s childhood. This ritual, rooted deeply in community bonding and devotion, witnesses both locals and visitors coming together to celebrate Goa’s unique cultural identity with fervour and joy.
The Department of Tourism warmly invites everyone to witness and partake in the remaining days of this rare and meaningful celebration. As Goa continues to promote tourism that is regenerative, inclusive, and rooted in tradition, Chikhal Kalo stands as a glowing example of how festivals can become a movement of cultural revival and collective pride, states a press release.
