Chikhal Kalo Festival 2024 concluded today with a spectacular array of activities at the Shree Devki Krishna Temple ground, Marcel, marking the end of a three-day celebration of the unique annual Mud Festival of Goa that has significantly contributed to the spiritual essence of the State’s culture and traditions.
With a large number of participants, the festival has captured the hearts of locals and tourists alike with the traditional mud play that has been part of the celebration for many generations. By integrating cultural heritage with sustainable tourism practices, the Chikhal Kalo Festival compliments the Department of Tourism’s efforts of Regenerative Tourism and Goa Beyond Beaches. It enriches the lives of our local communities with their cultural legacy and offers visitors an authentic and transformative experience, fostering a deeper appreciation for the state’s traditions and values.
Taking part in the festivities himself, Tourism Minister Rohan A Khaunte emphasised the importance of promoting such cultural festivals as a means to foster spiritual connection and cultural preservation. “Today we are here to celebrate Chikhal Kalo along with everyone from different village. We always talk about Goa being a beach destination and party life but clearly it is more than that. For the last two years we have been making efforts to show people the real traditions, culture and heritage of Goa. The festival teaches us the importance of rain as well as highlights our bond with Mother Nature. It is a festival and a celebration of our heritage, our spirituality, and our community spirit. By promoting events like these, we are not only preserving our rich cultural traditions but also advancing the principles of regenerative tourism which is Goa beyond Beaches.”
The festival commenced on July 16, 2024, at Devki Krishna Temple, highlighting the cultural and historical significance of Chikhal Kalo with traditional music and dance performances. Chikhal Kalo 2024 also presented an opportunity to local self-help groups in promoting their local cuisine and products. The highlight of day 1 was the Abhangwari concert featuring the renowned singer Mahesh Kale, as his mesmerising performance left the audience spellbound. The second day featured cultural performances, including folk dances, traditional music recitals, and interactive workshops, allowing attendees to immerse themselves in local customs and traditions.
The final day today, witnessed the traditional Chikhal Kalo celebrations, where different generations were seen engaging in the joyous and spirited mud play with spirited games like ‘chendu fali’ and ‘khushti’, accompanied by the rhythmic beats of traditional Goan music. The day was further enlivened by the exhilarating breaking of the ‘dahi handi’, a highlight that brought cheers and excitement from the crowd. The atmosphere was electric with joy and camaraderie as people came together to partake in this unique tradition.
In addition to the traditional festivities, the day featured a Photography and Reel Making Competition. This competition encouraged participants to capture and creatively showcase the vibrant essence of the festival through their lenses.
The Department of Tourism remains committed to pushing forward such events as part of its regenerative tourism initiatives. By integrating cultural heritage with sustainable tourism practices, the festival has successfully attracted a large number of participants while ensuring minimal environmental impact and maximum cultural preservation. The significant participation numbers are a testament to the Department of Tourism’s efforts in featuring the festival in numerous travel exhibitions across the country and roadshows abroad.
The Chikhal Kalo Festival 2024 has once again proven to be a resounding success, bringing together the community and celebrating the rich cultural heritage of Goa. The event provided a platform for showcasing traditional customs and also fostered a sense of unity and shared joy among all attendees.
