02 Nov 2014  |   10:38pm IST

When Tripurasur will be killed yet again…in Sankhali

In a bid to give the tourists a glimpse of Goa’s heritage and multi-cultural legacy, Goa Tourism Development Corporation is getting actively involved in the Tripurari Pournima celebrations on November 6

Kishore Amati

Apart from a host of other things unique to the state of Goa, the annual ‘Tripurari Pournima’ celebrations at Sankhali make Goa possibly the only state that celebrates this festival with such great fanfare. This annual celebrations of Tripurari Pournima are held at Vitalapur-Sankhali on the banks of the River Valavanti; this year, it is going to be celebrated on November 6. The entire Vithalapur village in Sankhali is lit-up and has the ambience of a typical Goan jatra celebration. The grand finale has a spectacular display of fireworks on a full moon night. According to industry experts, nearly 15,000 spectators attend this festival every year. 

Ameya Abhyankar, Director, Goa Tourism Development Corporation, says, “GTDC has been involved with the Tripurari Pournima festival at Sanquelim for quite some time now. This occasion has been recognised as a state festival.  GTDC has been assisting the Dipawali Utsav Samittee, Vithalapur Sankhali to celebrate this occasion. Goa’s culture and festivals are an integral part of Goa Tourism’s work. We believe that by popularising and promoting it we can attract more tourists to the state and give them a glimpse of Goa’s heritage and multi- cultural legacy.”

Legend has it that a powerful demon named Tripurasur built three unconquerable cities of gold, silver and iron with the blessing of Lord Shiva. The powerful demon then started attacking and tormenting humans and demi gods (devas). The task of annihilating the demon was taken upon by Lord Shiva and after three days of fight, Lord Shiva killed Tripurasur and destroyed the three cities. This happened on the full moon day in the Kartik month and therefore the day is celebrated as Tripurari Pournima.

The highlight of the festival is the procession of Lord Krishna, followed by floating of lamps in the River Valvanti. After the arrival of the Palakhi (Palanquin) procession of Lord Vithal and Goddess Rakhumai, symbolic killing of demon Tripurasur (Tripurasur Wadh) takes place and subsequently there is the release of Sarang (hot air balloon lamp) and fireworks. Other highlights of the festival are the artistic miniature boats mostly made of thermocol and cardboard.

Apart from the boat competition, there are a host of cultural programmes including musical shows and performances of traditional folk dances such as Goff, Dhalo, Tonyamel, Veerbhadra, Samai dance, etc. As the competition progresses, the boats are brought and displayed near the shore. The most creatively designed boats are then awarded by the organisers. This year, GTDC has sponsored a rolling trophy for this festival. GTDC has also arranged for transport facilities for in-house guests (at the residencies) and Goans to witness the Tripurari Pournima celebrations. GTDC coaches/buses will be arranged from Miramar, Santa Monica Jetty and Mapusa Residency 8 pm onwards and are scheduled to return at 12.30 pm in the night.