The joyous monsoon festival of São João brought cheer and cultural pride across Goa once again this year, with villages like Molcornem, Hodant, and Vaddem reviving traditional celebrations with enthusiasm, music, and community spirit.
In Molcornem village, the festival was celebrated after a long hiatus. With many local youth working abroad in recent years, the celebration had come to a standstill. However, Da Costa mobilized the young villagers still present, successfully reviving the cherished tradition. The event witnessed lively participation, traditional singing, and a sense of unity that left villagers expressing deep gratitude and hopes for its continuity in years to come.
In Hodant, São João festivities were marked by vibrant local participation, with a special appearance by a Punjabi son-in-law who joined in the celebrations—symbolizing Goa’s inclusive cultural fabric. Residents used the occasion to call on the younger generation to take pride in preserving age-old customs and ensure the spirit of São João lives on.
Meanwhile, in Vaddem, residents came together for a traditional celebration filled with music and joy. Local resident Gracious Coutinho made an earnest appeal to the youth: to celebrate responsibly and refrain from excessive drinking. “It’s a beautiful tradition,” he said, “and we must not let misbehavior taint its meaning.”
From village wells to community feasts, the São João festival across Goa once again proved to be more than just celebration—it was a revival of faith, tradition, and togetherness, deeply rooted in the Goan identity.