PONDA: The annual Chikal Kalo festival, known for its mud bath tradition, unfolded amidst a picturesque and sacred atmosphere at the Devki Krishna Temple in Marcel. The event was celebrated with great enthusiasm, drawing a large crowd of devotees and locals. Notably, the festival has recently attained the status of a State festival, marking its significance in the cultural fabric of Goa, with a rich history spanning over a century.
This year’s Chikal Kalo witnessed an unexpected blessing from the heavens. After experiencing a drought for the past two to three years, the locals said they were accustomed to relying on water tankers during the festival. However, the showers were plentiful on Friday, drenching revellers and amplifying the joyous atmosphere. Even the foreign tourists couldn’t resist participating in the unique celebration.
Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte and Art and Culture Minister Govind Gaude joined the locals in immersing themselves in the mud bath, symbolising the deep-rooted connection between mankind and the natural world.
Before indulging in the rejuvenating Chikal Kalo experience, devotees and Mahajans diligently performed all the religious rituals. The ceremonial application of vermilion tilak on the forehead and the anointing of bodies with coconut oil signified the devotees’ spiritual preparation for the festivities that lay ahead.
The festival commenced in the morning with the lighting of lamps and the offering of Shreephal (coconut) to the Goddess, accompanied by devotional songs and bhajans. The crowd revelled in various traditional games, including a mock marriage ceremony that enthralled the onlookers with the portrayal of two youths as the bride and groom. The grand finale featured the exhilarating Dahi Handi celebration, wherein participants formed human pyramids, to reach and break the pot containing curd, an ode to Lord Krishna’s fondness for the dairy product.
The three-day-long extravaganza concluded with the distribution of Aarthi (sacred lamps) and Tirth Prasad (holy offering).
