Chikhal Kalo festival celebrated with enthusiasm in Goa's Marcel
Marcel, July 27
Chikhal Kalo, one of Goa's most cherished traditional festivals, was celebrated with great enthusiasm near Shree Devki Krishna Temple, Marcel, on Sunday as thousands of devotees and visitors came together to participate in the iconic mud play, keeping alive the tradition inspired by the childhood of Lord Krishna.
The celebrations witnessed enthusiastic participation from people of all age groups, who immersed themselves in the mud play and took part in traditional games amidst an atmosphere of joy, devotion and community spirit. The festival showcased Goa's vibrant cultural heritage, bringing together locals and visitors to experience one of the State's most distinctive traditions.
The celebrations culminated on Sunday, July 26, with devotees and visitors coming together for the much-awaited Chikhal Kalo mud play and traditional games.
Speaking to the media on Sunday, State Minister Rohan Ashok Khaunte said, " It is important that the real part of Goa is understood and known by the people of the country and the people of the world... Goa today is no longer just a singular seasonal destination but a year-long destination promoting everything..."
He said festivals are an important part of Goa's history and heritage.
"Festivities form the real history and heritage of Goa and the tradition of Goa... Chikhal Kalo is a very important festival, culturally and traditionally linked to the people, where we play with mud..." Khaunte said.
The minister also stressed the need to promote Goa's cultural identity beyond its beaches.
"It is important that the narrative of Goa beyond beaches goes in the right direction... It is very important that the next generation also understands the importance of this type of festivities..." he added.
On July 24, the Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, officially inaugurated the three-day Chikhal Kalo Festival 2026 near Shree Devki Krishna Temple, Marcel, marking the beginning of one of Goa's most cherished monsoon celebrations.
The festival was inaugurated by the Chief Minister of Goa, Dr Pramod Sawant.
Addressing the gathering, Dr Pramod Sawant said, "Chikhal Kalo is a unique tradition that we celebrate every year with immense joy and devotion. The mud play is not merely a ritual but a celebration of unity, where people come together without any barriers and participate with happiness, reflecting the true spirit of our culture and community," as quoted in a press note by Goa Tourism.
— ANI
Reader Comments
I grew up in Goa but moved to Bangalore for work - seeing this brings back so many childhood memories! The mud play, the energy, the community spirit... nothing beats it. Our traditions are unmatched. Miss home so much right now. 😢
As someone from the UK, I find this absolutely fascinating. We don't have anything like this back home. It's incredible how India preserves traditions that are thousands of years old. Would love to visit Goa during the monsoon season to experience this firsthand.
Beautiful festival but I hope proper hygiene measures are taken. Mud play is fun but with so many people, sanitation is important. That said, the cultural significance is immense - Lord Krishna's childhood stories making us smile even today. 🙏
I'm from Australia and visited Goa for the beaches a few years ago. I never knew about these monsoon festivals. This is so much more authentic than just sunbathing and cocktails. Next time I'll plan my trip around these traditions!
Minister Khaunte's message about 'Goa beyond beaches' is spot on. We've been branding Goa as just a party destination for too long. Our cultural festivals like Chikhal Kalo, Shigmo, and Sao Joao need way more promotion. This is the real India! 👌
A We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.