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FESTIVAL CALENDAR · GOA · 014

Festivals in Goa.

14 festivals across Goa — organised by month.

Dates vary

Mahalsa Temple Annual Jatra

Spice Plantations (Ponda)

The Shri Mahalsa Narayani Temple in Mardol, near Ponda, hosts an annual Jatra (festival) dedicated to Goddess Mahalasa (an incarnation of Lord Vishnu). The celebration features elaborate rituals, cultural programs, and processions that draw crowds from various parts of Goa.

January

Feast of the Three Kings (Reis Magos)

Reis Magos Fort

The Chapel of Nossa Senhora dos Remédios (Our Lady of Cures), also known as the Three Kings Chapel, atop the Cuelim hillock near Reis Magos, hosts the most famous celebration. Three young boys enact the role of the Three Kings, traveling on horseback through different paths and converging near the chapel.

February

Goa Carnival

Panaji

India's only Mardi Gras — King Momo leads parades through Panaji with floats, music, dancing, and masks. Portuguese-origin festival unique to Goa.

Goa Carnival

Margao

Goa's largest carnival parade, with Margao hosting vibrant celebrations on February 15. The parade moves from Holy Spirit Church to Margao Municipal Council Square, featuring elaborate floats, dance groups, drummers, and live music in South Goa's main city.

March

Shigmo (Shigmotsav)

Margao

Goa's major spring harvest festival with large parade in Margao on March 14. Hundreds of folk artists perform traditional dances like Ghode Mhodni and Romtamel while massive Chitrarath floats depicting scenes from Hindu epics roll through the city centre.

Shigmo (Goan Holi)

Panaji

Goa's version of Holi — massive street parades with traditional folk dances (fugdi, dhalo, goff), elaborate floats, and colour play. Bigger in Panaji and Margao.

Shigmo (Shigmotsav)

Spice Plantations (Ponda)

Ponda marks the official start of Shigmotsav on March 5, 2026. Local Hindu temples including Shantadurga Temple, Mangeshi Temple (in nearby Priol), and Mahalsa Temple (in Mardol) host celebrations with folk artists performing traditional dances and farmers gathering for rituals, folk songs, and community feasts.

June

Sao Joao Festival

Palolem

Goa's monsoon festival — young men jump into wells and rivers wearing crowns of fruit and flowers. Boat parades, feni drinking, and rain celebrations.

Sao Joao Festival (São João)

Siolim

Siolim hosts a distinctive 175-year-old boat festival tradition where revellers from surrounding villages (Chapora, Zhor, Badem, Assagao) arrive in beautifully decorated boats to pay homage at the Chapel of São João in Pereira Vaddo. Boats are decorated with flowers, leaves, and designs of guitars, birds, fruit baskets, sea creatures, and mythical creatures. Festival begins at 3:30 PM with boats arriving between 4 PM and 5:30 PM.

Sao Joao Festival (São João)

Assagao

Sao Joao is celebrated across North Goa, with significant traditions in Assagao. Revellers from Badem in Assagao join other villages in the famous boat procession to Siolim's Chapel of São João, connecting Assagao's Catholic heritage with this major monsoon celebration.

August

Bonderam Festival

Chorao & Divar Islands

Divar Island's unique flag festival — villagers parade with colourful flags, folk music, boat races, and traditional food. Tiny island event with huge local character.

December

Shantadurga Temple Annual Fair

Spice Plantations (Ponda)

The Shri Shantadurga Temple in Ponda, an 18th-century sanctuary dedicated to Goddess Durga, hosts an annual fair during December-January. The temple exhibits Indo-Portuguese architectural styles and is a major spiritual landmark in central Goa's Hindu heartland.

Sunburn Festival

Calangute-Baga

Asia's largest electronic dance music festival. International DJs, multiple stages, held in North Goa. Tickets sell out months ahead.

Feast of St Francis Xavier

Old Goa

Annual feast at Basilica of Bom Jesus honoring St Francis Xavier. Once every 10 years, the saint's body is displayed (last 2014). The December 3 feast draws hundreds of thousands.

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