The south-west monsoons have kept their promise and the rain clouds are on their yearly visit to India. The result, you ask? Well, thats reason enough to party. And when it comes to partying, Goans know best. Revellers in Goa had a whale of a time as they celebrated the annual Monsoon festival. The festival marks ‘San Joao’, the feast of John, the Baptist.
The incessant rains failed to dampen the spirit of the Goans as they jumped into rivers, ponds and wells and the celebration went on full swing. In villages, however, the festival was celebrated with traditional ardour.
At Loutulim in south Goa, men sung traditional songs and danced to merry tunes wearing ‘copel’ or crowns of flowers and grass before jumping into a pond.
Maendra Alvares, one of the participants, said:
We celebrated San Joao, the feast of Saint John’s, like how it was in the olden times. We celebrate it by jumping in the ponds. People wear crowns and have all the traditional food.
Said Alister Fernandes:
Everybody makes merry on this day. They wear hats specially made at home with flowers. To enjoy, they jump into wells.
People gathered in large numbers from several parts of Goa in the beautiful village of Siolim to watch the delightful sight of ornate boats row up the Chapora River.
It is believed that ‘San Joao’ merrymakers from across Goa, first merged in front of St. Anthony’s Church in Siolim over 150 years ago.
According to the Biblical legend when Saint John was in his mother’s womb, Mother Mary visited his mother in her dream. Saint John purportedly leaped inside her womb in joy.
Goans have inherited the legacy of monsoon festival from the Portuguese. The Portuguese ruled the State until it was liberated in 1961.
Portuguese traditions still have a strong presence especially in the coastal areas of the State.
Goa’s mild, clement beaches, tropical climate and its unparelled charm continue to attract thousands of tourists worldwide year after year.
Image: Ecoindia
