There are several festivals that shows you real essence of Goa. As a child I always thought as celebrations are in summer and winter, but when I saw Sao Joao monsoon became a different ball game for me. Sao Joao is a monsoon festival celebrated all across Goa on June 24 that bring together classes and masses and enjoy the fruitful monsoon season. If we touch up on the history St . John the Baptsist was in his mothers womb, Mother Mary who is the relative of Elizabeth told her that she is expecting. St. John took a leap in his mothers womb when she was six month pregrant. Jumping in the well is symbolic as well is seen as womb. It is leap of joythat brings good luck.
There will variations in some stories but the core remains the same. But when it comes to Goa, new son in laws are invited to the village to introduce to the locals, he is crowned with copels and there are various gifts and fruitd thrown in the well. Along with son in laws people jump in the well to collect fruits and gifts.
Siolim being the hub for the biggest celebration of Sao Joao. 25 kms from Panjim you can reach Siolim through various modes- public transport, car or bike. In front of St. Antjony's Church in siolim where river Anjuna flows, the whole bank of the river turns into a galore of celebrations. People wear different copels, there are various games, fun activities, crowing of coples. Fruits are distributed and the boats row in the river Anjuna. People wear different types of copels and naturally made copel will win the mega prize. There are dance performances, singing , different groups come and present local songs. All and all sky becomes the roof and mud becomes the playing ground. At the end of festival you go back with drenched clothes and a big smile on your face thanking rain god and the joy that the festivals fills in the heart.
Next time you are in Goa dont miss 24th June Sao Joao
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