Mumbai| June 26, 2013: One of the major draws of Goa for tourists during the monsoon season, the Sao Joao festival was celebrated with grandeur and gaiety onboard the Shantadurga cruise boat near Panjim jetty. Organized by Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC), the annual festival is dedicated to St. John the Baptist which is celebrated on June 24 every year.
The event was attended by Mr Nilesh Cabral, Chairman of GTDC, along with other senior officials from Goa Tourism. “We welcome the tourists from India and abroad to participate in this lively and unique festival and experience our traditional Goan culture. Monsoons in Goa is witness to two major festivals – the Sao Joao and the Bonderam festivals – that offer participants a peep into the traditional Goan culture.”
Guests were welcomed with crowns made of leaves called ‘kopel’. The occasion is marked by cultural programmes such as live Goan song and dance performances, along with traditional Goan cuisine. As per tradition, this festival witnesses young men jumping into wells and then distributing fruits among villagers wearing ‘kopel’ which is a real treat to watch.
GTDC is now preparing to organize the annual Bonderam festival, celebrated on the Island of Divar on the fourth Saturday of August. It starts with a flag parade from the main Divar junction which is accompanied by the brass band and then the declaration of the ‘Bonderam’ festival open. Later there is a fancy dress competition followed by the traditional float parade and a live band performance by the famous music bands of Goa.