Getting down and dirty at a mud festival in Goa

UNIQUE FESTIVAL

The unique festival of Chikhal Kalo in Goa has become so famous that people from all across Goa come to witness the celebration in Marcel every year.

FUN IN THE MUD

The fun festival of Chikhal kalo has been celebrated in Goa for centuries, and is basically about playing in the mud and splashing it on each other.

THE TEMPLE

The festival began on Wednesday with cultural programmes, while the main event took place on Friday, June 30, 2023 near the Shree Devki Krishna Temple, in Marcel.

THE BEGINNING

The rituals began in the morning with the traditional puja and prayers, after which all the men folk began 'playing in the mud'

SWEET OFFERINGS

Prasad, in the form of local sweets and fruits, were distributed to the people who had gathered to witness the festivities.

FUN & GAMES

The participants played traditional games such as Chakra, Mendrani, Dharchyani, Kabbadi, etc, which are played during this festival.

MARVELLOUS MUD

It is believed that applying mud on the body helps cure a variety of skin diseases. All the participants (men folk) slather oil on their bodies and then make their way out of the temple to play games.

FESTIVE SOUNDS

Music, played using traditional local instruments, kept the crowd in the festive mood.

3 DAY FEST

This year, the Goa Tourism Department organised a 3-day 'Chikhal Kalo Mud Festival of Goa'.

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