Goa's Amona celebrates a unique festival of flowers

FLORAL BEGINNINGS

The festival of Fulancho Khel begins at dawn in Amona, North Goa, when villagers gather at the Bhutnath Temple in Tar Wada dressed in white dhotis and fresh flower garlands.

ECHOES OF TRADITION

It is a part of Goa's Shigmo festivities, and the rhythmic beats of the dhol, taso, and the mighty ghoom fill the air as folk artists set the tone for the festival’s sacred rituals.

ASH AND DEVOTION

Devotees smear wet ash on their bodies, a symbolic act of reverence, as they prepare to invoke Amona’s revered folk deities.

THE TRANCE BEGINS

Two men, believed to be in a spiritual trance, enter the temple to retrieve mora kuche — two sacred bunches of peacock feathers, representing the dieties, Bhutnath and Ravalnath.

SACRED PROCESSION

The gosay, a group of dedicated devotees, accompany the sacred feathers on a lively journey across the village, spreading blessings to every corner of the village as they go along.

WHISPERS OF THE FOREST

Once surrounded by forests, Amona’s traditions remain deeply connected to nature, a bond reflected in the festival’s floral tributes and ancient customs, now carried forward by youngsters with great enthusiasm.

SPIRITS AND SYMBOLS

The invocation of deities like Durgadevi, Betal and Gram-Purush brings the community together in a spiritual and cultural celebration.

NEXT: Capturing the spirit of Goa's Shigmo through art