Panjim.. 21st July ….. August is just round the corner and Goa is all set to reverberate and celebrate some unique occasions, festivities and activities.
If you’re looking for a getaway then there is no better place than Goa which is in a midst of the monsoons and a perfect place to rejuvenate and feel the vibrancy of the local celebrations that the state is getting popular for.
This August is simply an awesome August as there is a blend of festivities, activities and celebrations which will portray the deep harmony of all communities residing in Goa from religious fervor to food and folklore, traditional costumes, colours and a lot more. So look no further, be in Goa to experience this rich culture and heritage that Goa is offering to one and all.
The eighth best things to experience in Goa this August:
- Independence Day (August 15). – Independence Day is celebrated all over India, but in Goa this day has very special significance as the state celebrates India’s freedom and the religious feast of Our Lady of the Assumption. On this day, Goans spread the message of peace through various platforms showcasing Goa’s traditions and customs. One place you need to be is at the village of Socorro, North Goa. It’s a mini Goa you need to experience at Succorro which is about 12 kms from Panjim. This year the village community is celebrating five feasts on this auspicious day. The five festivities include: Our Lady of Assumption Feast, Independence Day celebration, World Goa Day, Konkani Day and celebrating the Ghumot and Patolleachem feast.
2. Traditional Games Festival (August 15): This festival celebrates the long forgotten old games played in Goa with simple, locally available materials in open spaces. To witness this you will have to head to Carmona in South Goa approximately 15 kms from Margao. Enthusiastic men and women, well past their prime, flex their muscles and master their formerly-acquired skills to compete with younger participants in traditional games like mittamni, lobiamni, hu tu tu and other games that are slowly fading from the public eye. This festival is again held on the occasion of Independence Day and the feast of Our Lady of the Assumption which brings the local community cutting across all religions to partake in this very enthusiastic sporting activity.
- Angling: August offers a great platform for angling and in Goa a large number of angling competitions are organized across the state. One of the most popular fishing hot spots is at Ribandar when on August 15 a mega angling competition is organized with exciting prizes and surprises.
- Bonderam, the festival of Flags in Divar (19 August)- Bonderam is a local festival on the island of Divar. It takes one back to the yester years when territorial battles took place on the island and a system of demarcating boundaries with flags was used. This festival starts with a flag parade which is accompanied by brass band, fancy dress competition and followed by a traditional float parade. Bonderam is a very popular monsoon festival in Goa which one should not miss.
- Experience picture perfect Goa (19 August): Come to Goa and blend with nature’s beauty, enjoy the lush greenery, the wild life sanctuaries, the waterfalls, the breath-taking landscapes, the bubbling water bodies and if you are a photography fan then just click away. It will make great pictures if you are planning to participate in any competition organized on the occasion of World Photography Day on 19 August.
- Celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi (25 August): Ganesh Chaturthi is a perfect time to be in Goa as this Sarvajanik Utsav puts up an elaborate display of the Matoli and decorations with grandeur all across the state. In North Goa and South Goa one can visit places like Merces, Pernem, Cancona, Sanguem, Ponda and other cities which are decked-up to celebrate this festivity. State level competitions are also organized and one can spend the long weekend viewing these unique Goan traditions and festivities.
- White Water rafting activity: Enjoy White Water Rafting activity on the waters of the natural, yet perfectly designed Mhadei River for the season. The first trip starts at 9:30 am and the second trip at 2:30 pm. The exciting trips run for 10 km each, stirring and elating you, along the breath-taking landscapes! The big and bouncy River Mhadei ensures a fun-filled trip for you, your family and friends
- Eco-trekking expeditions: Goa Tourism organizes trekking expeditions every Sunday from June to September in a bid to explore Goa’s hidden treasures that come alive during the monsoons. These expeditions gives one an experience of the hinterlands, water bodies, lakes, waterfalls, wildlife sanctuaries and eateries specialized in serving monsoon delicacies. The trekking expeditions are held every Sunday at various eco-touristic locations of Goa. It is open to all especially those with a spirit for adventure and nature lovers.
