The uniquely Goan tradition, which goes by the name of ‘thallasotherapy’, will go on till mid-May
A seawater bath is a healing experience, and mid-April marks the beginning of the seawater-bathing season for Goans. This season goes on till the mid of May. It is time when, like migratory birds, Goans who are settled in Mumbai find their way back home, during the summer.
The beaches in Goa draw many thalassotherapy seekers
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This is a uniquely Goan tradition, which goes by the scientific name of ‘thallasotherapy’. It starts with the feast of Our Lady of Miracles, which is celebrated (on different dates in various churches) in the first half of April and goes on till the Shirgao Zatra, which this year falls in mid-May. The Goan diaspora everywhere, makes their way to one of the popular beaches, usually Calangute, the queen of the beaches, in the north, or Colva in the south, and spend the day on the beach.
Local fishermen have built shelters, where the older folk prefer to camp when they visit the beach
Vakola resident Agnelo Pinto, who works in the IT industry, says he is looking forward to his annual sojourn to Goa, shortly, with his family. “Usually we go to Baga. They say a bath is best at this time of the year; the salt water helps your blood circulation and the pain in your joints is mitigated and even cured when you take a bath in the sea.”
In Goa it’s known as “mudans” (change, in Portuguese) from the routine when hundreds of Goans visit their coastal villages for around three consecutive days, for their annual salt-water baths.
However, over the years, the number of Goans visiting has reduced, due to various factors.
Last year, the Calangute Panchayat decided to revive The Simla Beat Music Contest. It would be held on April 24-25.
Joseph Sequeira, the Calangute sarpanch says, “This year, the main attraction is Bondo, the Goan percussionist, with top Goan bands Almost Famous, Revelations, Rhythm N Blues and others.”
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