The Sri Devki Krishna Temple ground came alive with the energy of chendu fali, kushti, and other traditional plays in the mud, as participants celebrated the divine play (leela) of the Lord with laughter and togetherness
Chikhal Kalo 2025 festival was held from July 5 to July 7 in Marcel. Photo Courtesy: Goa Tourism
Goa's vibrant Chikhal Kalo 2025 festival culminated at the Sri Devki Krishna Temple in Marcel earlier this week with the much-awaited mud play that brought together hundreds of devotees, tourists, youth, and families in a joyous celebration of faith, heritage, and nature.
While it started on July 5, it concluded on Dwadashi on July 7, which witnessed spirited participation in traditional games, devotional singing, and the symbolic ritual of mud immersion that reimagines Lord Krishna’s playful bond with the Earth.
The Sri Devki Krishna Temple ground came alive with the energy of chendu fali, kushti, and other traditional plays in the mud, as participants celebrated the divine play (leela) of the Lord with laughter and togetherness. The excitement reached its peak during the exhilarating dahi handi, in a spirited and festive atmosphere, cheered on by enthusiastic spectators.
The entire experience reinforced the core values of devotion, community bonding, and gratitude for the monsoon season, the central themes that have shaped the festival over generations.
The state's tourism minister, Rohan A. Khaunte, who actively participated in the celebrations, remarked, “This is our lok parampara, and it’s time we take it to the world. During Chikhal Kalo, people come together to celebrate, to play, and to reconnect with the soil. It is important to preserve such traditions and pass them on to future generations."
He added, "Earlier, Goa was known mainly for its beaches—today, we are proudly promoting ‘Goa Beyond Beaches.’ With government support for festivals like these, we are also creating economic opportunities for our local communities. Over the past three years, Chikhal Kalo has received an overwhelming response. I believe everyone should be part of this celebration and help spread the message of unity.”
Adding to the festivities was a photography and reel-making competition, encouraging participants to document the vibrant essence of Chikhal Kalo 2025. The entries captured the playfulness, colours, and emotion of the festival, offering new-age storytelling perspectives to timeless traditions.
The three days saw a convergence of spirituality, music, culture, and community. From the soulful abhang and kirtan recitals on the first day to the devotional bhajan performances on Ashadhi Ekadashi (Day 2), and culminating in today’s spirited mud rituals Chikhal Kalo stood as a celebration of Goa’s spiritual and cultural depth.
As the curtain falls on this year’s celebrations, Chikhal Kalo continues to remind us of the power of tradition to unite, uplift, and inspire. The festival once again proved that true celebration lies not just in rituals, but in shared moments of joy, devotion, and connection with each other and with the land.
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