Goa Carnival

The Goa carnival is the time when Goa bursts out in color. Pranks , laughter and merry makingmark the day. With the blessings of King Momo, the Greek God of laughter and satire, the carnival begins with the loud cheers of "Viva Carnival, Viva Goa!". Floats and boisterous mask revelers parade on the streets of Panaji, the capital town of Goa.
The Carnival was originally held to commemorate the fruiting season of cashews and mangoes- the two main crops of Goa. In many countries Carnival is celebrated in the last days of pre -lenten season. Goa is the only place perhaps in the whole east where Carnival is being celebrated for the last four and a half centuries. It was introduced by the Portuguese in 1510 and was called 'Intruz' meaning introduction of the lent.

Typical to the Goan style, Carnival is full of celebration and excitement. It is quiet similar to New Orleans 'Mardi Gras', with songs, dances and huge parades.

RARE RITUALS

The popular Gadyachi Zatra of Shri Vetal Devalaya, is celebrated every two years, at Mahalwada in Poinguinim-Canacona. The rituals including Devcharacho Zagor, Chorancho Zagor and Perni Zagor began on May 10, and drew crowds from the entire taluka. The zatra culminated on May 12 with the unusual demonstration of two men mounted on two wooden poles, with hooks pierced in their flesh, in front of the temple.

FEAST OF "FULANCHO KHURIS"
The annual feast of the Holy cross (Fulancho Khuris) at Bambolim, was celebrated on May 20.

GANCIM FEAT
The feast of Our Lady of Fatima was celebrated at the Ganxim Church in Batim, with High Mass at 3.30 pm on May 13.

JUBILEE CELEBRATIONS AT CAMORLIM:
The church of Camorlim in Salcete, which is also known as the Ambora church, will celebrate its golden jubilee from May 13th. The parish was under the jurisdiction of Raia till 1952. When a new church was erected, Camorlim was raised to a separate parish on May 13, 1952.

SADOLXEM FEAST:
The feast of Our Lady of Rosary Church in Sadolxem-Canacona, was celebrated by the parish on May 13 (Sunday), with the solemn high mass at 10.15 am. A Konkani drama "Liplolo Ghutt" will be staged later in the evening.