‘Chikhal Kalo’ to Unite Goa in Sacred Mud from July5-7, 2025

In Goa, when the skies open and the earth breathes anew, Marcel answers with age-old traditions. Beneath the peepal tree and amid chants of ‘Jai Hari Vitthal,’ Chikhal Kalo begins — a festival where mud transforms into memories, and the village unites in celebration. Held annually in the grounds of the sacred Sri Devki-Krishna Temple, Marcel, Chikhal Kalo is a heartfelt, participatory expression of gratitude to the Earth, devotion to tradition, and communal harmony. The 2025 edition, from July 5-7 promises a  vibrant festival of joy.

Exclusively celebrated in this village of Ponda taluka, the festival falls on the twelfth day of Ashadh, the fourth month in the Hindu lunar calendar. It is dedicated to Balkrishna, the childhood form of Lord Krishna, renowned for his playful innocence and adorable mischief.

The name ‘Chikhal Kalo’ literally means ‘mud play’ — but it is much more than that. The festival begins early in the morning with villagers gathering at the temple, performing devotional rituals, and playing traditional Goan musical instruments. After these rituals, the temple grounds are transformed into a sacred arena where people immerse themselves in fertile soil to engage in lively, joyful games.

Rohan A. Khaunte, Minister for Tourism stated, "Chikhal Kalo exemplifies how deeply faith, folklore, and community spirit are woven into Goan culture. Festivals like Chikhal Kalo connect us with our roots and also provide an opportunity to showcase Goa’s cultural richness to the world. Through such events, we are strengthening our vision for regenerative tourism, where culture and tradition play a central role in shaping a responsible and inclusive tourism narrative."

Kedar Naik, Director of Tourism, added: "As part of our 'Goa Beyond Beaches' campaign, the Department is committed to curating and promoting festivals like Chikhal Kalo that highlight Goa’s spiritual and rural heritage. This festival is a living example of community-led cultural celebration, and we are proud to support and elevate its reach to a wider audience both within and outside Goa."

These traditional activities — from chendu fali (mud ball games) to khushti (wrestling matches) — recount stories from Lord Krishna’s childhood, highlighting his love of mischief and his deep connection with the earth and community. Beyond religious symbolism, these games underscore the importance of soil as the root of life, vital to Goa’s agricultural heritage.

A highlight of Chikhal Kalo is the Dahi Handi ceremony. In this well-loved tradition, teams form human pyramids in a spirited contest to reach and break clay pots hung high above the mud field, traditionally filled with curd, butter, or sweets. This event celebrates Lord Krishna’s affection for butter, while symbolising cooperation, perseverance, and unity.

The festivities will commence on July 5 (Dashami) with a traditional Goan vegetarian cooking competition, followed by Nachu Kirtanache Rangi – a devotional music programme. The evening will also feature Vitthalvaari, a soulful performance by renowned artists including Smt Mugdha Gaonkar and Shri Hrishikesh Sane.

A formal inaugural ceremony will lead into a devotional concert headlined by Dr Bharat Balvalli, accompanied by Pandit Makrand Kundale, Amar Oak and other noted musicians, creating a spiritually uplifting atmosphere within the temple grounds.

On July 6, Ashadhi Ekadashi, devotees will gather for a bhajan recital inside the temple, marking the auspicious day with prayerful devotion.

The celebrations will conclude on July 7 (Dwadashi) with the much-loved Chikhal Kalo, where participants of all ages joyfully engage in traditional mud games and rituals, with the sounds of ghumot and shamel echoing through the temple – a true expression of Goan cultural heritage.