Open skies and breathing soil: ‘Chikhal Kalo’ to unite Goa in sacred mud on July 7

In Goa, when the skies open and the soil breathes again, Marcel answers with tradition. Beneath the peepal tree and amidst chants of ‘Jai Hari Vitthal’, Chikhal Kalo begins — a festival where mud becomes memory, and the village becomes one. Chikhal Kalo, observed annually in the premises of the sacred Sri Devki-Krishna Temple, Marcel is a profound, participatory expression of gratitude to the Earth, devotion to tradition, and unity among people. Scheduled this year on July 7, 2025 edition of the festival promises to once again transform this quiet village into a vibrant canvas of celebration.

Celebrated exclusively in this village of the Ponda taluka, the festival is observed on the twelfth day of Ashadh, the fourth month according to the Hindu calendar. It is dedicated to Balkrishna, the child form of Lord Krishna, known for his playful innocence and endearing mischief.

The name Chikhal Kalo translates literally to “mud play”—but it is far more than just play. The festival begins in the early hours with villagers gathering at the temple, invoking blessings through devotional rituals and the playing of traditional Goan musical instruments. Following these invocations, the temple grounds are transformed into a sacred arena where people immerse themselves in the fertile soil to engage in spirited, joyful games.

These traditional activities—ranging from chendu fali (mud ball games) to khushti (wrestling bouts)—are reenactments of stories from Lord Krishna’s childhood, reflecting his love for playful mischief and deep connection with the earth and the people. But more than religious symbolism, these games reaffirm the significance of soil as sustainer—a lifeline for Goa’s agrarian roots.

One of the most symbolic highlights of Chikhal Kalo is the Dahi Handi ceremony. In this time-honoured tradition, teams form human pyramids in an attempt to reach and break clay pots hung high above the mud field—pots that traditionally contain curd, butter, or other sweets. The event not only captures the jubilant spirit of Lord Krishna, known for his love of butter, but also embodies the themes of collaboration, perseverance, and unity.

As villagers and visitors alike dive into the muck, devotional songs and rhythmic chants rise in harmony with the beating drums. A unique spectacle unfolds beneath the ancient peepal tree in the temple courtyard—devotees standing on the platform hurl puran polis, bananas, and ladoos into the mud-filled arena. The thrill of catching these sweets mid-air is a festive joy in itself, adding a touch of spontaneity and laughter to the day’s rituals.

Music is the festival’s beating pulse. From dawn the early hours till the rituals close, traditional percussion instruments like ghumot, shamel, and taal fill the air, echoing through the village like a spiritual call. The powerful chant of “Jai Hari Vitthal” surges through the crowd, invoking divine presence while anchoring the entire celebration in collective devotion. These melodies, passed down generations, bind the community in rhythm, faith, and shared joy.

As the crowd cheers, drums beat in rhythm, and pot shatter, a wave of communal joy sweeps through the grounds. It’s a moment of collective exaltation that unites all participants—villagers, tourists, children, and elders—in a shared spiritual and cultural celebration.

Visitors from all over Goa, other Indian states, and even international tourists are encouraged to participate or observe. Whether one chooses to jump into the mud or simply witness the celebration from the sidelines, the experience is deeply moving and memorable.

For cultural travellers, photographers, families, and students of history and anthropology, Chikhal Kalo offers a rare opportunity to witness a living tradition that connects ecology, mythology, and social unity.

In a world increasingly disconnected from nature, Chikhal Kalo is a powerful reminder of our bond with the Earth. It is a celebration of fertility, gratitude, and sustainable living, as much as it is about play and piety. It reminds us that the soil beneath our feet is not just a resource, but a sacred link to life itself.

Additionally, as part of its efforts to preserve and promote Goa’s intangible cultural heritage, the Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, is organising a special two-day programme for Chikhal Kalo 2025 on July 5th and 6th, at the Sri Devki-Krishna Temple in Marcel. Visitors are warmly invited to join this vibrant celebration and experience Goa’s living traditions through devotional music, traditional games, and spirited community participation.

It is this blend of environmental mindfulness, spiritual depth, and unfiltered joy that makes Chikhal Kalo one of the most meaningful and unforgettable festivals in the state.

The Goa Tourism warmly invites all to witness and participate in Chikhal Kalo 2025. Come experience a side of Goa that goes beyond beaches—into its villages, its values, and its vibrant cultural soul.

Whether you are a curious traveller, a culture enthusiast, or a spiritual seeker, Chikhal Kalo offers something rare: a celebration where the Earth itself is the stage, the people are the performers, and unity is the message.

In Goa, when the skies open and the soil breathes again, Marcel answers with tradition. Beneath the peepal tree and amidst chants of ‘Jai Hari Vitthal’, Chikhal Kalo begins — a festival where mud becomes memory, and the village becomes one. Chikhal Kalo, observed annually in the premises of the sacred Sri Devki-Krishna Temple, Marcel is a profound, participatory expression of gratitude to the Earth, devotion to tradition, and unity among people. Scheduled this year on July 7, 2025 edition of the festival promises to once again transform this quiet village into a vibrant canvas of celebration.

Celebrated exclusively in this village of the Ponda taluka, the festival is observed on the twelfth day of Ashadh, the fourth month according to the Hindu calendar. It is dedicated to Balkrishna, the child form of Lord Krishna, known for his playful innocence and endearing mischief.

The name Chikhal Kalo translates literally to “mud play”—but it is far more than just play. The festival begins in the early hours with villagers gathering at the temple, invoking blessings through devotional rituals and the playing of traditional Goan musical instruments. Following these invocations, the temple grounds are transformed into a sacred arena where people immerse themselves in the fertile soil to engage in spirited, joyful games.

These traditional activities—ranging from chendu fali (mud ball games) to khushti (wrestling bouts)—are reenactments of stories from Lord Krishna’s childhood, reflecting his love for playful mischief and deep connection with the earth and the people. But more than religious symbolism, these games reaffirm the significance of soil as sustainer—a lifeline for Goa’s agrarian roots.

One of the most symbolic highlights of Chikhal Kalo is the Dahi Handi ceremony. In this time-honoured tradition, teams form human pyramids in an attempt to reach and break clay pots hung high above the mud field—pots that traditionally contain curd, butter, or other sweets. The event not only captures the jubilant spirit of Lord Krishna, known for his love of butter, but also embodies the themes of collaboration, perseverance, and unity.

As villagers and visitors alike dive into the muck, devotional songs and rhythmic chants rise in harmony with the beating drums. A unique spectacle unfolds beneath the ancient peepal tree in the temple courtyard—devotees standing on the platform hurl puran polis, bananas, and ladoos into the mud-filled arena. The thrill of catching these sweets mid-air is a festive joy in itself, adding a touch of spontaneity and laughter to the day’s rituals.

Music is the festival’s beating pulse. From dawn the early hours till the rituals close, traditional percussion instruments like ghumot, shamel, and taal fill the air, echoing through the village like a spiritual call. The powerful chant of “Jai Hari Vitthal” surges through the crowd, invoking divine presence while anchoring the entire celebration in collective devotion. These melodies, passed down generations, bind the community in rhythm, faith, and shared joy.

As the crowd cheers, drums beat in rhythm, and pot shatter, a wave of communal joy sweeps through the grounds. It’s a moment of collective exaltation that unites all participants—villagers, tourists, children, and elders—in a shared spiritual and cultural celebration.

Visitors from all over Goa, other Indian states, and even international tourists are encouraged to participate or observe. Whether one chooses to jump into the mud or simply witness the celebration from the sidelines, the experience is deeply moving and memorable.

For cultural travellers, photographers, families, and students of history and anthropology, Chikhal Kalo offers a rare opportunity to witness a living tradition that connects ecology, mythology, and social unity.

In a world increasingly disconnected from nature, Chikhal Kalo is a powerful reminder of our bond with the Earth. It is a celebration of fertility, gratitude, and sustainable living, as much as it is about play and piety. It reminds us that the soil beneath our feet is not just a resource, but a sacred link to life itself.

Additionally, as part of its efforts to preserve and promote Goa’s intangible cultural heritage, the Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, is organising a special two-day programme for Chikhal Kalo 2025 on July 5th and 6th, at the Sri Devki-Krishna Temple in Marcel. Visitors are warmly invited to join this vibrant celebration and experience Goa’s living traditions through devotional music, traditional games, and spirited community participation.

It is this blend of environmental mindfulness, spiritual depth, and unfiltered joy that makes Chikhal Kalo one of the most meaningful and unforgettable festivals in the state.

The Goa Tourism warmly invites all to witness and participate in Chikhal Kalo 2025. Come experience a side of Goa that goes beyond beaches—into its villages, its values, and its vibrant cultural soul.

Whether you are a curious traveller, a culture enthusiast, or a spiritual seeker, Chikhal Kalo offers something rare: a celebration where the Earth itself is the stage, the people are the performers, and unity is the message.