This June, we celebrated Sao Jao Festival in Goa. It was on 24th June at Saligao Church. It is the feast of St John the Baptist.

On this day young men around Goa jump into wells to retrieve gifts thrown in by the villagers. This celebration is called Sao Joao, one of the most famous Christian festivals in the state.

They consume plenty of fruits on this occasion and are virtually unstoppable when they indulge in revelry. Especially in Salcete taluka, different types of folk dances or Mandos are held which are popularly known as Sangodds. Fruits and other edibles are exchanged among friends and relatives.

It is an exciting tradition wherein anyone who owns a well and has a girl who is newly married, exchanges pleasantries and food items with their in-laws as it is the custom in every Goan village. It is a real treat to watch the local youth with crowns of leaves and varied fruits on their heads going out in processions carrying Goan liquor along with them and jumping into wells to have fun.

Later, they enjoy a lavish feast of meat and seafood marking the end of the festival. The rainy season is a perfect foil for the Sao Joao festival as most of the people enjoy it more when it’s raining heavily.

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