It is a joyful festival celebrating the pastimes of Lord Sri Krishna’s childhood through playful activities such as mud games, oil smearing, and the Dahi Handi tradition.
The word “Chikhal Kalo” is derived from the Konkani language and can be translated to “Mud Bath” or “Mud Play.” Also known as ‘Chikhalkala,’ the villagers honors Varuna Deva (the rain god) for the awaited rainfall to ensure a prosperous harvest.
Chikhal
Kalo, a traditional mud festival, is celebrated on the eleventh day of Ashadha Maasa (Ashadha Ekadashi). It is celebrated as a mark of paying homage to the unbreakable bond that coexists between the Goa’s farming community and Mother Earth, the womb of all life.This temple is uniquely known for depicting Devaki and Krishna together. It is visited by lakhs of devotees all over the world to witness the vibrancy of the festival.
Dating back over 400 years, this tradition is a part of Goan culture. Participants smear oil all over their bodies and play in the mud, welcoming the onset of monsoon.
Rituals of the Chikhal Kalo Festival
Many devotees, as well as villagers and participants from other parts of the country, engage in this mud play. They smear their bodies with oil before entering the muddy ground. This is the preparation taken before entering the ground to avoid sticking to each other.
They actively participate in the traditional games conducted. The games include chendu fali (traditional game which is similar to cricket), gilli danda, wrestling, tug-of-war, running and many more. A team of boys forms a multi-tiered human structure, resembling a pyramid, to reach and break the suspended Dahi Handi. It is a pot filled with curd suspended in the air. It symbolizes Lord Sri Krishna’s love for butter and curd.
Major Highlights of the Chikhal Kalo Festival
- The atmosphere of the Devaki Krishna Temple is filled with the celestial sound of conch shells and rhythmic beats of traditional drums.
- The air is filled with mystical vibration of energetic abhang/bhajans performed by artists.
- Savour the local traditional cuisine prepared with love and care. Tickle your taste buds with the authentic spice of Goa.
- Enjoy the togetherness and warm-hearted people of the beautiful village of Marcel.
Best Time to Attend Chikhal Kalo Festival
Nearby Places to Visit
Sri Naguesh Temple: This is a historic temple dated back to 1413 CE, located in Bandode, also known as Bandivade in Ponda district of Goa. Lord Naguesh, also called Lord Nagnath, a revered form of Lord Shiva, serves as the principal Deity of the temple, worshiped mainly by Konkan Hindus.
Shantadurga Temple: It is situated in the Kavalem village near Ponda district, Goa. Goddess Shantadurga is the main Deity of the temple. The goddess mediated between Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu and stopped the battle that was going on between them.
Sri Gajantlakshmi Temple: This is one of the famous temples dedicated to Lakshmi Devi, worshiped in the form of Gaja Lakshmi. It is located in a small village of Marcel in Ponda district, Goa.
How to Reach Devaki Krishna Temple
However, if you prefer to travel on your own, here are a few options.
By Air: Dabolim International Airport is the nearest airport, located about 29 Kms away from the temple. From here, taxis and autos are readily available.
By Railway: The closest railhead to reach the destination is Karmali Railway Station, situated approximately 7 kilometers away. From here, taxis or autos can be hired.
By Road: It is well-connected to major cities like Sanquelin, Goltim-Navelim, Piedade, Maem, Naroa, and more. There are frequent buses available from major cities to reach the temple. Even cabs or taxis can be hired.
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