If it's Sao Joao, it's time to jump into wells in Goa!

Every year, in the midst of the monsoon showers, Goa soaks in one of its most popular traditional festivals, Sao Joao. Celebrated on 24 June, the feast is dedicated to St John the Baptist, and reflects the state’s rich cultural heritage through music, customs, food and community celebrations. Here’s what makes Sao Joao uniquely different from other local feasts:

JUMPING INTO WELLS

One of the most unique customs of Sao Joao is people jumping into wells as part of the revelry.  While the festival is celebrated in honour of St John the Baptist (the cousin of Jesus Christ), the connection to jumping in wells comes from the biblical story of John the Baptist ‘leaping’ joyfully in the womb of his mother, Elizabeth, upon the visit of her sister Mary who was also with child (Jesus).

KOPEL, A FLORAL CROWN

The kopel is a colourful, handmade headgear, fashioned from leaves, and seasonal flowers and fruits, generally entwined together using a common asparagus creeper, called sanjuachi val. Wearing a kopel has become an inseparable symbol of Sao Joao celebrations in Goa, and the festivities just wouldn’t be the same without it.

FOOD & MOOD

The feast has its own set of traditional songs, accompanied by the lively beats of ghumot music. Platters of seasonal fruits, like mangoes, bananas and jackfruits, (known as dhali) are shared among friends and visitors. Patoleo, donne and sanna are some of the to-die-for local delicacies prepared on the occasion.

FOCUS ON THE SON-IN-LAW

Sao Joao is commonly known as Zavaianchem Fest, as it is associated with the tradition of a newly-married son-in-law being welcomed into his wife’s maternal home and treated like a special guest.

NEED TO SEE

While the feast is celebrated all over Goa, the festivities are particularly elaborate in several Goan villages, including Siolim, Benaulim, Anjuna, Assolna and Pilerne, with community spirit  and cultural traditions on display. Among these, the decorative boat parade in Siolim is not to be missed for the creativity showcased therein.