With majority of the population being Hindu, the state of Goa celebrates a long procession of festivals throughout the year. This state is famous for its Indo-Latin festivals. In fact this is a state where festivals are regarded as a way of life. Since they are based on the Hindu calendar, all do not occur on fixed dates of the calendar year. Despite the long span of Portuguese colonization, the Hindu festivals of the state have still retained their unique Goan character and are celebrated throughout the state with deep fervor and enthusiasm. In the Hindu Mythology the state of Goa is described as the `Land of Gods`. In fact there are in this state numerous Gods and Goddesses with differing names, rituals, tastes and traditions. Most of these deities have not undergone any changes through the past score of decades while the remaining ones have adapted to the changing time and circumstances.

There are many Goan festivals, which can actually be redefined as feasts of the local family or local deity and are celebrated with much exuberance in the temple of the God or Goddesses called `Devasthan`. The festivals of Goa not only add color to the life of the Goanese but they enhance the spirit of their lives with elements of devotion and sacredness. Thousands of devotees take part in the festive celebrations and the palanquin procession.

Hindu Festivals·
Ganesh Chaturthi
This is undoubtedly the most illustrious festival in the state of Goa. It is observed in the months of August/September in the honor of the birthday of the Elephant God, Ganesh. Most of the inhabitants of the state return to their native birthplace or their ancestral abodes to join the entire family in the joyous festivities. The locals of Goa with fervor and enthusiasm organize the celebrations no less intensity than the state of Maharashtra where it is unquestionably the most important festival of the year.

Mahashivratri
This festival is held in the month of Magh or in the months of January/February in Goa. It is celebrated in the honor of Lord Shiva in all the principle Shivmandirs or Shiva temples such as Mangueshi, Rudershwar, Nagueshi, Sri Mahadev, Bhumika and other temples. The devotees of Lord Shiva celebrate this festival with utmost devotion and dedication. ·

Dussehra
In the northern states of India the festival of Dussehra is celebrated just before Diwali but in the state of Goa the two festivals are celebrated as one. Huge idols of King Ravana are burnt all over the city at night and mark the victory of the good over the evil.

Rakshabandhan/Rakhi
This festival is celebrated in the state of Goa with much warmth and devotion. It is better known as the festival of brother and sisters where in the sisters tie colorful bands on the wrist of their brothers who in turn promises to protect their sisters from any sort of harmful influences. The brothers also present their sisters with some gifts as a token of their love, affection and promise. This festival is celebrated all over the country as well as in Goa in the month of August.

Diwali
The celebration of good`s victory over evil is done with much exuberance and ebullience in the state of Goa. Bhaubija and New Year day are celebrated as part of the Diwali. Narakchaturdasi is called Diwali in the state of Goa. The might of Diwali in Goa is also bejeweled with millions of flickering candles and an explosion of fire works and firecrackers. The state wears a festive look with colorful skylamps and festoons. The family the visits the local temple and returns to a similar feast of `foav` sweets. Giant effigies of Ravana dressed in vibrant outfits and weaponry are put up in the days foregoing the actual Diwali and are burnt just before the sunrise. ·

Holi
The `festival of colors` or Holi in the state of Goa is celebrated as Shigmotsav. It is a festival observed in honor to bid farewell to winter and to welcome the season of spring with lots of color and exuberance. The enthusiastic people of Goa do not sit behind the rest of the nation when it comes to the celebrations of this festival of joy. The masses also indulge themselves in the festive celebrations following all the religious traditions.

Ram Navami
This religious Hindu festival is celebrated in the whole country along with the state of Goa on the ninth day of the expanding moon in the months of March/April. This auspicious day is observed to mark the birth of Lord Rama. The people of Goa celebrate this sacred festival by observing fasts and observing prayers in his honor. The temples in Goa are gaily decorated and the images of Lord Rama are adorned with colorful flowers on this auspicious occasion. During this festival the people of Goa sing and chant the name of Lord Rama. The devotees indeed have a highly colorful ceremony to mark the approach of happiness and serenity in their lives.

Christian Festivals
Sao Jao Festival
This festival is observed all over the state of Goa on 24th June. Sao Joao is the feast of the Baptist St. John. On this auspicious occasion all the married females are presented a basket full of seasonal fruits to be taken to their homes. The new married son-in-laws celebrate this festival in their mother in laws` place. In the villages of Goa the local youth go on a procession wearing crowns of leaves and carrying bottles of Feni and ultimately arrives at a well of pond into which they jump along with the sons-in-law.

Bonderam
This festival is celebrated in the state in memory of the protests that were raised by scores of villagers against the unjust and unreasonable system they adopted to settle down land disputes and ownership issues of land. During this festival the charming and quiet island comes alive with the fervor and exuberance and there is a carnival ambience that is created with the melody of the music reaching even the mainland of Goa.

Christmas
The celebrations of Christmas in Goa starts from the Christmas Eve and lingers on for sometime even after the actual date of the festival. You will find glittering and sparkling Christmas trees in every nook and corner of the street as well as inside the houses of the locales. All the altars are also brightly decorated with various sorts of creative sparks. The melodious tunes and lyrics of the Christmas carols fill up the pleasant ambience of the state and ushers in the festive spirit. Muslim FestivalsThe state of Goa is a mosaic of Hinduism, Islam and Christianity so apart from these a number of festivals are celebrated thus making the state a melting pot of eastern and western cultures.

Eid-Ul-Fitr
This festival is celebrated in the state of Goa with as much fervor and enthusiasm as it is celebrated all over the country. This propitious festival marks the end of the month of Ramzan. After a full month of fasting the Muslims in Goa look forward to the festive celebration with a heart full of ebullient ideas. They prepare elaborate feasts and and organize fairs for rejoicing and enjoyment. ·

Eid-Ul-Zuha
This grand Muslim festival is celebrated in the honor of the prophet in the state of Goa. It is observed as a very important festival of the Islam coomunity. This festival marks the sacrifice if Prophet Abraham`s son. It is celebrated all across the country as well as in the of Goa with much pomp and show.