AMBIKA MORAJKAR
Every religion in Goa is rich with its own distinct traditions, yet many celebrations feature specific religious observances that can make it difficult for those outside the faith to fully participate. Then comes São João. As a Hindu, I have always felt a deep, almost magnetic connection to this festival. While celebrations like Holi often overlap with the solemnity of Lent or the introspection of Ramadan, São João carves out a unique, universal space. Arriving during the peak of the monsoon season, it is a beautiful time when Goa truly comes alive, drenched in vibrant greenery, laughter, and pure joy.
A lasting memory
One memory from a São João celebration in Murida, Margao, remains permanently etched in my heart. The local parish youth had organised traditional games, and I decided to join one where we had to break a clay pot while blindfolded. To my complete surprise, I won. But it wasn’t the victory that stayed with me; it was the moment the host announced into the microphone, "Our first winner is a Hindu participant." In that brief moment, a beautiful realisation washed over me. I wasn’t just an outsider observing someone else’s holiday, but an active part of it. The Christian community had welcomed me with open arms, making me feel that São João belonged to every single Goan. The infectious energy, the traditional songs, the excitement of wearing a kopel (flower crown), and the sheer warmth of the community make São João an emotion rather than just a day on the calendar. For me, it is a profound feeling of belonging, unity, and being proudly Goan.
Shared experiences
To see if this feeling was universal, I spoke with a few people from different backgrounds across Goa. Asha Dessai from Carmona shared how the festival bridges generations and neighbours, recalling, "As children, my siblings and I would wait for São João to make flower crowns and celebrate with our Christian neighbours. One of my favourite memories is helping prepare Patoleos together." Watching her five-year-old son enjoy those exact traditions now fills her with happiness, adding, "It reminds me that it is not just about celebrating a festival, but about passing on values of togetherness and joy to the next generation. I also love that it is closely connected to nature and the monsoons without causing pollution."
Similarly, lecturer Maya Sriya Kandalgaonkar views the festival as a living lesson in harmony. She explained, "Every year, I see students from different religions eagerly discussing their Sao Joao plans and exchanging stories... As a teacher, those moments are special because they show that harmony is not something that exists only in textbooks." She firmly believes that festivals like São João create opportunities for people to interact, understand one another, and celebrate together.
For Akshata Patil from Arlem, Raia, the monsoon festival is a highly anticipated reunion that brings everyone together despite busy schedules. She shared, "The preparations begin days in advance, from making Patoleos to planning gatherings with friends and neighbours. What makes the festival special is that many of my friends from different religions travel from different places just to celebrate together." For her, the unique monsoon atmosphere "beautifully reflects Goa's culture, unity, and love for nature. Preserving São João means preserving a part of Goa itself."
Christina Fernandes from Madel, Margao, expresses an immense sense of pride watching entire neighbourhoods light up. She remarked, "Houses are filled with visitors, friends meet after a long time, and people celebrate without worrying about religious differences." She added that seeing people from different faiths participate makes her proud of Goa's culture, noting, "That sense of togetherness and respect is what makes São João truly special."
Changing traditions
Despite this beautiful unity, a growing worry looms as the true essence of this festival slowly begins to fade. The traditional, intimate public gatherings, where neighbours laughed, sang old songs, and shared homemade treats, are gradually being replaced by commercialised overnight parties. As a Goan youth, I love the excitement, but its real spirit shouldn't be lost to new trends focused entirely on loud entertainment. The São João I grew up loving was never about club parties or drinking; it was about family gatherings, cousins meeting after months, neighbours celebrating together, and people forgetting their differences to dance in the rain.
Preserving the spirit
Today’s generation may not always be drawn to the spiritual aspects of traditions, but São João remains a festival that teaches core values while bringing immense joy. It tells a story of faith, culture, and unity in a way everyone can understand. As a Hindu who celebrates it, I believe the younger generation must preserve this tradition. In a world that often highlights differences, São João reminds us that Goa's greatest strength has always been its people, celebrating life as one.
