When you hear drums beating, people jumping into wells, and colourful crowns of flowers floating on heads, you know it’s “Sao Joao” time in Goa! It’s one of the most vibrant feasts celebrated on June 24, in honour of St John the Baptist. Yes, the same St John who leapt with joy in his mother Elizabeth’s womb when she met Mother Mary. And that joy? Oh, it still echoes in the hearts of Goans today.
In Goa, Sao Joao is not just a church feast—it’s a festival of joy, music, laughter, and community bonding. Villagers wear traditional attire, sing Konkani songs, and jump into wells, ponds, and rivers. Young men and boys wear flower crowns called “kopels” and go around the village shouting, “Viva Sao Joao!” In some villages, you’ll see colourful floats, coconut offerings, and even boat parades. Families cook festive meals with seasonal fruits, jackfruits, and bottles of feni are passed around like blessings. Everyone joins in—young, old, rich, and poor. That’s the true Goan spirit—inclusive, joyful, and full of heart.
Over time, for many, Sao Joao has become a reason to party, drink, and post selfies. But the feast is not about how high we jump, but how deep we understand. Are we just getting wet from the outside or soaked from the soul? Celebrating is good! But let us not forget the real message of Sao Joao: behind the flower crowns and festive splashes lies a deeper, spiritual message. St John the Baptist was a man of simplicity, courage, and great faith. He prepared the way for Jesus and even baptised Him in the River Jordan.
His life teaches us humility, truth, and the importance of preparing our hearts for God. So, when we celebrate Sao Joao, are we only celebrating outwardly or are we letting the message touch us from within? Just as wells are deep, so is the call of Sao Joao—to go deeper in our relationship with the Almighty and not just float on the surface of traditions. Also, let us remember to keep ourselves and others safe. Jumping into wells and dancing in the rain is fun, but only when done responsibly.
As the rains pour down this Sao Joao, let’s take a moment to whisper a prayer: “Lord, let my heart leap with joy like St John’s. Help me to live simply, love deeply, and prepare my soul for Your presence.” So, whether we are jumping into water or not, let us all take a leap—a leap of faith. Let this feast be not just a splash of fun but a wave of blessings in our lives.
Viva Sao Joao!
Not just in wells, but in our hearts too.
