Team Goemkarponn
Panaji: The Department of Tourism officially inaugurated the three day Chikhal Kalo Festival 2026 at Marcel on Friday, marking the start of one of Goa’s most celebrated monsoon festivals that showcases the state’s rich cultural heritage and community spirit.
The festival commenced near the Shree Devki Krishna Temple in the presence of Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant, Tourism Minister Rohan A. Khaunte, Goa Tourism Development Corporation Chairman Kedar J. Naik, Priol MLA Govind Gaude, Director of Tourism Kedar Naik, GTDC Managing Director Kuldeep Arolkar and other dignitaries, devotees and visitors.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant described Chikhal Kalo as a celebration of unity and togetherness. He said the traditional mud play is much more than a ritual, bringing people together without barriers and reflecting the true spirit of Goa’s culture and community.
A special highlight of the inaugural ceremony was the felicitation of acclaimed vocalist Mahesh Kale with a Kaavi portrait created by noted Goan artist Sagar Naik Mule, celebrating the state’s distinctive artistic traditions. The ceremony was followed by Mahesh Kale’s devotional performance of Abhangwari, which captivated the audience with soulful renditions.
The day’s celebrations also featured a cooking competition and Anubhooti, a musical presentation by Tanvi Walawalkar and The Heart of Jogan Band, creating a vibrant blend of music, spirituality and culture.
Tourism Minister Rohan A. Khaunte invited visitors to witness the iconic Chikhal Kalo mud play on Sunday, describing it as a unique experience where people of all ages come together in a spirit of joy, devotion and community. He said the festival remains one of Goa’s most cherished traditions and offers visitors an authentic insight into the state’s cultural identity.
Tourism Director Kedar Naik said festivals like Chikhal Kalo play an important role in preserving Goa’s heritage while encouraging visitors to discover the state’s cultural richness beyond its beaches.
The festival will conclude on Sunday, July 26, with the traditional Chikhal Kalo mud play beginning at 11 am, celebrating the playful spirit of Lord Krishna through age old mud games and community participation.
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