Traditional clay festival 'Chikal Kalo' held in Goa
The traditional clay festival known as 'Chikal Kalo' was celebrated in Marcel village, Goa on 28-30 June 2023. This festival happens every year on Ashadha Dwadashi. Chikal Kalo, which translates to "mud bath".
Participants including men and children from the village gather at the Devaki Krishna temple in Marseille to join in this unique celebration. Apart from vibrant dances, traditional games like Chendu phali (similar to cricket) and Gilli Danda are also played during the festival.
During this festival, villagers and children used to play in the mud as a dedication to the childhood stories of Lord Krishna who used to play with his friends. Goa's Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte and Art and Culture Minister Govind Gaude participated in the festival. According to elders, the tradition of Chikal Kalo dates back to 450 years when the temples were moved to Marseille.
