Goa village lures tourists for 'Chikhal Kalo' festival

Panaji: Marcel, a small hamlet in North Goa, attracted hundreds of visitors on Friday for "Chikhal Kalo", a traditional mud festival that celebrates Lord Krishna's childhood.

Hundreds of locals and tourists thronged the village to witness the event, which has been recognised and promoted by the state tourism department.

The celebration begins at Devki Krishna temple in Marcel and is marked by youngsters and children throwing mud at each other and replicating the games played by Lord Krishna as a child.

“The festival has been celebrated here for centuries now. While we are not aware of the exact date or time period it started, it has been celebrated since the temple's existence,” a village elder said.

State Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte and Art and Culture Minister Govind Gaude joined the revellers in the mud play.

“We have recognised this festival as a part of our state tourism calendar. We want to change the perception that Goa is only about the Sun, sea and sand,” Khaunte said.

"Chikhal Kalo" is rooted in Goa's culture and is a must watch for tourists who want to know more about the coastal state, he added.