The unique annual festival of Chikal Kalo will begin at the Devi Krishna Temple in Marcel on Ashadi Ekadashi
SAISHA GAONKAR
The Devki Krishna Temple in Marcel has a long history dating back centuries. A number of festivities are held here.
“When the Portuguese were ruling over Goa, the locals, to demonstrate their togetherness and also to show they are not meek, began holding different religious rituals like zatras and kaale,” says Siddhesh Acharya, a priest and resident of Marcel
Among its many festivities, the temple is popularly known for its unique Chikal Kalo festival where people play with mud (chikal).
Also known as Gopal Kaalo, the festivital which commences on Ashadi Ekadashi (July 6 this year) celebrates the playful nature of baby Lord Krishna.
“On the first day, a coconut is placed in front of the idol of Devki Krishna, following which bhajans are sung till 12 p.m. the next day. During this period, the person who’s playing the ‘taal’ (music instrument) plays non-stop. This is called ‘Ekaah,” says Acharya. “Many bhajan groups also come to perform, including one from ISKCON.”
On the following day, the mud play begins from 12 p.m. to 1.30 p.m. “Before going to play in the mud, people first take the oil from the lit lamp and spread it over their body,” explains Marcel resident Dayanand Bhagat.
Following this, and after distributing of snacks, many games are played. “These include traditional games like ‘chakra’ where people come together and form a circle keeping their toes joined to each other,” says Acharya. Other games include ‘chendu fali’, tug of war, and blind man’s buff. Seniors and children play is different areas. “After all these games, they participate in the ‘Dahi Handi’ ritual,” says Acharya.
“People from ages one to 90 years old come to play and enjoy this joyous mud bath, which hasn’t changed at all. Every year, around 500+ people attend it. Even if they fall down while playing, no injuries are observed,” says Acharya.
Married couple who are childless pray for a child, vowing to Lord Krishna that they will bring the child to play in the mud when he or she turns one year old, says Bhagat. “As we all know when Lord Krishna was young, he used to play in the mud. So, during the festival, the parent puts the child down in the mud or at least lets his/her feet touch the mud,” says Bhagat.
While this festival was previously only for the locals, today, the crowd has grown. “Today even people from neighbouring states come to experience it,” says Bhagat.
Around two years ago, adds Acharya, the Goa Tourism Department also began popularising the festival.
The Department also organises competitions like photography and cooking competition. “While the tourism department and the media has increased the interest in this festival, traditional aspect of it remains unchanged,” he says.
