The annual chikal kalo festival was held at Sadashivagad, Karwar. This traditional tug-of-war event takes place every year in front of the Rukmini Panduranga temple in Krishnapura, Sadashivagad. This year, 16 teams participated in the Kesarugadde sports event organised by the Chhatrapati Shivaji Mitra Mandali, despite challenges like neighbourhood issues and floods.
With a total of 182 players, more than a thousand people attended the event. Even with the rain, the teams put on a great show, engaging in the tug-of-war as an act of devotion to God.
The registration fee for the tug-of-war competition was Rs 1,000, with a grand prize of Rs 22,222 for the winners and Rs 11,111 for the runners-up. The event ran from 9 am to 6:30 pm. The Mylaralingeshwar group from Kundapur clinched first place, while the Majali Bulls from Karwar secured second place.
Mud sports events like this are common in the monsoon season from Goa to Kerala. Despite the challenging weather, participants played with great enthusiasm, offering the public a joyful and relaxed experience.
On the other hand, Goa locals also celebrate the chikal kalo festival in Marcel, North Goa. This festival is held on the eleventh day of the Hindu month of Ashadha, which is also the Aashadhi Ekadashi. The day is very spiritual and important for the followers of Vitthal Rakhumai. Chikal Kalo is also known as the mud bath festival. It is a tribute to Lord Krishna and his friends and symbolises the deep bond between the rural population and Mother Earth.
Under the leadership of Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte, the festival has evolved into a three-day celebration that combines devotion and entertainment. Classical and traditional Indian and Goan music is played at the Devki Krishna Temple in Marcel and the festival culminates with a day-long sports and games event. This year, Rohan Khaunte and Sports Minister Govind Gawde playing Chikal Kalo was an interesting highlight.
The festival has become a major draw for domestic and international tourists, attracting large numbers of visitors and contributing significantly to Goa’s cultural tourism initiatives. The Tourism Minister’s vision for Goa as a cultural tourism destination is gaining traction through initiatives like these.
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