With the sound of firecrackers, ghumots and devotional aartis filling the air, Lord Ganesha has arrived in homes across Goa, ushering in one of the state’s most cherished festivals — Chovoth.
While some families welcome Bappa for one-and-a-half days, others celebrate for five or seven days. Public Ganesh idols, meanwhile, remain for devotees until Anant Chaturdashi.
Across Goa, the next 11 days will bring a familiar festive rhythm, with the beats of ghumot and shamel accompanying aartis and celebrations in homes and communities.
The traditional matoli remains one of the highlights of the festival. Homes are beautifully decorated with locally sourced fruits, vegetables, leaves and other natural produce, showcasing Goa’s deep connection with nature and its age-old traditions.
For many Goan families, Chovoth is more than just a religious celebration. It is a time when families come together, relatives return home, traditional recipes fill the kitchen and generations reconnect with customs passed down over the years.
From the first aarti to the final immersion, the festival brings a special warmth to Goan homes and neighbourhoods.
And as the celebrations grow louder, many families continue to embrace eco-friendly Chovoth, keeping the spirit of the festival alive while respecting the environment.
