Goa’s serene beaches are witnessing a rare blend of spirituality and cultural vibrancy as Chhath Puja celebrations unfold across the state. From Miramar to Vasco and Colva, the coastline has become a landscape of devotion, with hundreds of devotees offering prayers to the Sun God (Surya Dev) a symbol of life, light, and gratitude.
Women dressed in traditional sarees, their foreheads adorned with vermilion, stand waist-deep in the sea, holding bamboo baskets filled with fruits and offerings. The scene, illuminated by the setting and rising sun, reflects both timeless faith and the evolving cultural tapestry of Goa.
Rooted in Tradition, Celebrated Across Borders
Although Chhath Puja originated in Bihar and Jharkhand, it has long transcended regional boundaries. The festival, known for its discipline and purity, is now celebrated with equal devotion across India from Delhi and Mumbai to Mauritius, Nepal, and beyond.
In Goa, the festival retains its authentic rituals and spiritual rigour. Alongside beach celebrations, devotees gather at riverbanks in Ponda, Sanvordem, and Margao, where the rituals are performed with traditional precision. The air reverberates with folk hymns and chants, while the aroma of thekua the sacred offering made from wheat flour, jaggery, and ghee adds to the sanctity of the occasion.
The Ritual Journey: From Nahaye Khaye to Usha Arghya
This year’s celebration began with the ritual of Nahaye Khaye, where devotees purify themselves and start the fasting process. The next day marks Kharna, a preparatory phase where participants fast throughout the day and break it only after offering kheer and fruits to the deity. The festival reaches its spiritual peak during the Sandhya Arghya (evening offerings) and Usha Arghya (morning offerings) moments that symbolise the cycle of gratitude, humility, and devotion to nature’s eternal source of energy. As the first rays of dawn touch the waters, devotees fold their hands in reverence, praying for the well-being of their families and the prosperity of society.
Chhath Puja Seva Samiti: Preserving Faith in a New Home
The Chhath Puja Seva Samiti, established in 2013 by a small group of families in Goa, has played a pivotal role in organising the festival every year. From just 12 families in its inception to now thousands of participants, the organisation ensures that every aspect from ritual arrangements to environmental safety is handled with devotion and discipline. Local volunteers and cultural groups collaborate to maintain cleanliness along beaches and riverbanks, underscoring the festival’s emphasis on purity both physical and spiritual. The committee’s efforts have turned Goa’s Chhath celebrations into one of the most orderly and spiritually charged community events on the state’s calendar.
Beyond its religious significance, Chhath Puja in Goa stands as a reflection of India’s cultural inclusiveness. People from diverse backgrounds locals, migrants, and tourists often join the celebrations, drawn by the peaceful hymns, the rhythmic sound of dhols, and the powerful imagery of sunrise worship. This cultural integration aligns with Goa’s own identity a land known for harmony among faiths and respect for traditions. The sight of devotees performing rituals on the same shores that welcome international visitors every day is a reminder of Goa’s spiritual openness and social harmony.
Environmental Awareness and Responsible Celebration
As the festival grows, environmental consciousness has become central to the organisers’ approach. Devotees are encouraged to use eco-friendly offerings, avoid plastic, and leave the beaches clean after the rituals. Local administration and police departments extend logistical support, ensuring safety and discipline throughout the four-day event.Environmentalists have lauded these efforts, noting how community-driven awareness has helped maintain Goa’s pristine coastal environment even amid large gatherings.
Tradition That Transcends Geography
From the riverbanks of Ponda to the beaches of Miramar and Colva, Chhath Puja in Goa is more than a religious observance it is a celebration of gratitude, discipline, and unity. It symbolizes how cultural traditions, when carried with sincerity, can thrive in new lands and create bridges between communities. As the golden light of dawn reflects on Goa’s calm waters, devotees bow in silence expressing the same faith that has guided generations for centuries. In their prayers lies a message of hope, resilience, and shared humanity, echoing across Goa’s shores.
