Shantadurga Prasann
The Hindu festival of Shantadurga Prasann is celebrated with much gaiety and fanfare at the small village of Fatorpa, south of Margao in January. There is a night procession of chariots bearing the goddess and as many as 100,000 people flock to the festival. The Shri Bodgeshwar Yatra or temple festival takes place just south of Mapusa.

Carnival (Feb/March)
Three days of feni-induced mayhem, centring on Panjim, to mark the run-up to Lent.

Shigmo (Feb/March)
The Goan version of Holi is celebrated with big parades and crowds. Drum and dance groups compete and parade through the streets.

Igitun Chalne (May)
Dhoti-clad devotees of the goddess Lairya walk over hot coals at the village of Sirigao, Bichloim in a trance.

Pop, Beat and Jazz Music Festival (May)
Local bands play at the Kala Academy in Panjim.

Sanjuan (June 24)
The festival of St John is celebrated all over Goa, but is especially important in the coastal villages of Arambol and Terekol. Youngsters torch straw dummies, representing St John's baptism and thus the death of sin, while revellers get wilder as they consume feni.

Janmashtami (Aug)
Ritual bathing in the River Mandovi, off Diwadi Island, to celebrate the birth of Krishna.

Dussehra (September/October)
Nine days of festivities in which effigies are burned on bonfires and children perform episodes from the life of Rama.

Diwali (October/November)
The five-day Hindu festival of lights feature processions all over the region, often accompanied by fireworks, and the exchange of sweets.

Sangeet Sammelan
Samrat Club's annual Sangeet Sammelan in memory of Master Dinanath Mangeshkar at Shri Shantadurga Devasthan, Kavlem takes place in December.

Christmas (Dec 24/25)
Celebrated everywhere in Goa. Late-night mass is followed by music, dancing and fireworks.

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