Sao Joao festival: Why and when do revellers jump into wells and ponds?
With a population of more than a billion people, we are well aware that India is a remarkably diverse nation and one of the oldest civilisations in the world. As a result, there are many different religions here, with truly varied cultures and traditions. There are more festivals celebrated in India than in any other country in the world, right from Diwali, Dussehra, to Christmas, Janmashtami, Ganesh Chaturthi, Raksha Bandhan, etc. Rightly so, India has earned its nickname ‘The Land of Festivals and Fairs,’ where every day is a reason to celebrate. No matter what festivals you celebrate, we bet you haven't heard of one such fun festival that is celebrated in Goa every monsoon, the Sao Joao festival.
What is the Sao Joao festival?
Every monsoon on June 24th, the Catholic population of the state of Goa celebrates Sao Joao, the feast of St. John the Baptist (c.1st century BC - c. AD 30), often regarded as the forerunner in Christianity. The celebrations include a variety of food, including feni (a local alcohol made from cashews) and dishes from the local cuisine.
Curious customs
The festival features some crazy customs too, starting from jumping into wells or ponds and welcoming sons-in-law in the community to a boat festival. Locals enjoy these rituals while playing the percussion instrument, gumott. Let us take you through them.
Jumping into wells and ponds: Yes, this is what people do as part of this festival. Revellers jump into various waterbodies including ponds, fountains, and wells. This tradition is known as the ‘leap of joy’. But can you possibly imagine why they do this?
The Sao Joao festival, is also a celebration of birthday of St. John the Baptist, the son of Elizabeth, a relative of Mother Mary. According to Christian traditions, St. John the Baptist leaped with joy inside Elizabeth's womb when Mother Mary told her she was expecting a baby boy i.e., Jesus. The womb is symbolised by the well, while the joy and happiness of the birth of Jesus Christ are represented by the jump into it. Thanks to the offerings that young, pregnant mothers make to God in the hopes of becoming mothers, this festival is also known as the ‘Festival of Fertility’.
Welcoming the son-in-law in Sao Joao: The villagers typically give them a grand welcome. The new son-in-law is led to the local well or pond for the ‘leap of joy’ while wearing a festive hat made from flowers (hibiscus and rose) and Sanjuachi vaal (a local creeper). This tradition originated after a son-in-law once travelled to see his in-laws but was involved in an accident and passed away prior to seeing the villagers. Since then, the new son-in-law has been welcomed into the community on the feast of St. John the Baptist.
Sao Joao Boat Festivities: The Sao Joao boat parade in the Siolim village of Goa often draws tens of thousands of spectators. Although the town of Baga is more well-known as a tourist destination, it also has a Sao Joao tradition. In this busy part of North Goa’s coastal belt, sangodd is celebrated as a part of the feast of St John the Baptist.
Two boats are tied together to make a sangodd, which represents union, unity, and junction. The tying of the boat represents the village's unity. In fact, the sangodd unites the whole of Baga and serves as a gathering place for entertaining friends and family.
The Sao Joao traditional boat festival first took place in 1992 in front of St Anthony’s Church in Siolim village. Participants arrive in colourful costumes, a stage is set up, and prizes are awarded to the best decorated boat, dress, and kopel (crown). Keeping the mood colourful and festive, most hotels and guesthouses organise pool parties as.