Viva Sao Joao!
June sets across Goa. The skies turn grey as the clouds empty themselves across the landscape. It is in this atmosphere that the village wells become the centres of much joy and celebration. It’s the fest of Sao Joao.
24 June is considered as the fest of St John the Baptist. Some old observances are linked to this festival . Among them, the new son-in-law is invited to the bride’s home to celebrate the feast, in another he is paraded around the village wearing a crown made from fresh flowers and wild berries. Traditionally this son-in-law then jumps into the closest well as part of the festivities.
Today both young and old join in the festivities of jumping into the well to th...