Did you know that Goa has its own Halloween festival? Celebrated in Goa’s Divar Island, people don ghoulish get-ups to celebrate the Potekar Festival and this tradition dates back to the pre-Portuguese era. The festival is celebrated three days before Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of Lent, a solemn 40-day period of fasting and abstinence for Christians. Scroll on to know more about this.
History & Significance Of Potekar Festival
Divar Island, located just a few kilometres away from mainland Panjim, was a pilgrimage site for Hindus in ancient times. Now, it is home to about 8,000 people and has three unique festivals, one of them being the Potekar Festival. According to Sahapedia, ‘Potekar’ is a Konkani word which means shabby. The residents of this island dress up as ‘potekars’ and are seen roaming around the streets. Some are even seen frightening children to teach them morals and values.
Legend says that years ago, people who used to sweep the compounds of houses in the village would come by to demand a reward like snacks and drinks from locals. They would walk around, speaking in falsetto voices to hide their identity. Inspired by them, the youth of the island now dress up in costumes along with homemade and hand-painted masks.
The Potekar Festival finds its origins in the pre-Portuguese era. The festival was first introduced by early settlers in Goa’s coastal villages and its customs are linked to the practices in the village communes, often referred to as the gaunkari system. It is celebrated over three days and its secret lies in disguise. People dress up in different themes and their identities are often hidden for those three days. Interestingly, some even wear cowbells on their ankles or waists to add a distinct sound to their getup. Some go as far as changing their voice and mannerisms.
Also Read: Goa Carnival 2025: Dates, History, Major Attractions & All You Need To Know About This Carnival
Dates & Celebration Of This Goan Halloween
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This year, the Potekar Festival will be celebrated from March 1-4. While there are no specific programmes during these festive days, the islanders dress up in costumes and roam around the village carrying a sack, demanding snacks, much like Halloween.
When these people visit homes, residents often offer food and beverages like goddxem, beer, and even lunch. The children on the island, however, run for their lives when they hear the bells ringing!
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So, are you ready to witness the hauntingly thrilling Goan tradition? Let us know in the comments.
Cover Image Courtesy: X/@SoulTravelling2 & Instagram/beautyofgoa
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