Goa’s unique Tripurari Poornima celebrations | Goa | Manjulika Pramod

It is said that there are as many festivals in India as there are days in a year!

No matter where you travel in the country, there’s a celebration and all are invited to participate. I always check out on local events, especially festivals, to learn more about the culture of the place I’m travelling to. To me festivals embody many emotions, actions, and events. They epitomize joy, happiness, veneration, prayers, colors, lights, enthusiasm, and good food. And that’s how I came to witness the fascinating Tripurari Poornima in Vithalapur in Sanquelim, in North Goa.

Observed as a state festival in Goa, locals celebrate Deeparadhana (lamp of fire worship) or Tripurari Poornima, on the day of the full moon in October or November as per the lunar calendar for the year. In other parts of India, it also observed as Dev Deepawali, which means Diwali of the Gods and marks the end of the month-long Kartik Snan and fasting, especially in North India.

A Moveable Feast

Despite Goa being the quintessential party destination, Vithalapur in North Goa has held on to its traditional rituals and customs associated with Tripurari Poornima. The Valvanti River illuminates like a palace while the full moon bestows its blessings on the people of Sanquelim. Hundreds of diyas and lamps are set afloat in the river. Every house is decked up with lights and rangoli to celebrate the victory of the Gods over the demon.

The celebrations commence with the “palanquin procession of Vithal Rakhumai”, amidst chanting and traditional music compelling everyone to join in the festivities as it reaches the bank of the Valvanti river. Added to this is the colourful boat show replete with bells and whistles which is also a huge draw among participants and spectators. Watching these boats in the water is almost akin to a boat party and the “Saranga” [balloon lamps] launched into the sky is a magical sight! The festival concludes with burning of the demon’s effigy that has been set in the midst of the river followed by grand fireworks.

Over the years, a series of cultural programs, dance-dramas, displays of fireworks, and the burning of the effigy of the demon has become a part of the celebrations. Villagers and tourists celebrate way beyond midnight on this full moon night.

The legends and tales behind Tripurari Poornima

The festivity and enthusiasm associated with Tripurari Poornima at large are a tribute to Lord Shiva and Krishna. It is believed that Lord Shiva liberated people from the oppressive ruler and killed the demon Tripurasura (Tripur). After 3 days of an intense fight, Shiva also freed demon Tripurasura’s three impregnable cities of gold, silver and iron on the day of Kartik Purnima. The ‘devas’ were delighted because this was the end of the demon’s attack and torment and the victory of good over evil. This festival of illuminations is also associated with Radha Krishna tales. The mythological stories say that Radha Krishna performed rasleela with the gopis on this day.