Doha: Goans Enjoy a Splash at Sao Joao Bash
Alexis Castelino
Daijiworld Media Network - Doha
With Inputs from Sunil Crasto
Doha, Jul 1: Goa may be at the height of rainy season in late June, but enthusiasm for the annual Sao Joao festival is never dampened. Men and boys jump into wells, ponds and rivers, mimicking the joyous celebration of St John’s heralding of Christ.
In Qatar, Goan Welfare Association (GWA) celebrated Sao Joao festival on Friday June 28 at Al Andalus. GWA’s president welcomed everyone and introduced the new concept band DJV with combined music of DJ Glorio and live singing of Abu Dhabi fame Camillo Colaco.
Agnelo and Joyce too performed together along with Rosario Dias and Natcey Barretto with one man band Agnelo Rodrigues. Couple singers Rupesh and Celia provided added performances. The jumping act symbolizes St John The Baptist’s leaping in his mother Elizabeth’s womb when visited by Mary who was expecting Jesus. Thus the festival came to be known as the feast of Saint John the Baptist, where jumping with joy, especially in water bodies was the highlight.
The Sao Joao festival is most pompously celebrated in Goa amongst the Catholic community and is dedicated to St John the Baptist, and is celebrated on June 24 every year. This occasion marks the celebration by the local youth in the villages of Goa who normally jump into wells according to the existing tradition of Sao Joao festival. They consume plenty of fruits on this occasion and are virtually unstoppable when they indulge in revelry.
It was a real treat to watch the guests with crowns of leaves and varied fruits on their heads. Loads of spot prizes were given to the guests. A lucky winner pearl necklace was sponsored by Expat Properties.
GWA thanked all the guests for their support and cooperation and also thanked the performers for their exhilarating performances.