Media Release
Qatar, Jul 3: Sao Joao feast is celebrated on June 24 annually all over Goa. Those who have migrated and immigrated also carry this flavor of celebration in the distant lands, thus maintaining a link with their land of ancestors. In Qatar, Goan Welfare Association (GWA) celebrated Sao Joao festival on June 27 at Al Andalus.
Goa may be in 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. The jumping with joy is externally associated with the custom, tradition and culture accompanying the feast devoid of religious thought. The tradition and culture has no biblical roots, it is entirely folklore specific to Goa.
GWA’s president Simon D’Silva welcomed everyone for their fourth annual Sao Joao celebration and profusely thanked the main sponsor Melwyn Barretto, co-sponsor Milton Pimenta, DJ Glorio, MC Archie D’Mello, Arjun and Anuja, guests and well-wishers.
D’Silva praised the efforts put in by the committee members to organize such an excellent evening within six days. Rosario Dias led by his group sang “Viva Sao Joao”, a song by late C Alvares with Agnelo Rodrigues on the guitar. The unique distinction of this tradition is the wearing of colorful wreaths, crowns, coronets, tiaras of flowers, leaves, creepers and with fruits at times. The guests joined in special loud colourful attires, giving it a distinct flavour.
In Goa, the well used to be full during this time of the season; hence jumping only in the wells was unique, which is now changed to a swimming pool in Qatar. The jumpers retrieved the fruits thrown in the swimming pool and the children too participated having fun and learning about the tradition. There was a pompous celebration of the guests as one family on the evening of June 27 in Qatar.
DJ Glorio provided typical music keeping the folks and youngsters on the floor continuously till the wee hours in the morning. There was the spirit of adventure, revelry, entertainment, creativity, fun and pure joy. Various prizes for headgear and other spot prizes were given away. Game of the evening was conducted by Delfi Fernandes and fabulous prizes were given away. 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.
The unique rituals and celebration of this annual event provides an unusual glimpse of local custom and culture, made everyone feel at home away from home. The depiction of professionally well organized events, with lots of fun and incessant entertainment by Goan Welfare Association, encouraged guests to demand with GWA to organize seek more and more functions at least one in every month.
The guests appreciated and thanked the organizers for an excellent Sao Joao celebration.