Apart from
a host of other things unique to the state of Goa, the annual ‘Tripurari
Pournima’ celebrations at Sankhali make Goa possibly the only state that
celebrates this festival with such great fanfare. This annual celebrations of
Tripurari Pournima are held at Vitalapur-Sankhali on the banks of the River
Valavanti; this year, it is going to be celebrated on November 6. The entire
Vithalapur village in Sankhali is lit-up and has the ambience of a typical Goan
jatra celebration. The grand finale has a spectacular display of fireworks on a
full moon night. According to industry experts, nearly 15,000 spectators attend
this festival every year.
Ameya
Abhyankar, Director, Goa Tourism Development Corporation, says, “GTDC has been
involved with the Tripurari Pournima festival at Sanquelim for quite some time
now. This occasion has been recognised as a state festival. GTDC has been assisting the Dipawali Utsav
Samittee, Vithalapur Sankhali to celebrate this occasion. Goa’s culture and
festivals are an integral part of Goa Tourism’s work. We believe that by
popularising and promoting it we can attract more tourists to the state and
give them a glimpse of Goa’s heritage and multi- cultural legacy.”
Legend has
it that a powerful demon named Tripurasur built three unconquerable cities of
gold, silver and iron with the blessing of Lord Shiva. The powerful demon then
started attacking and tormenting humans and demi gods (devas). The task of
annihilating the demon was taken upon by Lord Shiva and after three days of
fight, Lord Shiva killed Tripurasur and destroyed the three cities. This
happened on the full moon day in the Kartik month and therefore the day is
celebrated as Tripurari Pournima.
The
highlight of the festival is the procession of Lord Krishna, followed by
floating of lamps in the River Valvanti. After the arrival of the Palakhi
(Palanquin) procession of Lord Vithal and Goddess Rakhumai, symbolic killing of
demon Tripurasur (Tripurasur Wadh) takes place and subsequently there is the
release of Sarang (hot air balloon lamp) and fireworks. Other highlights of the
festival are the artistic miniature boats mostly made of thermocol and
cardboard.
Apart from
the boat competition, there are a host of cultural programmes including musical
shows and performances of traditional folk dances such as Goff, Dhalo,
Tonyamel, Veerbhadra, Samai dance, etc. As the competition progresses, the
boats are brought and displayed near the shore. The most creatively designed
boats are then awarded by the organisers. This year, GTDC has sponsored a
rolling trophy for this festival. GTDC has also arranged for transport
facilities for in-house guests (at the residencies) and Goans to witness the
Tripurari Pournima celebrations. GTDC coaches/buses will be arranged from
Miramar, Santa Monica Jetty and Mapusa Residency 8 pm onwards and are scheduled
to return at 12.30 pm in the night.