The Roman Catholic religion of the Portuguese drew some elements from their old civilization of the Roman Empire. Latin is used in many of the religious ceremonies of the Goanese. Festivals in Goa has a deep impact of the old Roman culture and customs. Different festivals in Goa are a fine blend of the modern Goanese form of celebration and the Old Portuguese impact on there culture.
The word, ‘carnival’ traces its history back in the Medieval Latin words, carnem levare or carnelevarium, which means, ‘take away or remove meat’. In the ancient Saturnalia festival of ancient Rome the usage of this word can be found. The heritage of carnival can be found in the history of celebrating many such religions functions of the old day civilizations. Carnivals are mainly celebrated to release the emotion pent up through out the year.
The Hindus residing in Goa celebrate Shigmo, which is a spring festival just like, Saturnalia. Shigmo is observed as the New Year. On the other hand the celebration of this festival also signifies burgeoning of life. Both, Shigmo and Carnival are festivals to celebrate joy and mirth, while, Shivaratri is an auspicious festival of worshipping Shiva. This is among the most ancient of the three greatest festivals celebrated in Goa. Lord Shiva is being worshipped in India from ancient days. Shiva is mainly worshipped to appease the god who in India is considered to be the god of destruction.
“Zatra” is celebrated in the temples of Goa. Mangueshi, Kapileshwari, Kundai, Amona, Shirgao, Mala-Panaji, Mulgaon, Kavlem, Ramnathi, Nagueshi, Madkai, Borim, Shiroda, Karmali Khandepar, Fatorpa, Marshel, Mapusa, Velinga, and Calangute are the temples where the celebration of Zatra can be seen.
Goa can easily be called as the mosaic of Hinduism, Christianity and Islam. Other than these there are a number of other festivals celebrated by different community in Goa. Goa is nothing but a melting pot of western and eastern cultures. Different festivals in Goa help in the coexistence of different communities.
In order to know more about Goa, browse through the other pages on the site, Countryofindia.com.
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