Ganesh Chaturthi in Goa – Heartfelt Chavath Vibes in Palolem Canacona

Ganesh Chaturthi begins in goa the most beautiful way right here in Palolem just like maharashtra. Early-morning buzz—kids running around shouting “Ganpati Bappa Morya!”, women putting vibrant rangoli at the doorstep, and the soft glow of diyas lighting up our Goan homes.

Hi, I’m Devesh Desai, a local from Palolem,South Goa. Born and raised here, I’ve always felt a deep connection to this festival—not just as a celebration, but as an emotion that blends our traditions, family bonds, and that unmistakable Goan heat.

Let me give you a personal glimpse into how we locals celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi—or “Chavath” as we lovingly call it in Konkani. For us, it’s the biggest and most-awaited festival of the monsoon season. It arrives just after the tourist season winds down and Palolem settles into a peaceful rhythm. And in that peaceful stillness, we welcome lord Ganesha with full devotion, smiles, and soulful rituals.

Ganesh Chaturthi in Palolem – Where It All Begins

We start preparing days before. Few Years Back Someone is to go to the jungle early morning to pick wild fruits and leaves but now we get it in the market. Then we hang it up in the matoli where Bappa Sits.(Matoli is a wooden frame that’s hung above Lord Ganesha’s idol. It’s decorated with different seasonal and wild fruits, flowers, wild herbs, and other natural things). It’s a way of showing respect to nature and how people and nature live together and help each other.That smell, that look — you just know Chavath has begun.

I still remember those childhood days clearly. Ganesh Chaturthi wasn’t just about modak and pooja — it was excitement from the moment we heard Bappa was coming. But honestly, what we kids waited for the most? Those GRIPON ring cap pistols. Plastic gun, red round ammo, loud “thak-thak” sound with smoke. We felt like heroes, running around barefoot playing police and chor in the lanes. Echoes everywhere. Even after visarjan, the fun didn’t stop.

How Many Days We Celebrate Chavath in Goa?

In Goa, Ganesh Chaturthi isn’t fixed. Each home, each village, have their own rhythm.

Here in Canacona We usually keep Bappa for just one and a half days. Bappa comes home, we do pooja, full energy, and by the second evening—off to visarjan.Short, sweet, and loaded with emotion.

But go up north to Ponda—especially Marcel side, it’s a different story. Some families celebrate it for a whole 21 days. Like a mini Diwali, every night has aarti, joint meals, drama nights under fairy lights. The whole lane gets involved, aunties gossiping, kids running around… total chaos with a festival blast.

Then, we have sarvajanik(Public) ganesh mandal—those go for 9 to 21 days. Each night something new: fancy dress, kids’ performances, old-school dramas, music… one night a live band or Orchestra! No entry fee, no fuss—just pure Goa vibe.

So yeah, Ganesh Chaturthi in Goa can be fast & personal or long & communal…but always full-heart, yaar.

Sarvajanik Mandals & Collective Devotion

In Canacona and just like other parts of goa there’s something very special about the mass festivities organized at three places . These are particularly significant for families who, because of traditional or ancestral religious practices, don’t take Ganpati idols to home. These mandals become a second home for devotion for them, and for the community at large.

Here are the 2 major Ganesh mandals and one organised by Government Office i.e Police Station in Canacona where the energy, faith, and community spirit come alive:

1.Char Rasta Ganesh Mandal – 9 Days of Harmony

This is one of the most vibrant mandals in the area. They spend 9 consecutive days celebrating it, every year a new theme of decoration is on show—be it temple-style motifs, eco-forest ambiance, or typical Goan countryside landscapes. The idol itself is approximately 10 to 12 feet high,detailed and stunning.

Char Rasta’s highlight is the daily program of events—cultural evenings, bhajan sessions, dance shows, and even fancy dress competition for kids. The prasad lunch served to devotees daily, with genuine love and local flavor. Aarti rings in the morning and evening with beats, and the whole complex buzzes with peace and humankind.

2.Chaudi Ganesh Mandal – 10 Days of Festive Glory

Chaudi Ganesh Mandal goes on for 10 days in a row, and it’s the most elaborate by far. The idol here is huge—well over 10 feet, with catchy lights and decorations that keep getting updated each year based on creative themes. It’s a draw card and a religious experience both rolled into one.

What makes Chaudi stand out is its fastidious day-to-day schedule: two aartis, evening entertainment or cultural programme that changes every night, and of course, the lunch prasad that everyone looks forward to. Right from classical dance performances to folk dramas, this mandal proudly flaunts Goan talent and heritage.

3.Canacona Police Station – 11 Days of Devotion

The oldest celebration in Canacona, Organized by Police from within the police Station and to the public at large, this 11-day celebration is one of discipline and devotion. Families residing in nearby government housing or employed in the police department come together, making the area a center of spirituality. The idol of Ganpati itself is as regal, and the decorations often wear justice, peace, and patriotism. It’s such a beautiful show of how duty and faith walk hand-in-hand in Goa.

These public festivities are not merely about scale—they’re about inclusion. Whether you’re a local without home traditions or a visitor having your first Ganesh Chaturthi, these mandals welcome you with open arms, rich cuisine, divine vibes, and a strong sense of Goan identity.

Ganesh Chaturthi Lotteries – Big Ambitions, Grand Rewards

In South Goa, particularly a month before, there is one thing everyone is talking about—lottery tickets from the large Sarvajanik Ganesh mandals. And believe me, it is not all for fun. it’s an rewarding tradition now!

These lotteries are organized by the bigger sarvajanik ganesh mandals and everyone goes gaga over them. It’s not only a matter of raising money—it’s an excitement issue. You spend a single ₹100 or ₹200 ticket, and you never know… you could win a scooter, refrigerator, or even a brand-new car.

In Canacona, two well-known mandals—Char Rasta Ganesh Mandal and Chaudi Ganesh Mandal—organize these public lotteries annually. Tickets are extremely budget-friendly, just ₹100 to ₹200, so that everyone—right from college students to our retired uncles—is able to get a chance to try their luck.

But the awards? Paisa vasool to the hilt and then some:

Suv’s Sedan Cars,Scooters,refrigerators,TVs,

Cycles,Mixer grinders ,kitchen sets and even laptops as consolation prizes

And that’s just Canacona. The real frenzy starts when you consider the neighboring Quepem and Sanguem mandals.

Quepem Ganesh Mandal’s 2024 lottery

Straight-up blockbuster—a brand-new Toyota Fortuner as first prize and 10 more luxary cars plus money to pay all taxes.Sold out in only 2 days. Whole Goa was discussing it!

Sanguem Ganesh Mandal

Big bang last Year with a first prize of all new 2BHK flat in the heart of the city and 2.7 million, 2^nd prize TATA Prima 10 wheeler Truck and 2.1 millions, 3^rd prize TATA Hitachi excavator and 1.8 millions,Everyones favourite Mahindra Thar,Tata Nexon,Punch Ev and 5 Tata Tiago EV uhhhh aur bhi ruko 10 scooters as consolation prizes ….And tickets? Sold out within a week, irrespective of the ticket amount which was Rs 500. Goans from across Goa truly wait the entire year for the day of sale—WhatsApp groups get active, and ticket counters witness long queues like movie first-day-first-show and purchase of new iphone totally unforgettable scene.

These lotteries do more than bring happiness; they also contribute to next year’s decorations, prasad food, and cultural performances. It’s not all about winning—about giving back and preserving our Goan Ganesh traditions.

So if you happen to be in Goa this August 2025, don’t miss your chance! Purchase a ticket, have some fun—and who knows, you might just ride back from Palolem with a shiny new car and a million-watt grin.

Preparations – Makhar, Matoli & Home Cleaning

Just two days before, there’s a special mood in every home. Not loud, not showy. It’s peaceful, homely and full of feeling.

In Canacona, like most Goan houses, we begin by cleaning every corner . Some families even repaint a little, mainly where Bappa will sit. We freshen up the house, decorate the pooja room, and set up the “Makhar”—that’s the little stage for Ganpati. It is made using banana stems, coconut leaves, and those shiny paper strips we used to make in school—what we call “patakas”

But the main highlight is the Matoli. It’s like a jungle roof made just above Bappa’s seat. We hang wild & seasonal fruits,forest roots, chillies, tamarind, even small gourds. Looks so raw and natural. It’s not just for —it means we’re thankful to nature for giving us everything.

Also Read:7 Best Places to Visit in Goa in Monsoon – Calm & Hidden in Canacona

Shopping & Sweets – Behind the Scenes of a Goan Festive Kitchen

These days, Goan women—my mother included—are on the go and radiant. The Chaudi, Canacona and Margao markets are abuzz with shoppers purchasing everything from fresh sarees, pooja materials, rice, pulses, fresh vegetables, and fruits. The Konkani chatter, the haggling, the smell of fresh coconut—it’s all in the festive atmosphere.

Two or three days prior to Bappa’s arrival, kitchens begin to smell heavenly with the preparation of Goan traditional sweets such as:

Nevryo – fried dumplings with jaggery and coconut fillings
Shankarpale – fried, lightly sweetened, and diamond-shaped biscuits

These are prepared in large quantities—not only for family but also for neighbors and those who come to visit during Chavath.

Family Time & Welcoming Bappa With Full Dil Se

Ganesh Chaturthi is not only about pooja and rituals, boss. It’s those real family scenes that stick with you forever. I still remember—me and my cousins fighting like mad over who gets to tie what. One holding the stapler, other arguing about ribbon colour… pura circus!

We’d sit on the floor cutting paper garlands till 2-3 am, arguing, laughing, and taping beautifully crafted handmade patakas all over the ceiling. Someone would be blasting old aartis from their phone, one uncle humming off-beat. That night before Bappa comes? Pure magic, yaar. Childhood energy on full blast.

Next morning—no alarm needed. Everyone’s up early including kids… all take bath, wear kurta-pajama,ladies wear new cotton saree and at around 11 am we walk to Char Rasta to bring home the Eco Friendly Ganpati Bappa.The mood on the road? Full-on peace. That slow walk back home holding Bappa, flowers in one hand, smile on the face… you just feel it.

And when we place Him on the makhar? Goosebumps, bhai. It’s not just a murti coming in—it feels like your guest, your own, your blessing has entered the house.

The day has two aartis—one in the noon and second at night. Everyone joins in—family, cousins, neighbours—all sitting together around Bappa. The eldest in the house moves the aarti thaali, while others play our local instruments like shamel,taal and ghumat. We all sing together “Ganesha and other god aarti for around 30 to 40 min” clap with full feeling and end with prasad and calm, happy faces and then move to next house.

The Chavath Bhog – A Pure Vegetarian Feast with 10+ Dishes

The Ganesh Chaturthi lunch, after the mid-day aarti, is a sacred, celebratory feast—completely vegetarian, without onion and garlic, and flavored and emotional.

Some of the traditional Chavath dishes served in Canacona families are:

Rice and toor daal tempered with coconut
Khatkhate – coconut masala blended mix vegetable curry
Sprouted moong bhaji
Chana ros – Green Peas cooked with goan masala and coconut cream
Puris
Patoli – steamed jaggery-coconut stuffed turmeric leaf sweet
Payasam – a coconut milk kheer
Breadfruit Slices, capsicum fry with besan floor.

Each household makes over 10 dishes—not just for their own family, but for relatives, friends & neighbours too. Everything is served on banana leaves, eaten with hands, shared with full love.

And you know what’s special? These are the only days we all skip our dining tables and sit down together on the floor—just like old times. It’s not just tradition… even good for your back and body, dosto!

Visarjan in Canacona – A Happy Bidding Adieu, Straight from the Heart

In Canacona, these two days of Ganesh Chaturthi is Pure magic. Our houses are abuzz with lights, sounds, laughter, and that feeling of warmth which only festivals can provide. But as all good things, it approaches its last day—Visarjan—and that is when the heart turns downcast.

After the final aarti, we all come around Bappa. Flowers clutched in our hands, heads lowered, eyes slightly damp. Hands are folded, silent prayers whispered, and one by one, with complete devotion, someone—generally the seniormost person in the house—places Bappa’s idol on their head. And so begins our goodbye yatra. Bare feet, slow steps, voices growing hoarse with each holler of:

“Ganpati Bappa Morya! Fudlya Varshi Lavkar Ya!” (Come early next year, Bappa!)

It’s not a chant. It’s feeling. A vow. A gratitude. You will see children wiping their tears. Seniors becoming still. And a calm settling over the whole lane.

The procession leads us to Palolem Beach—over winding village roads, by neighbors smiling, music ringing, dhols thumping. The wind picks up, sound of waves grows louder, and as we hit the beach, we perform one last aarti under the starry sky.

Then, in that instant—surrounded by firecrackers, sky shots, and raised voices in celebration—we set Bappa into the sea. Not goodbye, but a warm “see you next year.”

Authentic Goan Visarjan – Music, Dhols, Fugdi & Full-On Celebration

In Goa, visarjan is not all about immersion. It’s a celebration of all—faith, family, music, tradition. Whether it’s a small home idol or a 10-foot public Ganpati, the atmosphere is full power.

In Canacona, you’ll see visarjan from both homes and public mandals like Char Rasta and Chaudi. People gather, clap, sing, and pour out love. And once Bappa steps out? The mood flips—from emotional to festive.

Women clad in bright sarees dance in a circle, playing Fugdi—our Goan folk dance. Barefooted feet, clapping hands, dhols in the background—it’s raw, real, and energetic. And in larger mandals? DJs take over, fairy lights twinkle, tourists mingle with the crowd, and the entire town becomes one big dance floor.

So, Why Not Celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi With Us in Palolem?

If you ever wished to experience the true Goa—beyond the beaches and parties, but also the essence of our culture—Chavath is the time. And Palolem in South Goa is where.

Experience the aartis, the homemade sweets, the street parades, the soft sand of Palolem Beach during visarjan… and the warmest welcome from our people.

Come celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi with us —share our happiness, our devotion, our memories. You won’t be observing a festival—you’ll be experiencing it.

🙏 Ganpati Bappa Morya! Catch you in Palolem, Goa!

How is Ganesh Chaturthi celebrated in Canacona, Goa?

Ganesh Chaturthi in Canacona is celebrated with family poojas, homemade sweets, matoli decoration, and public mandals like Char Rasta and Chaudi with cultural programs and prasad.

What is Matoli in Ganesh Chaturthi?

Matoli is a canopy made of forest fruits, vegetables, and herbs, hung above the Ganpati idol as a mark of respect to nature.

How long is Ganesh Chaturthi celebrated in Goa?

In South Goa (like Canacona), it’s usually 1.5 days. In North Goa, it can go up to 21 days with big mandals.

Where can tourists see Ganesh Chaturthi in South Goa?

Tourists can visit Char Rasta Ganesh Mandal, Chaudi Mandal, and the Canacona Police Mandal during Chavath to experience the real local celebration.

Is visarjan done at Palolem Beach?

Yes, many Canacona families do Ganpati visarjan at Palolem Beach. It’s peaceful, spiritual, and full of emotion.