Shigmotsav or Shigmo: This is a grand five-day festival of colours, celebrated distinctively in the villages, corresponding with Holi or Spring Festival. Held for one-week up to the full-moon day in March, Shigmo is universally celebrated in Goa, but especially at Panaji, Mapusa, Vasco-da-Gama and Margao.

Shri Bodgeshwar zatra: It is a temple festival that takes place south of Mapusa, also celebrated in January.

Shri Mangesh: It is a 3-day festival in February that takes place in his temple in the Ponda district.

Janmashtami: It is another popular Hindu festival celebrated in Goa. Ritual bathing in the River Mandovi, to celebrate the birth of Krishna is common.

Bonderam: This carnival is held on the river island of Divar on the fourth Saturday in August. Bonderam means the festival of flags. Colourful processions and mock battles are staged in a recollection of the property wars that raged on this island till a century ago.

Dussehra: There are nine days of festivities in Dussehra when effigies are burned on bonfires, and children perform episodes from the life of Rama. Dussehra marks the day on which Lord Rama, a reincarnation of Lord Vishnu, liberated his wife Sita who had been abducted by Ravana, the king of Lanka. This festival, celebrated throughout India, culminates with the setting fire to an effigy of Ravana, thus signifying the end of evil.

Diwali, the five-day Hindu “festival of lights”: Commemorates the return of Lord Rama to his kingdom of Ayodhya, after 14 years of exile in the forests. It features processions all over the region, often accompanied by fireworks, burning of effigies and the exchange of sweets by neighbours, regardless of their faith. Diwali also symbolizes the victory of light over darkness. Many celebrate Diwali as a festival of wealth and prosperity.

Christmas; New years and Easter: Are celebrated by the mainly Christian population of the state.