PONDA (GOA): The most awaited and amusing festival of mud bath- ‘Chikhal Kalo’ was celebrated on the Devki Krishna temple ground, in the village of Marcel, Ponda on July 6.

The festival is celebrated two days after ‘Ashadi Ekadashi,’ and it is dedicated to the adolescent form of Lord Krishna. The festival is an attempt to recreate the games that he used to play with his friends in Vrindavana.

On Ekadashi, villagers assemble at the Devki-Krishna temple to sing bhajans for two consecutive days. After the bhajan recitals of the second day, the temple’s priest distributes oil to those who will participate in the Chikal Kalo.

To the beats of drums, and chanting of ‘jai Hari Vithal’, the participants enter the mucky ground where a variety of games, all ensuring a thorough mud bath, are played.

People from all walks of life, and faiths come together to indulge themselves in the celebration.

Team TNV