Media Release
Qatar, Jul 3: Sao Joao feast is celebrated on June 24 annually all over Goa. Those who have migrated and immigrated also carry this flavour of celebration in the distant lands, thus maintaining a link with their land of ancestors. In Qatar, Goan Welfare Association (GWA) celebrated Sao Joao festival on June 27 at Al Rayyan Resort. Goa may be in the height of rainy season in late June, but enthusiasm for the annual Sao Joao festival is never dampened. Men and boys jump into wells, ponds and rivers, mimicking the joyous celebration of St John’s heralding of Christ. The jumping with joy is externally associated with the custom, tradition and culture accompanying the feast devoid of religious thought. The tradition and culture has no biblical roots, it is entirely folklore specific to Goa.
GWA’s president Simon D’Silva welcomed everyone for their annual Sao Joao celebration and profusely thanked members and guests. D’Silva praised the efforts put in by the committee members to organize such an excellent day within short span of time. GWA celebrates Sao Joao in Qatar since 2003, first being held at Al Andalus Compound.
The unique distinction of this tradition is the wearing of colourful wreaths, crowns, coronets, Tiaras of flowers, leaves, creepers and with fruits at times. The guests joined in special loud colourful attires, giving it a distinct flavour. In Goa, the well-used to be full during this time of the season; hence jumping only in the wells was unique, which is now changed to a swimming pool in Qatar. The jumpers retrieved the fruits thrown in the swimming pool and the children too participated having fun and learning about the tradition. DJ Candyfloss provided typical music keeping the folks and youngsters on the floor continuously from 1pm till 10.30 pm. There was the spirit of adventure, revelry, entertainment, creativity, fun and pure joy. Fabulous prizes for games and spot were given away. The delicious home-made Goan food like xith-kodi, shark ambotti, dry prawns kismur, goan sausages, raw mango slices, mutton xacuti, chicken cafreal, shell fish (tisreo), chicken and veg cutlets, beef roast, sozi and goan patolleo, an additional highlight of the celebration. The best kopel prize won by Cajetan Rodrigues and lucky games won by Dale D'Souza, Seema Rodrigues, Celsa D'Souza, Natcey Barretto and bumper prize won by Leena D’Silva. Coconut shell dance was a signature dance for Sao Joao celebration at the pool side.
It was a real treat to watch the guests with crowns of leaves and varied fruits on their heads. The unique rituals and celebration of this annual event provides an unusual glimpse of local custom and culture, made everyone feel at home away from home. The depiction of professionally well organised events, with lots of fun and incessant entertainment by Goan Welfare Association. Guests have appreciated and thanked the organizers for an excellent Sao Joao celebration.
The Goan Welfare Association (GWA) has been the face and voice of Goans living in the tiny oil-rich country of Qatar for the last 25 years without any doubt. Ably led by inimitable Simon D’Silva, the association, since inception has joined hands with charitable groups such as CRY and CARITAS and has rendered yeoman’s service in nurturing Goan culture and spirit among the large number of Goan expatriates. On a larger note, the association has always been in the forefront of reaching out to various causes back home, thus setting a shining example to all. It is therefore not astonishing to see them host events with great aplomb and success over the last 25 years. The association is known not only for meticulous planning but also perfect execution and on May 9, celebrated silver jubilee of the association.