Goa welcomes Lord Ganesha as Chovoth celebrations begin across coastal villages

Coastal villages and hinterland hamlets across Goa came alive with festive celebrations on Monday as families gathered to welcome Lord Ganesha for Chovoth.

The festival, rooted in longstanding traditions, brings entire communities together to prepare elaborate eco-friendly altars known as 'matoli', display local produce and celebrate the close relationship between people and nature.

Ahead of the festival, families living in different parts of the country returned to their ancestral homes. Houses were cleaned and decorated with 'matoli' canopies featuring seasonal fruits, wild vegetables and flowers collected from forests.

Chovoth celebrations can continue for one-and-a-half, three, five, seven or more days, depending on family traditions, before the idols are immersed in nearby rivers, lakes or beaches.

On the eve of the festival, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant extended his greetings and urged people to celebrate Chovoth in an environmentally friendly, local and joyful manner.

Sawant appealed to people to support local artisans and small vendors by opting for eco-friendly clay idols and locally grown produce, in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Vocal for Local' vision.

He said the festival provides an opportunity to preserve Goa's distinct cultural traditions while also supporting the rural economy.

Celebrations are expected to continue across the state in the coming days, with families following their customary rituals and taking part in prayers, aarti and community programmes.  (with inputs from PTI)