Chikhalkala is a unique festival celebrated only in
Marcela, about 17 km from
Panaji. During the festival, held on the 11th day of the Aashadh month (June-July), various games are arranged which is believed to have been played by
Lord Krishna in his childhood. These games are staged at the huge village ground near the
temple of Lord Devaki-Krishna.
The temple is noted for the beautiful idol of Lord Krishna sitting on his mother’s lap. For the games, the ground is first converted into a slushy platform by pouring water. People start throwing sweets in the direction of the players who stand on the ground. After that, the players begin throwing mushy mud at each other until a player is completely drenched. According to locals, one can get rid of skin diseases by playing here. In the evening, after the game, players take bath and return to the temple. Male devotees smear oil on their bodies and offer collective prayers. The festival of Chikhalkala comes to an end with distribution of the Prasad.
