Jatra is the name given to village feasts and festivals in
Goa. It is the feast of the deity to whom the shrine is dedicated and every village ‘jatra’, or feast, is celebrated with great pomp and gaiety. The most famous is the Winter Carnival prior to Lent (February), when there is great fun and frolic, music and dancing, lasting for three days. All night dancing on the streets with specially designed costumes and masks ends in a frenzied finale, with Momo, the King of Darkness, leading a colourful procession through the town.
Jatras are also conducted at all major temples, which is again attended by a number of people.
The Jatras of Goa are a visible proof of the religious harmony that exists in the state.
