Panaji

Quiet coastal villages and hinterland hamlets in Goa erupted in joyous celebration, as families gathered to welcome Lord Ganesha for the beloved festival of Chovoth, which began on Monday.

Rooted in age-old traditions, Chovoth sees entire hamlets coming together to craft elaborate eco-friendly altars called 'matoli', share indigenous produce, and celebrate a deep bond with nature.

In the days leading up to the festival, families returned to their hometowns from across the country to their ancestral homes. Houses were cleaned and adorned with elaborate 'matoli' canopies, intricately hung with seasonal fruits, wild vegetables, and flowers gathered from forests.

The celebrations will range from one-and-a-half to three, five, seven, or more days, culminating in ritual immersion of idols in nearby rivers, lakes, and beaches.

Extending his greetings on the eve of the festival, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Sunday urged citizens to celebrate Chovoth in a green, local, and joyous manner.

In his message, Sawant appealed to the public to support local artisans and small vendors, echoing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of 'Vocal for Local' by choosing eco-friendly clay idols and homegrown produce.

He noted that the festival offers a unique opportunity to preserve Goa's distinct cultural traditions while boosting the rural economy.

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The celebrations are expected to continue across the state over the coming days, with families observing the festival according to their customs and participating in prayers, aarti and community programmes.