Watch the Fire Walk Festival in Goa

Think Goa and the first thing that comes to mind are the sandy beaches and the party hotspots. But Goa is so much more than that – from quaint Portuguese churches to the buzzing cultural extravaganza that is the Goa Carnival, to wildlife sanctuaries, there is so much to see and do in the state. One such unique event that you must experience is Igitun Chalne, the Fire Walk festival in Goa. Literally translated from Konkani, it means ‘walking through fire’ and it is celebrated every year in May in the temple of Sirigao, about 30 kilometres from the capital Panjim. 

 

Trial by Fire

Goa has several festivals throughout the year – be they religious or cultural or just for fun. Igitun Chalne is one the religious festivals celebrated at the Sirigao temple in the Bicholim district, North Goa. The temple is dedicated to the goddess Lahrai. Legend has it that Lahrai, her six sisters and one brother arrived in Goa from Bengal and each of them settled in different parts of Goa. The goddess Lahrai, who is the prime deity amongst her siblings, settled in Sirigao and she is much revered by the locals. During the Igitun Chalne festival, devotees walk on burning coal to show their faith and devotion towards the goddess. Locals and tourists alike throng the temple on the festival day to watch the rituals and to encourage the courageous few who undertake the test of walking on hot coals. The ritual takes place in the evening and is followed by a lot of merriment, in true Goan style!

Where to Stay

The temple is located in North Goa, close to several happening areas. Vagator, Anjuna, Baga, Calangute and Candolim are all 20-25 kilometres away and there is no shortage of hotels and cottages to suit all budgets. MakeMyTrip offers many last minute deals on hotels so check them out before you plan your stay. Apart from visiting the beaches, check out the variety of eating joints in Goa; the place is a veritable gastronomic treat. No trip to Goa would be complete without a spot of shopping – from boutiques to the legendary flea markets; you’re guaranteed to find something interesting and unique.  

 

Getting There

Sirigao is about 50 kilometres from the Dabolim airport in Goa. You can book a prepaid taxi from the airport to bring you to the temple. Another option is taking a train to Goa. The state has three railway stations and the closest one to Sirigao is the Tivim station, 5 kilometres away. However, this is not a major station and all the trains may not halt here. The major railway stations are Vasco da Gama (54 kilometres) and Margao (61 kilometres). A taxi from either station will bring you to Sirigao. Be sure you fix the price before you start your journey!

So head to Goa this summer and experience this novel fiery festival. Book your flight or train to Goa on MakeMyTrip.com.