A New Discovery of Goan Traditions
When I moved to Goa after marriage, I began to truly discover the land for the first time. Its many traditions, temples, and festivals were all new experiences. Among these, the Sangod festival left a lasting impression. My first encounter with it was during the annual fair of the Mahalasa Narayani temple at Mardol. Since then, I have witnessed many Sangod celebrations, and each time it has felt like a new and refreshing experience.
What is Sangod?
Sangod is one of Goa’s most distinctive water festivals, celebrated not only by Hindus but also with equal enthusiasm by the Christian community.
The word Sangod literally means boating. The tradition is particularly linked with temples, where deities are ceremonially taken on a boat ride. This is usually carried out in the temple tank. Special boats are prepared for the occasion—two or more canoes are tied together to form a stable raft. Once the deity is placed on the boat, rituals and prayers are performed, followed by the ceremonial ride across the waters. This marks the Sangod celebration.
The Enchanting Night of Sangod
In most temples, one day of the annual fair is dedicated to this visually enchanting ritual. This celebration usually takes place at night, when the temple tank glows with rows of lamps all around. The rhythmic beat of drums fills the air, fireworks light up the skies, and the atmosphere becomes truly festive.
On the boat, as the deity is taken on the ceremonial ride, the priest continuously rings a handbell, adding a divine rhythm to the scene. The entire environment feels as though it transports the devotees into a serene, otherworldly space. Drawn by this spiritual and visual splendour, large crowds gather every year to experience and rejoice in this unique celebration.
Cumbharjua’s Famous Sangod Utsav
Yet, when one speaks of Sangod in Goa, the first that comes to mind is the famous Sangod of Cumbharjua village, celebrated during Ganesh Chaturthi. On the seventh day of the festival, the immersion ceremony of Lord Ganesha is held in the Cumbharjua Canal in a manner unlike anywhere else. About fifteen canoes, joined together and decorated with flowers, form floating platforms. These move seven times around the designated route.
A special highlight of the Cumbharjua Sangod is the fancy dress and theatrical performances staged on these floating platforms. Villagers dress up as mythological characters and enact scenes from the epics. Their enthusiasm is further enhanced with music and dance, turning the water into a stage for a unique cultural performance.
The 600-Year-Old Legend Behind the Tradition
The origins of this tradition are linked to a story from the 15th century. The Vodekar family of Cumbharjua, who worshipped Lord Ganesha every year, faced financial difficulties one year. They chose to install Ganesha’s idol at the temple of Shantadurga Cumbharjuvekarin. On the seventh day, they immersed the idol in the Cumbharjua Canal using canoes. This marked the beginning of what later became the renowned Sangod festival of Cumbharjua.
A Festival Dedicated to Goddess Shantadurga
Even today, this floating celebration is dedicated to Goddess Shantadurga of Cumbharjua. Villagers firmly believe that celebrating it pleases the Goddess, and hence the 600-year-old tradition continues to thrive with undiminished zeal.
Sangod Among Goa’s Christian Commuminity
Interestingly, Sangod is not confined to Hindu traditions alone. The Christian fishing community of Goa also celebrates it with equal fervor. Fishermen from villages such as Sao Pedro, Candolim, Siolim, Ribandar, and Agacaim dedicate their Sangod to Saint Peter, the patron saint of fishermen. Celebrated on 29th June each year, this version of Sangod involves brightly decorated canoes tied together, adorned with models of churches. The event is filled with music, dance, plays, and fancy dress performances. On this day, fishermen set aside their work, anchor their boats, and immerse themselves fully in the festivities.
Faith, Joy, and Togetherness on Water
Thus, Sangod is not just a festival—it is a vibrant monsoon celebration that binds faith, joy, and tradition together. Whether linked to temple fairs or fishing communities, Sangod stands as a unique cultural expression of Goa, celebrated on water, across religions, and across centuries.
