Chorao Island’s Homkund Festival on 19th March 2025

In the serene village of Chorao, surrounded by Goa’s lush landscapes, the Homkund Utsav unfolds as a breathtaking display of devotion and tradition. This fiery festival is deeply rooted in local customs, bringing the community together to honor their ancestors and seek blessings for prosperity and well-being. 

 The event begins with an awe-inspiring procession where villagers ignite dried coconut leaves, creating a striking visual of flames as they move through the village. This grand spectacle sets the stage for the main ritual—the lighting of a pyramidal stack of wood, towering at around five to six feet. Once reduced to glowing embers, the most daring participants—men and young boys—bravely walk barefoot across the scorching remains, synchronized with the beats of traditional instruments like the dhol, tasha, and cymbals. 

 At Chorao, the celebration extends beyond the fire-walking ritual. As the embers smolder, locals gather around the Homkund, dancing to the lively tunes of folk music and traditional songs, transforming the festival into a vibrant expression of faith and cultural heritage. With hundreds participating and even more witnessing this mesmerizing event, Homkund Utsav remains one of Goa’s most unique and exhilarating traditions.