Karam Festival Unites Chotanagpur Tribal Community in Goa

GOA, September 24, 2026: More than 1,200 members of the Chotanagpur tribal community in Goa came together at Our Lady of Rosary Church Hall, Navelim, to celebrate Karam Festival 2026, combining faith, cultural heritage and community fellowship.

The celebration featured traditional music, dance and attire, with several religious sisters also participating in the gathering.

Karam is an important traditional festival of the tribal communities of Chotanagpur, particularly those originating from Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Odisha and neighbouring regions. Associated with the Karam tree, the festival is traditionally linked with life, strength, prosperity, fertility and community unity. It also serves as an occasion for passing tribal traditions on to younger generations.

Participants displayed their cultural heritage through traditional dress, ornaments, indigenous music and dance. A major attraction was the Traditional Tribal Dance Competition, which saw the participation of around nine groups.

The dance groups performed traditional routines accompanied by indigenous musical instruments, drawing enthusiastic applause from the gathering.

Carmona won the competition and received the championship trophy, medal and cash prize. Old Goa secured second place, while Dharbandora finished third.

The Eucharistic celebration was presided over by Fr Anil Xalxo, OFM. Those who concelebrated included Fr Salvador Carvalho, SVD, Rector of SVD Seminary, Raia; Fr Sushil Xess, SVD; Fr Richard Monterio; Fr Preetam Toppo, SFX; and Fr Michael Pereira, SVD, who was the main organiser of the celebration.

“This was the long-awaited day for all the Chotanagpur tribal community in Goa,” said Aruna Xalxo, expressing the community’s joy at the gathering.

Fr Michael Pereira, SVD, urged the community to cherish its cultural heritage and ensure that traditional practices are passed on to younger generations. He thanked the priests, religious sisters, organisers, volunteers and participants who contributed to the event.

Traditional Chotanagpur songs and dances provided a common thread throughout the celebration, which brought together faith, culture and community identity while strengthening bonds among members of the Chotanagpur community living in Goa.

By Catholic Connect Reporter