The Sotreo umbrella festival of Goa, a time-honored tradition, is enthusiastically celebrated in Cuncolim. People from various parts of the region flock to the town to receive blessings from Shree Shantadurga Kunkalikarin during the annual procession. Procession starts from Fatorpa Temple and is accompanied by thousands of devotees.

Significance of Sotreo Festival of Goa

The Sotreo festival features a vibrant procession that carries the palki of Shree Kunkalinkarin along the same route used centuries ago by fleeing Hindus who sought to preserve their faith by bringing the deity to Fatorpa. During the festival, the idol of the Goddess is taken back to its original site in Cuncolim. This commemorates the migration of the deity and many Hindu families. The procession is led by twelve tall poles adorned with colorful umbrellas, each representing one of the twelve vangodds clans in the Cuncolim area, with only one red umbrella. Youth participants carry the umbrellas and dance along the entire procession route. As the procession advances, all male participants are smeared with red powder. A handfuls of the powder are tossed into the air around the palanquin.

Suggested Read: Chikhal Kalo – A Traditional Mud Festival of Goa

Annually, on Panchami day in the month of Phalguna, the deity is brought in a grand procession from Fatorpa to Cuncolim, accompanied by traditional folk music and twelve silk umbrellas. The procession travels through the vaddos of Molanguinim, Biunsa, Voddy, Tolliebhatt, Markutt, and Demani, en route from Molangini to Fatorpa, and culminates at the original site where the deity was enshrined.

Village of Cuncolim was once home to the renowned Shree Shantadurga temple. This temple was unfortunately destroyed by the Portuguese in conjunction with Christian missionaries. Later, The holy idol of Shree Shantadurga was relocated to Fatorpa, where the new temple of Shree Shantadurga Kunkalikarin now proudly stands.

Visit our Website to know more about various traditions of Goa?

We at Hinterscapes take you to a Goa tour from a different angle. Goa is beyond beaches and night life. Visit our website and book your most affordable package which will give you a Goan feel of anything you do. Experience the real magic of Hinterland tourism in Goa.

Suggested Read: 14 Bizzare Festivals in Goa that will Leave You Thrilled

Follow us on Instagram to watch few amazing videos of unseen Goa. Also, stay tuned to our blog to read more of such interesting articles about Goa. Please tell us in comments how you felt about this unique Goan festival.