The festival is known as Tripurari Pournima or Kartiki Pournima is observed on the fifteenth day of the first fortnight of the Hindu month of Kartika. This festival is symbolic of the triumph of good over evil. On this day, the annual celebration is held at Vithalapur, Sankhali (Sanquelim), situated along the banks of the River Valavanti. It is also popular as Dev Diwali or boat festival in Goa. Hundreds of boat models are seen floating in river Valvanti. The boats are miniature replicas of actual ships while others are traditional crafts mostly of thermacol and cardboard. This colourfully lit up scene forms a visual treat for the large numbers gathered.
What Happens at Tripurari Pournima in Goa
The festival’s main attractions included a procession of Lord Krishna starting at 7 pm, followed by the floating of lamps in the River Valvanti. At 11 pm, after the arrival of the Palakhi procession of Lord Vithal and Goddess Rakhumai, there was a symbolic killing of the demon Tripurasur, also known as Tripurasur Wadh, along with the release of a Sarang (hot air balloon lamp) and fireworks. One of the festival’s main highlights was the display of decorative and artistic boat models crafted out of cardboard and thermocol, floating in the river at midnight.
At Vithalapur there in a tradition of carrying out deeparadhana on Tripurari Poornima within the premises of the Vithala Temple. Lamps illuminate the temple premises during the annual festival, and the palkhi of Lord Vithala is carried in a procession to the River Valavanti. After performing the pooja, devotees offer lamps to the deity. They release these lamps onto the river as a part of the ceremonial ritual.
Story Behind Tripurari Poornima or Boat Festival of Goa
According to legend, the demon king Tripurasur was causing trouble for the Gods, and Lord Shiva came to their defense. A fierce battle ensued, and Lord Shiva ultimately defeated the demon king on Kartik Pournima. In remembrance of this event, devotees light lamps at temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, and also pay homage to his son, the God Kartikeya. A traditional practice during the festival is to set afloat lit lamps in rivers as a part of the celebratory rituals.
In the past, small bowls made of leaves also known as dronas, were used to float earthen lamps. Over time, the design of these leaf bowls evolved and began to resemble that of a boat. However, the core of this festival, worship of lamps (deeparadhana) and offering of lamps to God (deepadana) remain unchanged.
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