Igitun Chalne

Goa, a land of unparalleled beauty, colour and vibrancy never fails to mesmerize its guests and guests with its wide range of unique offerings. Visiting Goa during the course of its festivals is an excellent option as it permits you to experience the true spirit of Goa in all its glory. Igitun Chalne is one of the majority legendary festivals celebrated in the state today. Occurring in May this is one of the major festivals in Goa and is particular to the temple of Sirigao in Bicholim Taluka. 'Igitun Chalne' literally means fire-walking and the high point of the festival which happens in the evening when devotees of goddess Lairaya walk across a pit of flaming coal to prove their devotion.

Igitun Chalne is celebrated in the month of May. It is celebrated in the temple of Sirigao situated in Bicholim Taluka. Bicholim is situated in the northern neighbourhood of Goa and across the years, has turned out to be a main cultural and educational centre in Goa. The neighbourhood attracts a sizeable number of travellers and guests every year. The festival of Igitun Chalne in Goa is celebrated in the honour of Goddess Lairaya.

Since the devotees have to undergo a severe test of their patience and spirit by walking over flaming coal; only the staunch devotees of the goddess come forward to accept this challenge. Though it appears to be a painful task, the festival has nevertheless managed to capture the imagination of people. Thousands of citizens come from every corner of the say and outdoors to watch the rituals and cheer the devotees as they conduct the daring walk.The ritual of walking across the shoot coals befalls during the evening and is followed by revelry and merry making.The overall excitement levels during The Igitun Chalne festival are quite high.The frenzy and the hysteria created when devotees try to walk over coal is simply beyond words. People in the audience try to cheer them up as the spectacle of people challenging the limits of human endurance is a novel sight for some.