Anant Chaturdashi, also known as Anant Chaturti, marks the grand conclusion of Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations across India. In Goa, where Ganesh Chaturthi is called Chovoth, this day carries deep cultural and spiritual significance. Families, villages, and communities come together to bid farewell to Lord Ganesha with devotion, rituals, and processions that blend tradition with heartfelt emotion.
Date and Significance of Anant Chaturdashi 2025
In 2025, Anant Chaturdashi falls on September 7 (Sunday), the tenth and final day of Ganesh Chaturthi. On this day, devotees immerse the idols of Lord Ganesha in water bodies such as rivers, lakes, or the sea. This ritual, called Visarjan, symbolizes the cycle of creation and dissolution, reminding people of life’s impermanence.
Alongside Ganesha visarjan, many Goan Hindu families also worship Lord Vishnu in his Anant (infinite) form, tying a sacred thread called Anant Sutra on their wrists as a vow of protection and prosperity.
Rituals and Traditions in Goa
Anant Chaturdashi in Goa is both a spiritual and community-driven festival.
- Ganapati Visarjan: Families who have brought Lord Ganesha into their homes for 1.5, 5, 7, or 10 days immerse the idol with prayers, songs, and offerings. The procession is often filled with chants of “Ganapati Bappa Morya, Pudhchya Varshi Lavkar Ya” (Come back soon next year).
- Anant Puja: Devotees worship Lord Vishnu in his infinite form, offering flowers, fruits, and specially prepared sweets. The Anant Sutra—a thread with 14 knots—is tied on the wrist by men (in red) and women (in yellow), symbolizing vows for a prosperous life.
- Community Gatherings: Villages and temples organize collective visarjans, cultural programs, and bhajan sessions, creating a sense of unity and shared devotion.
Food and Festive Delights
As with every Goan festival, food is central to Anant Chaturdashi celebrations. Popular festive dishes include:
- Ukdiche Modak – Lord Ganesha’s favorite sweet dumpling made of rice flour, coconut, and jaggery.
- Patoleo – turmeric leaf-wrapped rice cakes steamed with jaggery and coconut filling.
- Aluchi Patal Bhaji – tangy colocasia leaf curry prepared as part of the festive meal.
- Neureos – deep-fried pastries filled with jaggery, coconut, and dry fruits.
These dishes not only complete the rituals but also serve as offerings (naivedya) before being shared among family and neighbors.
The Emotional Farewell
The most moving part of Anant Chaturdashi in Goa is the farewell to Lord Ganesha. Children, elders, and entire families walk together to the nearest river or sea, carrying the idol lovingly decorated with flowers. The immersion is done with prayers for health, happiness, and prosperity, followed by the promise of welcoming Ganesha again the following year.
The atmosphere is a blend of joy and emotion—joy for the days of devotion shared, and sadness for the departure of the beloved deity.
Why Experience Anant Chaturdashi in Goa?
Witnessing Anant Chaturdashi in Goa is a unique cultural experience. Unlike the large-scale processions of Maharashtra, Goa’s celebrations remain rooted in family traditions, eco-friendly practices, and community spirit. Visitors can experience:
- Eco-friendly clay idols crafted by local artisans.
- The beauty of Matolis (canopies of fruits, vegetables, and herbs).
- Traditional Goan sweets and festive meals.
- The warmth of Goan villages as they come alive with devotion and music.
Conclusion
Anant Chaturdashi 2025 in Goa is more than just a religious festival—it is a heartfelt farewell, a reaffirmation of family bonds, and a reminder of life’s cycles of creation and dissolution. For Goans, it symbolizes both devotion and sustainability, blending faith with culture.
If you are in Goa during September 2025, witnessing Anant Chaturdashi will give you a glimpse of the state’s soulful traditions—beyond its beaches and nightlife.
