Chikhal Kalo
{{Short description|Hindu mud festivals celebrated in Goa}}
{{Infobox holiday
| holiday_name = Chikhal Kalo
| type = Hindu
| nickname = Mud festival
| image =
| caption = Chikhal Kalo festival
| observedby = Goan Hindus
| litcolor =
| longtype = Religious, cultural
| date = 11th day of the fourth month of Ashadh in the Hindu calendar
}}
The Chikhal Kalo is a traditional mud festival that celebrates Krishna’s childhood. The festival happens in the Devki Krishna temple in Marcel, Ponda Taluka in North Goa district of the Indian state of Goa.{{Cite news |date=2009-07-05 |title=Chikhal kalo: An expression of joy |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/chikhal-kalo-an-expression-of-joy/articleshow/4739010.cms?from=mdr |access-date=2023-07-08 |issn=0971-8257}}{{Cite web |last= |date=2023-07-03 |title=Chikhal Kalo: Goans Celebrate Mud Festival With Zeal |url=https://hindustanherald.com/goans-celebrate-chikhal-kalo-mud-festival-with-zeal-and-enthusiasm/ |access-date=2023-07-08 |language=en-US}}
The word Chikhal Kalo means “Mud Bath.” and the celebration pays homage to the profound bond shared between the farming community of Goa and Mother Earth.{{Cite web |title=Chikhal Kalo – Department of Tourism, Government of Goa |url=https://goatourism.gov.in/chikhal-kalo/ |access-date=2023-07-08 |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |date=2023-07-02 |title=Goa mud festival 'Chikhal Kalo' celebrates connection between farmers, Mother Earth |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/lifestyle/festivals/goa-mud-festival-chikhal-kalo-celebrates-connection-between-farmers-mother-earth-101688292331681.html |access-date=2023-07-08 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en}}
In the festival, people smear oil to the body and play in the mud replicating the games played by Lord Krishna as a child. The festival is attended by both locals and tourists. The festival has been recognised and promoted by the Goa state tourism department.{{Cite web |last=Udayavani |title=Goa Festival: ಶತಮಾನಗಳಷ್ಟು ಪುರಾತನ ಸಾಂಪ್ರದಾಯಿಕ ಮಣ್ಣಿನ ಹಬ್ಬ ಆಚರಣೆ…ಏನಿದು? |url=https://www.udayavani.com/homepage-karnataka-edition/big5-karnataka-edition/goa-village-lures-tourists-for-chikhal-kalo-festival |access-date=2023-07-08 |website=Udayavani |language=kn}}{{Cite web |last=Gracias |first=Abigail Crasto,Franky |date=2023-06-30 |title=Goa's Chikal Kalo festival makes a splash |url=https://www.gomantaktimes.com/my-goa/art-culture/goas-chikal-kalo-festival-makes-a-splash |access-date=2023-07-08 |website=Gomantak Times |language=en}}