Vasco Saptha, a seven day festival, is held in the port town of
Vasco da Gama. It is celebrated in the month of
Shravan (July-August) at the Shri Damodar temple, dedicated to Lord Damodar, an incarnation of Lord
Shiva. The temple is located on the main street of the city in Swatantra Path. For the well being of the people, the devotees offer prayers to their beloved god. The festival commences with main
puja. A procession is held in which the anointed coconut is carried to the temple of Lord Damodar. It is accompanied by Gopalkala, a dance form. At the end of the procession, the coconut is immersed in the sea at Kharewada. After the immersion of the old coconut, the group returns to the temple, sing bhajans and start anointing a new coconut. Decorated floats from different wards pass through the town at night and gather at one place. These are known as 'pars'. Cultural programs are also held during the festival. The site is flanked by several stalls where items ranging from trinkets to electronic goods are available. Thousands throng this place to become a part of the festival.
