When the first monsoon clouds roll across Goa’s emerald landscape each June, they carry more than just rain—they herald São João, the state’s exuberant hybrid cultural celebration of Saint John the Baptist which takes place on 24 June. At Karma Royal Haathi Mahal, this ancient festival transforms into a sensory feast that captures the very essence of Goan hospitality.
The celebration unfolds as a perfectly-orchestrated symphony of flavours. Morning kicks off with kopel flower crown making and poolside revelry, but the real magic happens when evening descends over on-site destination restaurant Casa Lisboa. Here, the resort’s culinary team crafts an authentic Goan buffet that reads like a love letter to local tradition.
Live cooking counters sizzle with ros omelette – that perfect marriage of coconut curry and eggs that defines Goan comfort food. Choris poi sliders offer handheld happiness, while the holy trinity of Goan mains – prawn curry, pork vindaloo, and chicken cafreal – showcase the Portuguese-Indian fusion that makes this cuisine so distinctive. Sweet traditions emerge through alle belle and patoleo, delicate rice cakes that dissolve on the tongue like monsoon mist.
The drinks menu honours local spirits with feni cocktails and solkadi shooters, that pink coconut-kokum refresher that locals swear by. As live Goan music fills the air, diners discover why food isn’t just sustenance during São João – it’s storytelling, community, and pure celebration rolled into every unforgettable bite.
