Bonderam Festival – The Flag Festival in colors
‘Flag festival’ or ‘Bonderam’ is celebrated every year with great fervor on Divar Island, near Panaji. It is one of the largest festivals on Divar Island.
It has its origins from a time-honored Portuguese flagging system used to demarcate boundaries. It is celebrated in the last week of August. The one-day festival this year, with lots of entertainment, will fall on August 23, 2025, inviting tourists and locals alike to witness one of Goa’s most colorful cultural events.
The Origin of the Bonderam Festival
The name Bonderam is derived from the Portuguese name ‘Bandeira’, meaning flag. The festival has its origins in a period when property and land boundary disputes were prevalent between villagers on Divar Island. To settle these disputes, the Portuguese colonial leaders established a system of flag placement to mark boundaries. With time, this became a symbolic practice, and what originally represented conflict is now celebrated with harmony and joy.
Now, the Bonderam Festival celebrates this history in a flag-draped, colorful affair that reflects the culture and society of the island. It’s a testament to the way tradition can transform conflict into celebration and bring people together.
How Bonderam is Celebrated
During the festival, Divar Island is filled with colorful processions, live music, and cultural events. Float parade is one of the greatest pulls, where all the wards or units on the island create their own decorated float, generally in a satirical or humorous tone that addresses a social or political issue. Locals dress up in traditional Goan attire, and the roads are abuzz with revelers watching the colorful procession.
The atmosphere is lively and upbeat. Brass bands march along the streets playing boisterous music, and dance performances keep the crowd entertained throughout the day. At night, the celebrations are preceded by a musical evening, where local artists and bands play on the platform to entertain the crowd amidst the starry sky.
Food and Festive Flavors
No Goan festival is complete without food, and Bonderam is no exception. The island is scattered with indigenous food stands run by villagers who sell a variety of traditional Goan cuisine. From hot pork vindaloo and fish curry to sweet bebinca and sannas, there is something to suit every palate. The food is homemade, authentic, and served with love, and it is therefore a gastronomic highlight for most travelers.
The people aspect of the festival is what makes Bonderam special. Everyone is involved—kids and adults, locals and tourists—so there is an atmosphere of inclusiveness that is joyful and true to the heart of Goan culture.
Things to Know Before You Go
If you do happen to make an outing to the Bonderam Festival, it’s best to head out early so that you don’t have to face the crowds. Wear comfortable footwear because you’ll be walking around a lot. Don’t forget to take a hat and sunscreen along because the day becomes extremely hot in the Goan sun. First and foremost, come with an open mind and an empty stomach and be ready to absorb the culture, the food, and the festivities.
Date: 23rd August
Location: Divar Island, North Goa
How to Reach: Take a ferry from Ribandar or Old Goa.
What to Expect: Parades, folk music, floats, satire, community food stalls, and lots of dancing
What to Bring: A hat, comfortable shoes, a curious heart, and an empty stomach
Suggested Read: Goa Carnival
