http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/GTDC-to-celebrate-Sao-Joao-on-Santa-Monica/articleshow/52787270.cms
As Goa reverberates to the sound of the rain , Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) is set to celebrate Sao Joao on June 24, one of the most popular monsoon festivals in the state.
Sao Joao is the feast of St John the Baptist, the cousin of Jesus Christ who also baptized Jesus in River Jordan. According to the biblical story, Mary, the mother of God broke the news to her sister Elizabeth that she was going to have a baby named Jesus. At that time Elizabeth was pregnant with John, who jumped with joy in Elizabeth’s womb on hearing the news. Hence, Sao Joao marks the event of ‘the leap of joy’ wherein young men and boys jump into wells and water bodies shouting ‘Viva Sao Joao’.
To mark this occasion, GTDC is set to give tourists a taste of the traditions behind Sao Joao on board the cruize boat Santa Monica in Panaji from 10am to 3pm.
GTDC chairman Nilesh Cabral said, “This year too, the celebration promises to be exciting and fun-filled and with the monsoons in full gusto, the Sao Joao event organized by GTDC is set for an overwhelming response.”