Malani Purnima and Dhalo is observed in Paush Month in Goa and is dedicated to Vandevi, the forest deity. Malani
Purnima 2025 date is January 13. During the festival of Dhalo, women decorate
and worship the Tulsi Plant (tulsi Vrindavan – basil plant in a pedestal) as the
symbolic representation of the forest goddess.
Earlier people in the region used to depend on the forest
for their livelihood. The forest goddess is invoked for blessings of health and
prosperity. Women worship the Goddess by singing folk songs and by performing
folk dance. It is essentially nature worship – thanking the forest for
protecting and providing food.
Community celebrations are held near forests or around huge
trees. The sacred trees around which worship and performance take place is
known as Rashtroli.