Matoli

Practised in Goa

One of Goa's living craft traditions.

Where it comes from

The matoli is a wooden canopy hung above the Ganesh idol during Chovoth, a Goan custom that honours the forest and the harvest alongside the deity.

How it's practiced

Families tie wild fruits, gourds, betel nuts, coconuts, flowers and leaves gathered from the surrounding hills and fields onto the frame, each household arranging its own.

From discovery to practice

The Journey

Understand

Where Matoli comes from, why it started, and what it means today.

See it

See it made for and around Chovoth.

Experience it

Request an artisan visit — watch Matoli being made and meet the makers.

Practice

Join a hands-on Matoli workshop with a verified artisan, or commission a piece.

Experience it

Book the Matoli experience

Want to see Matoli being made? Tell us when and where you'd like to visit the artisans, and we'll confirm the details.

Learn it, or commission it

Learn Matoli hands-on, or commission a piece from the artisans

Every artisan WRIKSH connects you with has been personally verified. Tell us whether you'd like a workshop for yourself or a group, a visit to the artisans, or a commissioned piece — and we'll arrange it.

See it

Festivals where Matoli lives

Religious

Goa · August/September

Chovothचवथ

Ganesh Chaturthi as Goa keeps it: families bring home a clay Ganesh, hang a matoli canopy of forest fruits above it, and women gather to dance Fugdi through the festival nights.

Discover further

More traditions of Goa

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Romta Mel

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Ghode Modni

Performing Art

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Fugdi