The port city of Vasco-da-Gama is easily accessible by road. It is the closest to the Dabolim airport and even has its own railway station. Normally, Vasco wears a very quiet and sedate look but when it’s time for the Saptah festival, the whole place is transformed. Thousands throng to the old town to pay their respects to Lord Damodar. 

Saptah means ‘7 days’ and festivities carry on for a week. The Swatantra Path, Marg is filled with a large mela covering various stalls. Devotees travel far and wide to visit the temple and then visit the fair.

These stalls that sell a variety of items from household to clothing and footwear can stay up for at least 15 days if not more.