Goa also called “Rome of the East” or “The Miami of India“, has a distinct Portuguese legacy, perky nightlife, natural beauty, and great culinary experience. It is a destination for all seasons.
Whether you need beach life, nightlife or cultural experiences Goa have it all for you.
Goa is often described as a fusion between Eastern and Western culture with Portuguese culture having a dominant position in the state be it in its architectural, cultural or social settings.
It has played hst to several empires – Hindu, Buddhist, Islamic and Portuguese whose remainant you can find in its numerous heritage sites.
Mainly the Portugese culture has left its impression on its attitude and general lifestyle of the Gaons.
In the past decade it has became a dream holiday destination for many foreign tourists.
Panaji is the state capital of Goa while Vasco da gama is the largest city.
History
Goa is the smallest state on the west coast of India which was a Potuguese colony for 300 years (1440-1740). Its history goes back to 20,000 – 30,000 years.
Its ancient name was “Rewti Dweep”. It was ruled and inhabited by Sumerians around 2200 BC. It was ruled by several others rulers among them Ashoka – The great was one.
In 1312 Goa came under the governance of Delhi Sultanate. In 1510, the Portuguese established a permanent settlement in Goa. In 1961 Goa and Daman and Diu was taken by Indian Army from Portuguese.
It was earlier declared Union territory by India Government but on 1987 it was made the 25th state of India.
Culture
Culture of Goan people is blend of Portuguese and Indian culture. Goans is the demonyon used by people of Goa and they loved being called by this name. They are friendly and full of life people, the oliday spirit of Goa reflects their attitude.
Most Goans practice “sirsta” i.e. pulling down the shutters from 1 to 4 pm to rest in afternoon. They are first Goans than Hindu, Muslims or Christians. Religious fundamentalism is something unknown to them.
You can see the unique religious harmony at few places where both Hindus and christians offer their prayers. They even participate with great enthusiasm in each other’s fairs and festivals.
Cultural hetitage of Goa consist of numerous goa churches, temples and mosques. Portugues were great church builders and they desire to spread their faith. However Hindus and Muslims settlers were nonethless eager to populate the land with their descendents.
You can witness Goa’s cultural richness is reflected throgh Gaons folk dances and songs.
Language
Goa is a Multi-lingual state, they speak dialects of Konkani and Marathi. Konkani is the official language of Goa and the total language used in Goa are english, portuguese, konkani, hindi and marathi.
Cusines
Goa cusines is a blend of portuguese, muslim and hindu style of cooking resulting in a great cusines. They include lot of sea food which is experty spiced and herbed, European spices are mixed with indian curry and peppers.
Goan use lot of vinegar and coconut milk in cooking. Rice and fish curry is the staple food of goa. During festivals a Goans vegetable stew known as Khatkhate is very popular, which contain at least five vegetables, fresh coconut and special Goan spices.
Port dishes such as vindaloo xacuti, chorisa and sorpotel are popular. During Christmas egg based multi layed sweet dish known as Bebinca is favourite. Feni is a popular alcholic beverages of Goa which is either cashew feni or coconut feni.
Costume
The costume of Goans is according to tropical climate, generally they wear cotton clothes. Goan catholic women wear dresses/gowns, while hindu women wear sari called Nav-vari. Other traditional costumes of Goa people are Pano Bhaju, Valkal is a string of beads and leafy lioncloth which is still worn in tribes. Khshti is a tied knot and saree. Goans catholic brides wear white gown.
Men in Goa wear western style costume while the fisherman wear bright colored shirts, half pants and bamboo hats and is also a popular dress among tourists.
Goa carnival showcase the colourfull and popular dresses of Goans.
Dance and Music
Goans are born music lovers, music is an integral part of Goan lifestyle which run deep in their bood. Along with abdunce folk music Goa also embraces number of western forms of compositions. Goa boeast of producing some of the greatest musicians of all times.
Singers such as Emiliano D’cruz, Prince Jacob, , Souza Boy, M.Boyer, Alfred Rose, Kid Boxer, Rosario Rodrigues, Tony King and J. B. Rod are from Goa.
Portuguese introduced the usage of violin, piano and mandolin in Goan music.
Dekhni, Fugdi, Corridinho, Mando are some of the traditional folk dances of Goa.
Art
The performing art in Goa is unique and have a distinct Goan flavour. Handicrafts in Goa use material that are naturally available like clay, sea-shell, paper, bamboo and brass which have became quite popular among tourist as they buy them as Goans souvenires.
Fairs and Festival
All the festival celebrated here have a Goan touch. Jatras (feast) is a special feature of Goan celebration where a palakhi or palanquin procession is carried out and thousands of people participate in it.
There are other Goans festival celebrated like Shigmo festival, Kalas Utsav, Novidade, Jatra of Shri Shanta Durga, Bonderam festival and the Goa Carnival. Along with these the christmas and New year attract lot of tourist.
Sports
Some of the popuar sports that are played in Goa are bull fighting and football. water sports of Goa is also very popular. Goa is home to some of the finest casino in India. It is the only state in India where gambling is legal.
Nightlife in Goa
Goa is the most happening destination in India known throughout the world for its night parties. It is said Goa never sleeps, while the night parties are most sought after by youngesters throughout the world. In night Goa beaches come alive with numerous lights and music.
Tourism in Goa
Goa is the most popular tourist place in India. It is known for its churches, forts, beaches, ferry rides and folk music.
It is a heaven for those who want to relax and have fun. Tourism in Goa is one of the primary industry where you can see tourist coming from around the world all year long.
Some of the major tourist attraction are Basilica of Bom Jesus, St. Cathedral Church, Lord Shiva Temple in Mangueshi, Mahalasa Temple.
The main church are Candolim Beach, Baga Beach, Sinquerim Beach, Bambolim Beach, Arambol Beach, Vagator Beach, Benaulim Beach, Palolem Beach, Agonda Beach, Mobor and Cavelossim beaches are famous
Dudhsagar Water Falls, Kesarval Springs, Mayem Lake, Arvalem Waterfall, Kuskem Waterfall are some of the famous water falls in Goa.
The famous church are Royal Chapel of St Anthony, Church of The Carmelites, Church of St.Francis of Assisi, Our Lady of Immaculate Conception, Basilica of Bom Jesus, Chapel of St.Catherine, Reis Magos Church, Church of Our Lady of Rosary in Goa.
The famous temples are Mangeshi Temple, Sri Kamakshi Temple, Sri Vithal Temple, Sri Shantadurga Temple in Kavlem are some of the famous temples in Goa.
Jama Masjid and Safa Masjid at Ponda are the famous mosques in Goa.
Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary, Bondla Forest, Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary, Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, Mollem National Park are some of the famous wild life centuries.
Chapora Fort, Fort Aguada, Teracol Fort, Reis Magos Fort, Mormugao Fort, Rachol Fort, Naroa Fort, Corjuem Fort,Cabo De Rama Fort in Goa
There are plantations like Savoi Plantation, Sahakari Spice Farm, Tropical Spice Plantation, Pascol Spice Village which attracts tourist.
There are caves and other natural beauties of Goa that attracts whole lot of domestic and foreign tourist.
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