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It is the Iberian aura, the cultural
alloy of Latin and Oriental, the coexistence of Hinduism and Christianity
that epitomizes the distinct identity of Goa. The Portuguese invested a
hitherto predominantly Hindu society with their religions, attitudes and
lifestyles, and Goa’s ethos and élan are consequences of this
encounter. Cocooned within its natural boundaries
and that colonial cloister of Portuguese rule, this tiny pocket of the
Indian Sub continent lay slumbering for several centauries, bypassed by
history. While rest of the country progressed towards independence and the
20th centaury, Goa remained a Portuguese, suspended in a web of
Nostalgia. Since Goa’s absorption into the Indian
union in 1961, there have been many changes. Yet, sleepy villages and
myriads of white churches still characterized this lotus-eater’s paradise,
where the romance of the past lingers on and the mood is as gentle and
unhurried as the undulating country side. Goa's coastline provides endless sun
drenched crescents of sand. Vagator, Anjuna, Baga, Calangute and Candolim
stretch out in an unbroken palm fringed line. 451 years of Portuguese rule
has imbued Goa's towns and villages with a unique culture. Whitewashed
chapels and churches that dot the landscape are surrounded by sleepy
villages and rice fields. Goa is a
tourist's paradise with its sprawling, sun-spangled, silvery beaches,
cool, calm and endless azure horizons, palm-lined rivers, sea-resorts,
ancient temples, ornate churches, forts, waterfalls, picnic spots,
carnival, sumptuous cuisine and languid fun-filled life.
General information
Dussehra Dussehra is generally considered as the triumph of good over evil. It is celebrated with a lot of color, particularly with garlands of marigold flowers. Virtually, everything from the vehicle, house to the cow is garlanded with marigolds on the auspicious occasion. It was also an occasion for the Hindu community to buy new household goods as well as other items such as vehicles etc. Pilar Feast The feast of Our Lady of Pilar is celebrated at the
Monastery of the same name. They say that St Tiago, who was disappointed
with his failures in preaching the gospel, saw the vision of Our Lady on a
pillar, being taken by angels. The miraculous pillar is still there in
Saragossa in Spain. Of course, the angels are missing.
Pottery
& Terra-cotta
In last
twenty-five years the artisans have the knowledge and experience to make
molded sculptures, decorative vases, floor and claddings titles besides
murals. Bicholim is the center for artistic pottery. Water cooler called
"Gurguleta"' had water pouring out of the beak. Round bottom small mouthed
rice cooking pots are called "Budkule", "Kudnim" with wider mouth stirring
are used for making curry and cooking vegetables on firewood. "Tovo" was
gently shaped for frying fish, roasting 'chappatis' the local unleavened
bread or cooking rice pancakes called "sullodeo". The alcohol Feni is made
in large terra-cotta stills. 'Donn' a vase like container is used to store
paddy and rice. Roof titles "Nodde" are used for roofing. Bamboo
Craft Bamboos when
cut and stripped can be woven into various types of baskets and mats.
These can be used for carrying head load of coconut, rice, paddy, fish,
flower baskets and letter-holders, pen stands, fans and other decorative
items. Along the Goa's beaches, restaurant shacks have sprung up in style
of huts of fishermen or agriculturists of yesteryears where matting and
weavings is essential. Coir
Products The Coir generated on husking the abundant coconuts grown locally is used in making rope. 'Morjim' a seaside village in Pernem has a number of families who are thus occupied. Rope of all sizes is made and used for drawing water from well, plucking mangoes, tying together planks of woods in the construction of traditional fishing craft. Thin rope woven with midribs of coconut leaves and bound together make rather efficient broom. As an matter of facts coconuts mask carving is done on coconut shells. Sea
Shell craft The items
produced include ashtrays, lamp shades, coasters, chandeliers, curtains,
pot hangers, table mats, clocks, mirror frame, etc. Jute Macrame craft Decorative
bags, belts, wall hanging, lampshades, flower pots, hangers etc. How to get there Air Rail Sea
Places of interest Panjim, the capital city, situated on the southern bank of the Mandovi river has a population of about 40,000, is centred on a church and the square in front of it. It in fact, has several squares, the houses lining them rising directly above the wide streets. Most of these villas, painted in pale yellow, green or deep rose.
Air Road In and around Old Goa 10 km away also had known as the Golden Goa of the 16th century, when it was the "Rome of the Orient", with its Basilica of Bom Jesus, the focus of interest for many visitors to Goa. Se Cathedral (Cathedral of St. Catherine) remains one of the greatest monuments of the period. Completed in 1619, it is the largest Christian church in Asia.Mangesh Temple 22 kms dedicated to Lord Shiva, Shanta Durga Temple 33 km, dedicated to goddess Parvati in the Ponda neighbourhood are among the most frequented in Goa. Margao The second largest town in Goa and the principal commercial center, is one of the few linked to the rest of India by a railway line. It is home of several prominent landowning families who have built themselves town as well as country houses. A few other towns are sprinkled around the territory: Vasco da Gama is slowly developing in to an industrial center; Marmagoa, Goa's port, one of the India's finest natural harbors; Mapusa in the north is an interesting traditional market town. Campal Campal, as the riverside boulevard is called, is one of the most picturesque spots in Panjim. One can see in a single glance an astounding chunk of history: in the far distance, the ramparts of the Aguada fort – once one of the main bastions commanding the entrance into the Mandovi, with powder rooms, barracks , a church and a light house. Betul Village Betul village A drive south from Margao through heavily wooded teak plantations and deep green ravines brings the visitor to Betul village where a varied and almost inexhaustible supply of seafood. Beaches Beaches An unbroken 7 km crescent of sun drenched sand marks the twin beaches of Candolim and Calangute, north Panjim and the Aguada head land. Colva beach, with its broad brow of silver gray scale, powder-fine sand that has been the inspiration for many folk tales and songs.
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