With over a million tourists visiting every year at Goa destination, this tiny state has its share of modern five star hotels and its famous beaches. Yet, Goa’s charm is still untouched by the fast pace of modern life. Once you arrive, your watches seem to slow down, and time virtually stops.
According to legend, this magical land Goa was created by Lord Parashuram (Lord Vishnu, the Protector, in his sixth incarnation). So beautiful did he make it that the Gods chose it as their retreat in times of stress. Thus, Lord Shiva descended from the heavens for a sojourn in his enchanted land not once but twice. And each time, unable to bear her solitude, his divine consort Parvati followed. Here they met, made their peace and ascended once again to Kailash, their heavenly abode.
Myth apart, Goa’s history goes back to the third century BC when it was part of the Mauryan empire. The Satavahanas, Chalukyas, Silharas and Kadambas ruled during the first millennium till, in the 14th century, it became part of the glorious Vijaynagar empire. During this period Goa’s natural harbours played a very important role in expanding trade with the Middle East. The Bahamani Sultans of Gulbarga and the Adil Shahis of Bijapur held sway in the 15th century.
Meanwhile, in their bid to control the eastern spice routes, as well as to spread Christianity, the Portuguese reached India in 1498. Being unable to get a foothold in Kerala where they had first landed, they arrived in Goa in 1510, found the natural harbours ideal for their purpose, and stayed on. Gradually Goa became the seat of the Portuguese empire in the East and remained under Portuguese rule till 1961 when a political movement, launched in the wake of India’s independence in 1947, led to its liberation by India.
Over a thousand years of Hindu-Muslim rule, followed by almost four centuries under the Portuguese, has left a hybrid of Eastern and Western cultures that makes Goa a unique experience. The large community has managed to neatly balance its Konkani roots with the dominant Christian influence. People speak English, Marathi, and Konkani, Goa’s official language.
Great defenders of their ecology, Goa have, in recent years, campaigned vigorously to protect their land from the onslaught of industrial and commercial enterprises that cause pollution or strain their natural resources. These sentiments are rooted in religion and in the sound precepts taught by the ‘shastras’, the holy books. Thus, eating fish, which was abundant, was not frowned upon even for the vegetarian Brahmins; doing so during the monsoons, the spawning season, was discouraged so that the species would be preserved.
Goa is large-hearted, uninterfering, tolerant, and great at building relationships. And their fun-loving, laid-back attitude is best reflected in the Mexican tradition of siesta that hits the seaside State at lunch-time. This extends even to shopkeepers and market places and it is difficult to buy anything between one and four in the afternoon. Except of course – a good lunch!
Goa Beaches
Land of the magical trinity of sun, sea and sand, Goa is most sought after for its many charming famous beaches, shallow and safe for swimming. The water is turquoise blue. The most frequented beaches are Calangute, Baga, Colva and Vagator. Most five star hotels have their own private beaches, such as Vaniguinim, Varca, Sinquerim, Majorda, Bogmalo and Cavelossim. Idyllic Dona Paula, small and secluded Agenda, Palolem (enchanting backdrop of hills), Miramar (closest to Panaji), Arambol (both rocky and sandy and much sought after), Betui and Anjuna are some of the other popular beaches. Know more about Goa Beaches.
For all its apparent westernization, Goa is still conservative at heart. It would be wise to follow the signs against nudity and not disregard local sensibilities.
Best Places to Visit in Goa
Goa was part of the union territory of Goa, Daman and Diu until 1987, when it became the 25th State of the Indian union. Geographically divided into North and South, North Goa has Panaji – the small and charming State capital on the banks of the Mandovi river. The Portuguese heritage still survives in the oldest part of the town with narrow cobbled streets, Latin villas, overhanging balconies and white washed churches. The Church of Immaculate Conception is Panaji’s main place of worship for the Catholics.
Nine km off Panaji is Old Goa – the old hub of Portugal’s eastern empire. All that remains of this once magnificent city are half a dozen churches. The largest in India, the imposing Se Cathedral dedicated to St. Catherine, has 14 altars, an 80m long aisle and 5 bells including the Golden Bell, reputed to be one of the best in the world. The 16th century Basilica of Born Jesus with its richly gilded altars, is famous throughout the Catholic world; the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier are enshrined here in a silver casket.
Southern Goa has a sprinkling of beaches like Colva, Benaulim and Bogmalo and some upmarket resorts. Its capital Margao is an important commercial centre. Inland, to the East, is Ponda Taluka, famous for its complex of Hindu temples. The 400 year old Shiva temple of Shri Manguesh and the Shantadurga temple are visited in large numbers.
Religion is deeply rooted in the psyche of the Goans and the entire State is dotted with churches, temples and mosques. These are not just places of worship but have a unique charm of their own – aesthetic architecture, idyllic locations and a tranquil ambience. The Reis Magos church, once the residence of all dignitaries in Goa, the beautiful Church of Mae de Deus at Saligao, the Shri Naguesh and Mahalaxmi temples at Bandode, Shri Mahalsa temple at Mardol, Shri Mahadev temple at Tambdi Suria, 5th century Brahma temple near Valpoi, the Jama Masjid at Sanguem and the Safa Masjid at Ponda are some of the more famous ones.
Popular Festivals in Goa
Goans live in blissful religious harmony and all festivals are celebrated by all communities irrespective of their creed or personal beliefs. Most festivals are related to religious activities, and every village ‘jatra’, or feast, is akin to a festival. The major festivals, celebrated with great pomp and gaiety, are Diwali, Christmas and Ganesh Chaturthi. Shigmotsav, (which coincides with Holi in North India), is a festival for welcoming spring and is celebrated wit] colour, and great merriment. The feast of St. Francis Xavier at Old Goa, the Fatorpa Jatra, the Shirigao Jatra, All Saints Feast at Goa Velha and Mahashivratri, are some of the other popular festivals, all celebrated in a distinctive way.
With music coursing through their veins Goans break into song and dance at the slightest excuse. Almost every restaurant boasts a live band, though it might only consist of a single Spanish guitar! And their crowning glory is the renowned rock star – Remo Fernandes.
The famous Winter Carnival prior to Lent, where there is great fun & frolic, music & dancing, lasts for three days. All night street dancing with specially designed costumes and masks ends in a frenzied finale, where Momo, the King o Darkness, leads a procession through the town.
