2. The city of art – GOA
About Goa
1. Goa is a state on the southwestern coast of India within
the region known as the Konkan, and geographically
separated from the Deccan highlandsby the Western
Ghats. It is surrounded by the Indian states of Maharashtra
to the north and Karnataka to the east and south, with the
3. ArabianSea forming its western coast. It is India's smallest
state by area and the fourth-smallest by population.Goa
has the highest GDP per capita among all Indian states,
two and a half times that of the country. It was ranked the
best-placed state by the Eleventh Finance Commission for
its infrastructure and ranked on top for the best qualityof
life in India by the NationalCommission on Population
based on the 12 Indicators.
2. Panaji is the state's capital,while Vasco da Gama is its
largest city. The historic city of Margao still exhibits the
cultural influenceof the Portuguese, who first landedin
the early 16th century as merchants and conquered it
soon thereafter. Goa was a former state of the Portuguese
Empire. The Portuguese overseas territory of Portuguese
India existed for about 450 years until it was annexed by
India in 1961. Its majority and official languageis Konkani.
3. Goa is visited by large numbers of international and
domestic tourists each year for its white sand beaches,
nightlife, places of worship and World Heritage-listed
architecture. It has rich flora and fauna, owing to its
locationon the Western Ghats range, a biodiversity
hotspot.
5. Craft of GOA
This tiny state in the south western Indian coast is also a
home to varying handicrafts.It can be said that art
virtually runs in Goa's blood, which is manifested, in
many artistic crafts that have attained commercial
proportions. They make excellent souvenirs for tourists.
Goan handicrafts include creative pottery, shell work,
furniture, brass work, bamboo work, papier mache, etc.
These items are crafted by professional artisans in their
ethnic ambience, and also by artisans working for the
government sponsored crafts workshops. They are sold
through various handicraft emporia and all major tourist
spots.
The art and craft of Goa is the product of the aesthetic
blend of Portuguese and Indian cultures. The crafts of the
state are intricately beautiful, capturing the fancies of
tourists and locals alike. These crafts can be at best
described as a mirror of Goa's perennial glory and beauty
and they have carved a niche for themselves by winning
critical acclaim of the connoisseurs of the art world. The
major art forms of the state include bamboo craft,
6. woodcarving, brass metals, seashell craft, papier-mache,
and wooden lacquer ware. Other important crafts of the
state include jute macrame, fabric collage, plaster of
Paris, crochet and embroidery, fiber and batik prints,
fiber stone carving, coconut shell carving, metal
embossing, silver and imitation jewelry, cotton dolls, soft
toys, woolen tapestry, and artistic weaving.
Sea Shell Craft
Introduction
7. Seashells are the external skeletons of a class of marine
animals called Mollusks. Human beings have skeletons inside
the bodies, likewise mollusks have the shell on their outside
body. Seashells are primarily made of calcium, a hard
mineral, as our own bones contain. When a mollusk dies, is
shell is left behind, just as land animals leave their skeletons
behind. Sometimes the shell is taken and used as a home by
other sea creatures, such as hermit crabs. When a hermit crab
outgrows the shell it has borrowed, it abandons it and finds a
larger one to use.
Univalves just have a one-piece shell, usually a spiral-type
shell, often looking something like a larger,stronger and more
elaborate snail’s shell. Examples of univalves would be conch,
whelks, nautilus and similar shells.
8. Shells are collected for their beauty and displayed as art
objects. Collecting is a pure treasure hunt as one walks along
beaches, clambers over rocks, wades in the shallows at low
tide-always looking for the unusual shell, for a flash of color,
a different shape. And then, the quick scooping up of the shell
from sand or water-the excitement and triumph of a new
possession. The loot depends on the beach location, the time
of year and the tide, and expedition becomes a new
experience.
Seashell art and crafts are one of many ways to use natural
treasures you find on the beach and add charming and unique
accents enhancing your interior decorating. You can create
seashell ornaments and seashell crafts for accent wall decor
or design amazing seashell decorations for your party table.
Chandeliers and table lamp shades, furniture and shower
9. curtains, wall shelves and mosaic tiles, flowerpots and door
wreath created or decorated with sea shells look fabulous,
enriching home decor with unique shapes, beautiful colors
and a natural feel. Seashell crafts offer endless ideas for
interior decorating, from making unique lighting fixtures to
furniture decoration with seashells and creating stunning
accent walls with sea shell mosaic. All lighting fixtures,
furniture and decor accessories in our homes can be adorned
in seashells.
Goa is probably, India’s most popular tourist destination,
which is popular with domestic as well as international
tourists. Goa is loved for its white sandy beaches, palm trees,
and sparkling water. It is the place that people visit again and
again. Goa Handicrafts is an awesome place to pick up
fascinating souvenirs. The products here would act as
wonderful remainders of Goa culture and craft.
The artisans apply their art on the simple looking seashells,
converting them into extraordinary pieces of work. Seashell
craft is a major art form of Goa. Converting them into
extraordinary pieces of work. Shells of various sizes, shapes
and shades are used in the making of ornaments like
necklaces, rings, bracelets and brooches. The product range
also includes decorative cum utility objects like ashtrays,
lampshades, coasters, chandeliers, curtains, pot hangers,
tablemats, clocks and mirror frame and even tooth picks have
been designed to perfection with a simple collection of shell.
10. The items produced include ashtrays, lamp shades,
coasters, chandeliers, curtains, pot hangers, table mats,
clocks, mirror frame, etc.
Place to visit in GOA
1. Calangute Beach
The largest beach in Goa, Calangute Beach is also affectionately known as the
“Queen of Beaches”. It is among the top ten beaches in the world, which
means it is one of the tourist places in Goa that you should not miss. It is a big,
serene beach with activities enough to fill your mind for the entirety of your
trip. The beach alone is a great attraction for tourists.
2. Fort Aguada
11. Another heritage from the Portuguese,Fort Aguada has been
standingstern on the beach facing the Arabian Sea from 1612
when it was builtin order to providedefenceagainst the
invadingDutch and the Marathas. It was a grand old fort in its
time with the capacity to hold 79 cannonsamong other
weapons of defense. It was one of the prized possessionsof
the Portuguese.
3. Baga Beach
Baga is a famousbeach destination in North Goathat attracts thousandsof
tourists and watersportslovers to its heart. The beach shares its coastal line
from the environsof Sinquerim, Candolim, and Baga, with the Baga shore
being more lively and enticing. This bubbly beach is oneof the best in Goa that
stays awake the whole night. Called as "The Hometown of Nightlife," Baga
beach is reputed for its cranky musiccelebrations by late-night, mouth-
watering food, designer shops, and adventuresports.
12. 4. Dudhsagar Waterfalls
The Dudhsagar Waterfalls are
situated on the Goa-Karnataka border and are one of India’s
must-see sights. The four-tiered waterfall structure is one of the
tallest in India and is located on the Mandovi River. The white
water cascades down from a height of nearly 1017 feet off a nearly
steep mountain face.
5. Bom Jesus Basilica
One of the most important of all tourist places in Goa as
well as a central landmark for Catholics, the Bom Jesus
Basilica is the place in which the incorrupt body of St
13. Francis Xavier is kept. The Church was built in 1605 and
the body of the Saint was brought to it in 1622 where it
has laid since in its glass mausoleum. The body is
perhaps the greatest attraction of the Basilica. A gallery
of Modern Art is also a part of the Basilica.
Famous Dance of GOA
Dhalo
Dhalo is a popular ritual folk dance form Goa, India. The
dance is performed by women and serves as a prayer of
14. protection for their households. The songs to which the
dance is performed are usually sung in Konkani
language or Marathi. The themes of such songs are
commonly religious or social in nature. It is conducted over
a period of 1 week in the month of Pousha at the onset of
winter. On the final day women dress up elaborately and
draw caricatures of men.
Famous FOOD of GOA
1. Pork vindaloo
Derived from the Portuguese words for garlic (alho) and wine (vinho),
combined in a marinade, this spicy Goan curry originated from a
Portuguese sailor’s dish made with – yes, that’s right – pork, garlic and
wine. Goan cooks substituted palm vinegar for red wine and added chilli
peppers and spices.
2. Crab xec xec
15. This thick roasted curry is made with grated coconut and strong spices
such as cloves and tamarind. It’s the ultimate dish for crustacean
lovers, served with rice or bread.
3. Prawn balchão
Served as an accompaniment to a rice dish, or spread on toast, this is
a spice-infused prawn pickle comprised of a fiery tomato and chilli
sauce, made with caramelised onions and coconut toddy vinegar.
4. Sanna
Also known as idli in India, sanna are spongy steamed rice
cakes. The plain version is often eaten with Goan pork
sorpotel curry, and a sweet version called godachi sanna
is made with jaggery – unrefined sugar made from cane or
palm.
5.Goan red rice
Also called ukda rice, this is
popular in gourmet circles
in India. An unpolished
thick-grained rice with a
reddish-brown colour and
nutty flavour, its firm texture
makes it excellent for soaking up coconut curries.
6. Chouris pão
16. A tasty Goan sausage bread, made with
Portuguese chouriço, a spiced pork sausage.
7. Poee
Of all the Portuguese-inspired breads in Goa, poee (or
poi) is probably the most famous. The first Goan pão
(bread) was made using local toddy as a source of natural
yeast, giving it an original character. Today, most bakers
make it using commercial yeast, which yields the same
fluffy interior – perfect for mopping up curries
8. Kingfish
Known as vison or visvan, kingfish is a delicacy in Goa. A
popular preparation is kingfish rawa fry: fillets are lightly
coated in semolina and fried to form a crispy exterior and
succulent interior. It’s also used in surmai (kingfish) curry,
which contains grated coconut.
9. Feni
17. A spirit produced exclusively in Goa. Cashew feni, made
from the first extract of the cashew, is courtesy of the
Portuguese, who first brought cashews to the Indian
subcontinent. Coconut feni, distilled from fermented toddy
from the coconut palm, is more popular in South Goa.
10. Bebinca
A multilayered coconut cake truly unique to Goa. Although
it requires few ingredients, the dish is tedious to make.
Legend has it that the sweet was invented by Bibiona, a
nun at the Convent of Santa Monica in Old Goa.
Culture of Goa
18. The smallest state of India needs no introduction because this
honeypot tourist destination attracts over 63 hundred thousand
visitors every year! A former Portuguese colony, Goa is also
fondly known as the 'Rome of the East'. Goa as we know it is
exactly how anyone in the country would describe it too,
beaches, endless parties, exciting nightlife and surreal nature at
its best. Inhabited and colonized by the Portuguese for almost
450 years, the state has an inherent influence on their culture
and traditions. Spawned over a land area of 3702 km square with
the Arabian Sea cradling its coastline, this destination
experiences tropic weather conditions almost all through the
year. Since everyone already knows of Goa's colourful nightlife,
here is a little throwback to the rich history that the state also
boasts of.
History of goa
Besides being colonized by the Portuguese, Goa has a
fascinating historical past, which dates back further to the 3rd
century BC. A prominent part of the Mauryan Empire, Goa was
of prime importance because of its natural harbours and wide
river base. Only in 1987 did Goa get the status of an independent
state and the regional language Konkani was recognized as one
of India's official languages. Despite the multi-cultural influences
on Goa, the state still boasts of a distinctive culture, which makes
the destination an affable one.
19. The Goan Life and Culture
People living in Goa are referred to as Goans. A small
state on India's western coast, Goa has always benefitted
as a trade centre because of its easily accessible ports. A
beautiful harmonization of the East and West, Goans
have taken the best of both worlds. A civilization of
warm, happy people, Goa sees a mix of different
religions like Christians, Catholics, Muslims and
Hindus that live together in consonance. Following
their age-old traditions and customs, Goan's
celebrate all major festivals with fervour without
bringing any religious barriers within the society.
20. Dwellers who live in small villages within the state are neither
overtly greedy for money nor poor. Living off lavishly with what
they earn through the peak months of tourism, goan's live life to
the fullest. With a strong influence from the west, Goa has always
had the more modern mindset as compared to other states of
India. Their rich heritage culture has been untouched with
modern reformations one sees in big cities. Celebrating
livelihood and religious festivals with scrumptious food and
delightful music, the locals are humble, warm and fun loving
individuals.
21. Food Culture of Goa
Food and drinks are an integral part of marking Goa's vibrant
culture. Meals bring families together, and a staple is the
combination of Goan fish curry and rice. A dish that brings a
warm coconut flavour to the palate, this one is a must try if you
are visiting the city. Apart from this staple, Goa is also famous
for its mixed bag of freshly caught seafood. Prawns, crabs,
kingfish with their traditional spicy marination are a delectable
delicacy for the locals. Another festive favourite for the Goans is
their beef and pork roasts that are a must on their Christmas
men's which is best paired with Goa's famous brew Feni, made
with fermented cashews. Coconuts, spices and fresh catch from
the sea are core ingredients one will find in any Goan home,
making their food hearty and absolutely delicious. Fish curry and
rice, a dish which is synonymous to the state of Goa, is prepared
via using a host of ingredients like coconut, chilli peppers,
cashew and seasoning. Other dishes like the Bebinca (a multi-
layered sweet dish) and the Khatkhate are essentials when
friends get together or during festivities.
22. Occupation
Unlike cosmopolitan cities in India, the locals of Goa live a
beautiful and leisurely life, living each moment to the fullest.
Reaping the benefits of its location, the most common occupation
of locals is fishing. Owing to the fertile land and abundant water
supply, often locals practice farming and grow common food
items like cashew, coconuts, jackfruit and other grains. Apart
from this, the next most sought-after business in a tourist overrun
location like Goa, locals run shacks, guest houses and are tourist
guides in the prime season. To sustain themselves in the
offseason they practice the cultivation of local crops and grains.
23. Handicrafts of Goa
In an area where tourism is the core economy booster, small handicrafts
and souvenir jewellery are popular items found in the local markets.
Skilled artisans reuse shells and coconut skins found on the beach to
make stunning jewellery, frames, and showpieces for home decor. Apart
from this, bamboo, brass, and silver are also widely sold in the form of
jewellery and artefacts that attract tourists from across the globe.
Dance and Music Culture of Goa
Goans have a particular fondness for performing arts, which is
very distinct from the other states of India. A beautiful blend of
Indian and western, Goan art forms consist of Fugdi, Dhalo and
the Kunbi that date back to the Portuguese era in Goa. The folk
dances and music in the state are performed for both religious
24. festivals and cheerful events. The rich and exquisite culture of
Goa adds a feather this already favoured travel destination in
India.
Traditions Goan Attire
The traditional costume of the womenfolk in Goa comprises that
of a 9-yard sari also referred to as the ‘Pano Bhaju’ and some
jewellery to balance out the entire outfit. The fishermen do not
have any particular attire but are usually seen adorning bright
cotton shirts with half pants.
The attire of the tribal people in Goa comprises of a loincloth
known as ‘Kashti’, with a blanket draped around their
shoulders. The women wear a traditional sari with a tied knot
using their ‘Kunbi palloo’ and have a very distinctive dressing
style.
This coastal paradise is one of the most sought-after tourist
destinations, despite its multicultural influences. So if you haven't
seen this vibrant treasure of our country, plan your next trip to
Goa and be charmed by the humble locals and high-spirited
culture of this beloved city.
Thank you
