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he state of Goa is abundant and rich in people, culture and festivals. Being an immensely multi-cultural state, its
festivals and people are numerous and various.
People: The people of Goa are very friendly, relaxed and extremely happy-go-lucky. The afternoon siesta is an
important feature of life in Goa; in accordance with it shops down their shutters from one to four. People of Goa
belong to different faiths and come from different cultural backgrounds. However, they all lay emphasis on good
living.
Culture: Having had a multicultural past, the people, culture and festivals of Goa have been accordingly affected.
The Portuguese were great church builders, their desire to spread their faith an important motivation. However, the
early Hindu and Muslim settlers were nonetheless eager to populate the land with their descendents. So, what you
see in modern-day Gao is a direct result of their urge. And much as the image evoked by Goa is the picture of its lush
and luxurious beaches, the inhabitants of Goa are very religious-minded and conscious of their ethnicity.
Goan Food too forms an important part of the culture of Goa. Goa boasts of many different cuisines - the Konkan, the
Portuguese and the Bahamani Nawabi traditions. Sea-food and rice, however, is a common feature with all these
categories. Goa is abundant in different types of fish, the chief being, prawns, mussels, oysters and crabs.
Festivals: Goa is a medley of people, culture and festivals. So, all the major religious festivals of India are celebrated
in Goa. In any case, fairs, fetes, fests, feasts and festivals are quite a regular feature of Goan life. Celebration is an
integral part of Goan life; and not to miss out, they also have a day to commemorate the very idea of fun andfestivity.
Art
Having a long and chequered history followed by an absorption and amalgam of the individuality of each ethnic race
involved in it, the state of Goa is rich in culture and heritage and art.
The performing art in Goa - is a specialty and a unique feature of the state of Goa. Though all these forms fall under
the wide classification of dance, drama and music, yet each of these performing arts in Goa have a distinct Goan
flavour and can be easily be distinguished from those of the other states.
The most significant part about the performing arts in Goa is the fact that each of them colourfully illustrates the unity
in diversity of Goan heritage. In an attempt to revive, preserve and also help the performing arts in Goa to flourish,
the Government of Goa has sponsored a self-governing organization in Goa called the Kala Academy of Goa. Set up
in the year 1970, the organization aims at carrying out its objectives of restoring, improving and rejuvenating the
existing forms of Goan dance, drama and music. However, they do not neglect to publicize Goan literature and other
arts. However, they concentrate on the performing arts in Goa. To facilitate it further they offer scholarships to the
eager and the talented and also run faculties for Indian music and dance, Western music and dance and theatre art.
Crafts in Goa
The handicrafts in Goa are of various types and are mostly made with the help of naturally available materials like
clay, sea-shells, paper, bamboo and brass. In fact the handicraft division in Goa has attained extraordinary
proportions mainly because of the workmanship, organization and skill of the craftsmen. The other reason for the

flourishing of this division is because of the boom of tourism in Goa. With the number of tourist's multiplying in Goa
there has been increase in the rush to carry back traditional Goan souvenirs. The government too has taken steps to
further the cause of crafts in Goa. For this purpose the Government of Goa has set up the Goa Handicrafts, Rural &
Small Scale Industries Development Corporation Limited (GHRSSIDC). Now some 1,000 craftsmen are employed in
about 500 units.
The uniqueness of Goan crafts lie in the background of Goa's chequered history. The crafts of Goa mirror influences
of Hindu, Muslim and Christian origins. However, the crafts do not mirror the distinctive elements of the different
cultures; rather, they present a unified artistic amalgam. Apart from the materials mentioned above, wood, lacquer,
jute, fabric, stone and coconut shells are also used to create some truly exquisite works of art.
Dance
The state of Goa is rich in culture and heritage, and art - especially performing art in Goa - in a unique feature of the
state. Though all these forms fall under the wide classification of dance, drama and music, yet the Dance in Goa has
a distinct Goan flavor and can be easily be distinguished from those of the other states.
The most significant part about the Dance in Goa is the fact that it colorfully illustrates the unity in diversity of Goan
heritage. Moreover, dance in Goa is very ethnic; it is an amalgamation of the Indian aspects with the imported
Western one. As a direct result of this fusion, various forms of dances have evolved, depending on the interpretation
and expression of the social trends and techniques over the ages. So, different dance forms grew alongside the
classical dance style. Each occasion has a separate dance; and each of these dances is distinctly different from the
others
The Dekni is essentially performed by Women and is a traditional dance form. The music to which this dance is
performed is has ingredients of both the East and the West. So the music is both ethnical and contemporary. The
chief folk dances in Goa are the Fugdi and Dhalo and the Kunbi. The Kunbi, however, has elements of tribal dance to
it as well. Their dance belongs to the era before the Portuguese conquest. The other unique feature about this dance
is the fact that it is devoid of religious content and is mainly social. The Morulem is a folk dance of the rearward
communities, and is performed on the Shigmo. The Lamp Dance too is a unique specialty of Goa. Performed chiefly
by women during the time of the Shigmo, it is danced by balancing brass lamps with burning wicks on the head. It is
popular mainly in southern and central Goa.
Music
The state of Goa is rich in culture and heritage, and art - especially performing art in Goa - in a unique feature of the
state. Though all these forms fall under the wide classification of dance, drama and music, yet the music in Goa has a
distinct Goan flavour and can be easily be distinguished from those of the other states. The most significant part
about the music in Goa is the fact that it colorfully illustrates the unity in diversity of Goa's chequered heritage. So in
the sphere of music, there is an amalgam of Indian Hindu and Muslim and Portuguese Christian genres.
The richness of the music in Goa can be further demonstrated by the fact that most of the renowned names in the
field of music in India have originated from Goa. The most prominent and well known of them is that of Lata
Mangeshkar. Another name is that of Surashri Kesarbai Kerkar.
Despite such a multicultural influence in the music in Goa, Konkani is the predominant language in used in Goan
music. Music is an integral part of Goan life and so you will find music in all things Goan - be it dance or drama. So,
even the instruments accompanying the songs are of much importance. Some of the frequently used ones are the

Shehnai and the Cymbal.

Last Updated on : 8/06/2013

The history of Goa is much shrouded in mystery. When the Hindu epic Mahabharata was written in the later Vedic
period (c.1000-500 BC), Goa was referred to "Gomantak" (a Sanskrit word having many meanings, two of them being
'fertile land' and 'land of the Gods').
One legend has it that the mythical sage Parashuram - who was the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu - created the
entire stretch of Konkan coast, several thousand years ago, by ordering the seas to recede. The entire community of
the warrior tribe Kshatriyas was eradicated by Parashuram. He then gifted the land that was captured Kashyapmuni a sage. The Kshatriya annihilation left the land unadministered; thus leading to lawlessness and turmoil. As a result,
the anxious sage Kashyapmuni, requested Parashuram to leave and settle in a different place. So Parashuram, in
obedience to Kashyapmuni, recovered land from the sea by ordering the sea to go back - he is believed to have shot
an arrow from the top of the Western Ghats into the sea; the distance covered by the arrow indicated the amount of
land to be given up by the sea god. The location where the arrow is said to have landed was called "Bannali"
(Sanskrit for 'where the arrow landed'; Bann: arrow, ali: village). Today the place is better known as Benaulim.
Legend has it that the land surrendered by the Sea God lies on the banks of the two main rivers: Gomati and
Asghanasini - now known in Goa as Mandovi and Zuari.
Another legend has it that the beautiful ladies of the Konkan region enthralled Lord Krishna when he saw them
bathing in the coastal area. The ladies in their turn were drawn to the music generated by his flute, that they were
entranced and kept dancing. Lord Krishna, christened the place "Govapuri" after the cows ('gov') belonging to the
locals.
The first settlers of Goa were the Brahmins who were called Saraswats. They were originally residents of the land
lying on banks of the River Saraswati; hence the name. Following the drying up of the river, an exodus of Brahmins
took place to all corners of India.
A group of ninety-six families, who are today called Gaud Saraswats, set up residence along the coast of Konkan.
This took place in around 1000 BC. Sixty-six of them settled in the southern half of Goa, in what is today's Salcete
taluka (Sanskrit: "Sassast" means "66").The rest of the thirty families settled in the northern region of Goa, in what is
today's Tiswadi taluka (Sanskrit: "Tis" means "30").
These Saraswat Brahmins lived in harmony with the local indigenous people, the Kunbi tribals, who are still around to
this day. Around the year 740 AD, the Brahmins erected their first Matha (religious centre of learning) at Kushasthali
(present day Cortalim).
Today a temple of Parashuram stands in Painguinim village of Canacona Taluka in South Goa as a proof of the
state's mythical history. There is no concrete proof to find out the accurate date as to when the Saraswats or
Parashurama arrived in the Konkan. Even if the legends are counted as mere myths, the long inhabitation of
Saraswat Brahmins in Goa, along with their family deities, remains an indisputable truth.

Last Updated on : 20th March 2013

People ,culture and festivals in goa

The state of Goa is abundant and rich in people, culture and festivals. Being an immensely multi-cultural state, its
festivals and people are numerous and various.

People: The people of Goa are very friendly, relaxed and extremely happy-go-lucky. The afternoon siesta is an
important feature of life in Goa; in accordance with it shops down their shutters from one to four. People of Goa
belong to different faiths and come from different cultural backgrounds. However, they all lay emphasis on good
living.
Culture: Having had a multicultural past, the people, culture and festivals of Goa have been accordingly affected.
The Portuguese were great church builders, their desire to spread their faith an important motivation. However, the
early Hindu and Muslim settlers were nonetheless eager to populate the land with their descendents. So, what you
see in modern-day Gao is a direct result of their urge. And much as the image evoked by Goa is the picture of its lush
and luxurious beaches, the inhabitants of Goa are very religious-minded and conscious of their ethnicity.
Goan Food too forms an important part of the culture of Goa. Goa boasts of many different cuisines - the Konkan, the
Portuguese and the Bahamani Nawabi traditions. Sea-food and rice, however, is a common feature with all these
categories. Goa is abundant in different types of fish, the chief being, prawns, mussels, oysters and crabs.
Festivals: Goa is a medley of people, culture and festivals. So, all the major religious festivals of India are celebrated
in Goa. In any case, fairs, fetes, fests, feasts and festivals are quite a regular feature of Goan life. Celebration is an
integral part of Goan life; and not to miss out, they also have a day to commemorate the very idea of fun andfestivity.
Art
Having a long and chequered history followed by an absorption and amalgam of the individuality of each ethnic race
involved in it, the state of Goa is rich in culture and heritage and art.
The performing art in Goa - is a specialty and a unique feature of the state of Goa. Though all these forms fall under
the wide classification of dance, drama and music, yet each of these performing arts in Goa have a distinct Goan
flavour and can be easily be distinguished from those of the other states.
The most significant part about the performing arts in Goa is the fact that each of them colourfully illustrates the unity
in diversity of Goan heritage. In an attempt to revive, preserve and also help the performing arts in Goa to flourish,
the Government of Goa has sponsored a self-governing organization in Goa called the Kala Academy of Goa. Set up
in the year 1970, the organization aims at carrying out its objectives of restoring, improving and rejuvenating the
existing forms of Goan dance, drama and music. However, they do not neglect to publicize Goan literature and other
arts. However, they concentrate on the performing arts in Goa. To facilitate it further they offer scholarships to the
eager and the talented and also run faculties for Indian music and dance, Western music and dance and theatre art.
Crafts in Goa
The handicrafts in Goa are of various types and are mostly made with the help of naturally available materials like
clay, sea-shells, paper, bamboo and brass. In fact the handicraft division in Goa has attained extraordinary
proportions mainly because of the workmanship, organization and skill of the craftsmen. The other reason for the
flourishing of this division is because of the boom of tourism in Goa. With the number of tourist's multiplying in Goa
there has been increase in the rush to carry back traditional Goan souvenirs. The government too has taken steps to
further the cause of crafts in Goa. For this purpose the Government of Goa has set up the Goa Handicrafts, Rural &
Small Scale Industries Development Corporation Limited (GHRSSIDC). Now some 1,000 craftsmen are employed in
about 500 units.
The uniqueness of Goan crafts lie in the background of Goa's chequered history. The crafts of Goa mirror influences

of Hindu, Muslim and Christian origins. However, the crafts do not mirror the distinctive elements of the different
cultures; rather, they present a unified artistic amalgam. Apart from the materials mentioned above, wood, lacquer,
jute, fabric, stone and coconut shells are also used to create some truly exquisite works of art.
Dance
The state of Goa is rich in culture and heritage, and art - especially performing art in Goa - in a unique feature of the
state. Though all these forms fall under the wide classification of dance, drama and music, yet the Dance in Goa has
a distinct Goan flavor and can be easily be distinguished from those of the other states.
The most significant part about the Dance in Goa is the fact that it colorfully illustrates the unity in diversity
of Goan heritage. Moreover, dance in Goa is very ethnic; it is an amalgamation of the Indian aspects with the
imported Western one. As a direct result of this fusion, various forms of dances have evolved, depending on
the interpretation and expression of the social trends and techniques over the ages. So, different dance
forms grew alongside the classical dance style. Each occasion has a separate dance; and each of these
dances is distinctly different from the others
The Dekni is essentially performed by Women and is a traditional dance form. The music to which this dance
is performed is has ingredients of both the East and the West. So the music is both ethnical and
contemporary. The chief folk dances in Goa are the Fugdi and Dhalo and the Kunbi. The Kunbi, however, has
elements of tribal dance to it as well. Their dance belongs to the era before the Portuguese conquest. The
other unique feature about this dance is the fact that it is devoid of religious content and is mainly social.
The Morulem is a folk dance of the rearward communities, and is performed on the Shigmo. The Lamp Dance
too is a unique specialty of Goa. Performed chiefly by women during the time of the Shigmo, it is danced by
balancing brass lamps with burning wicks on the head. It is popular mainly in southern and central Goa.
Music
The state of Goa is rich in culture and heritage, and art - especially performing art in Goa - in a unique feature
of the state. Though all these forms fall under the wide classification of dance, drama and music, yet the
music in Goa has a distinct Goan flavour and can be easily be distinguished from those of the other states.
The most significant part about the music in Goa is the fact that it colorfully illustrates the unity in diversity
of Goa's chequered heritage. So in the sphere of music, there is an amalgam of Indian Hindu and Muslim and
Portuguese Christian genres.
The richness of the music in Goa can be further demonstrated by the fact that most of the renowned names
in the field of music in India have originated from Goa. The most prominent and well known of them is that of
Lata Mangeshkar. Another name is that of Surashri Kesarbai Kerkar.
Despite such a multicultural influence in the music in Goa, Konkani is the predominant language in used in
Goan music. Music is an integral part of Goan life and so you will find music in all things Goan - be it dance
or drama. So, even the instruments accompanying the songs are of much importance. Some of the
frequently used ones are the Shehnai and the Cymbal.

Languages in Goa

LANGUAGES IN GOA
Goa boasts about a fusion of languages. Portuguese was widely spoken until Goa was liberated from the Portugal
regime in 1961. In fact, the older generations can still speak Portuguese. However, the main languages spoken now
in Goa are Konkani and Marathi. Marathi is widely taught in schools too.

Yet almost everyone in Goa can speak in English and Hindi. Thanks to its chequered history, Goa is a multi-lingual
state. Having had people of various regions, ethnic races and religions from India and abroad settling in Goa, their
language too has inflected accordingly. So, the total number of languages used in Goa are English, Portuguese,
Konkani, Hindi and Marathi. Konkani, however, is the official language of Goa. Konkani is written in the Devanagri
script. The other main languages spoken in the state are Marathi, Kannad and Urdu. Gujarati and Hindi are also
spoken by a considerable number of people in the state.
In major towns, English is widely used in writing and conversation. Goa being a major tourist place offers a touristfriendly medium of interaction through English. Portuguese was the language of the colonial rulers and the official
language until before liberation, in 1961. Notwithstanding the official patronage and a compulsory medium of study,
Portuguese failed to make a dent in the mind of the majority of Goans. It remained only the language of the elite but
alienated the masses. Thus just after the departure of the Portuguese, the Portuguese language lost all its favor and
usage. Konkani and Marathi survived in Goa by secret studies at home, in temples and public places in villages.

DANCE IN GOA
The state of Goa is rich in culture and heritage, and art - especially performing art in Goa - in a unique feature of the
state. Though all these forms fall under the wide classification of dance, drama and music, yet the Dance in Goa has
a distinct Goan flavor and can be easily be distinguished from those of the other states.
The most significant part about the Dance in Goa is the fact that it colorfully illustrates the unity in diversity of Goan
heritage. Moreover, dance in Goa is very ethnic; it is an amalgamation of the Indian aspects with the imported
Western one. As a direct result of this fusion, various forms of dances have evolved, depending on the interpretation
and expression of the social trends and techniques over the ages. So, different dance forms grew alongside the
classical dance style. Each occasion has a separate dance; and each of these dances is distinctly different from the
others
The Dekni is essentially performed by Women and is a traditional dance form. The music to which this dance is
performed is has ingredients of both the East and the West. So the music is both ethnical and contemporary. The
chief folk dances in Goa are the Fugdi and Dhalo and the Kunbi. The Kunbi, however, has elements of tribal dance to
it as well. Their dance belongs to the era before the Portuguese conquest. The other unique feature about this dance
is the fact that it is devoid of religious content and is mainly social. The Morulem is a folk dance of the rearward
communities, and is performed on the Shigmo. The Lamp Dance too is a unique specialty of Goa. Performed chiefly
by women during the time of the Shigmo, it is danced by balancing brass lamps with burning wicks on the head. It is
popular mainly in southern and central Goa.
The Goff too is a folk dance. It is performed by the Goan Peasants after the harvest as a manifestation of their delight
and felicity. The dance is performed during Shigmo with colorful cords, in a technique by which the dancers by
dancing create braids and other patterns. The forming of these braids happens during the first half of the dance. The
second half of the dance is dedicated to unraveling the patterns made by using an opposite rhythmic movement. The
songs that are sung for the dance are all dedicated to Lord Krishna. This dance has an affinity with Gujarati tribal
dance forms.
Dance in Goa also comes in the form of plays and dance-dramas. One of these types is the Jagar, which is
performed by the Gawdas. Another is the Dhangar. The Dhangar is a Navratri dance. It is a fusion of adoration and
dance - in essence, almost like the dance performed by the Sufis. The other prominent ones include Corredinho
Dance, Fugdi Dance, Ghode Modni, Goff Dance, Mussal Dance and Romal Dance.

The Dashavatara too is a major genre. Dashavatara directly translates as 'ten incarnations' and is associated with
Lord Vishnu. Opinions are divided as the origin of the dance. Some believe it to have evolved from "Yakshagana";
others consider it to have emerged from "Kuchipudi". The subject involves the theft of the "Vedas". It is discussed by
the Sutradhar (stage manager), Brahmin figures, women actors representing the rivers, actors playing Lord Brahma
(the Creator) and Goddess Saraswati (the goddess of learning), and the demon Shankhasur.
Performed by the Kshatriyas of Chandor, the Mussal Dance is performed as a celebration of Victory. It was first
performed to celebrate the victory of Harihar, the Hindu King of Vijaynagar, after he defeated the Cholas in the early
14th century. The dance is so called because it is danced with Mussals (pestles). The dance constitutes 4 couplets
while the main dance uses 22 couplets. Though the Kshatriyas finally converted to Christianity, yet they have
preserved this cultural heritage. The Mussal dance is now performed on the second day of the carnival.
Performed during the Shigmo, the Romat Dance is a thanks-giving observance. It is performed in a dance-cumprocession style by the people of northern and central Goa. It is an extremely crammed, clamorous and vibrant affair.
It is performed with huge banners, ceremonial umbrellas, festooned sticks. The procession proceeds towards a
temple or to the house of the landlord to the earsplitting beats of huge drums called Dhols and Tashas.

Last Updated on: 20th March 2013

CHRISMAS IN GOA
Christmas in Goa is one of the most important festivals that is celebrated with a lot of enthusiasm. Like all the other
parts of the world, Christmas in Goa is celebrated on 25th December. The day marks the birth of Lord Jesus. The
festival is marked with a lot of merrymaking and revelry. People from all the communities in Goa join hands to
celebrate the festival. Moreover, Goa Christmas celebrations begin with the singing of Christmas carols, which is
followed by offering prayers in the church and exchanging gifts.
Dancing and parties form an inevitable part of Christmas in Goa. During the festival, the people of the city dress
themselves in the finest of their clothes. People decorate their houses with Christmas trees. The Christmas trees are
decorated with beautiful items such as candies, sparkling stars, cotton flakes, cakes, socks, gifts and a number of
other decorative items. During the Christmas, the Goans decorate their houses with colorful papers and poinsettias.
Even the churches are decorate for the occasion. The market places in the city are also decorated with tinsel and
buntings.
It is remarkable that the celebration of Christmas in Goa is not restricted only to the Christians. People belonging to
various communities participate in the festival with immense enthusiasm. In fact, every of the city seems to come
alive with the festivities. The beaches in Goa forms the center of the festivities during this time. Loud music, dance
and revelry, clubbed with sumptuous dishes mark the festivities of Christmas in Goa.

Christmas Celebrations and Decorations in Goa

Christmas in Goa celebrations include exchanging gifts and offering prayers. The nativity scene is evoked by creating
clay statues and artifacts made up of millet grass, box board and hay. Creating clay statues form an important part of
the Christmas festival and it is reminiscent of the birth of Jesus in the stable of Bethlehem.
The celebrations of Christmas at Goa begin in the evening of 24th December. The festivities begin with decorating
the Christmas tree. Decorating the Christmas tree form an integral part of the Christmas celebrations in Goa, which

begins on the day before the Christmas. On the eve of 24th December, the people of Goa decorate Christmas tress
with many decorative items including socks, candies, stars, bells, gifts and many small figures of animals and birds.
However, the actual celebration begins on the eve of 25th December, which is marked by loud music and dancing.
Dancing, pealing of church bells and fireworks form an intrinsic part of the Christmas Day celebrations in Goa. Feasts
also form an important part of the Christmas celebrations. On the Christmas day, the Christians organize special
feasts. The sumptuous foods and beverages characterize the Christmas celebrations in Goa.
Moreover, family reunions and partying also include the celebrations of Christmas. On the Christmas Eve, many
families observe Midnight Mass. The Midnight Mass commemorates the birth of Jesus at midnight. Therefore, the
people of Goa sing Christmas carols and hymns during the midnight. The Midnight Mass in Goa is characterized by
the sounding of bells and lighting candles.
Decorating the house with Christmas tree forms an important feature of the Christmas celebrations in Goa. On the
eve prior to the Christmas, the Christmas tree is decorated with a number of geometrical figures, paper cuttings,
small figurines of birds, squirrels, lambs and horses, moons, stars and bells. The people of Goa also use beautiful
gifts and colorful socks to decorate the tree. Different types of fruits are also used to adorn the Christmas tree on this
occasion.