People and Culture

Indulging in the Goan culture is magical. You can always experience fine blending of tradition and modernity in the vicinities of Goa. It will not be an exaggeration to state that Goa is a place where vision captures the imagination.

Let’s go back in history…
Goa constitutes one of the 25th states of India. The culture of this place is unique since it has been inherited from dynasties such as the French, Portuguese, Dutch and the Israelis.

You can see the influences of all these kingdoms with Portuguese influence as the greatest. The lifestyle, architecture, food or anything that matters is largely influenced by the Portuguese culture and tradition.

Comprising of Hindus basically, Goa was ruled by the Mauryan Empire in the 3rd century B.C.

Goa got impetus in terms of growth under the rule of the Chalukya, Bhojas, Hoysalas, Silhara, and Kadamba around 500 A.D. to 1342 A.D. it was around the 14th century, Goa acquired the center stage especially in context of cotton trade, spices, and indigo. Horse trading also flourished during this period. Then came the Muslims with their Empire though for a short span of time in the 1500. Goa became a Portuguese colony in the year 1510.

In 1540, Christianity was imposed on the people ancient temples were demolished to give space to Churches. Although, one of the most revered temples, the Mahalaxmi Temple, was built in 1818 in Panaji, interestingly during the Portuguese empire.

Unity in Diversity…
Despite the fact that Goa remained exposed to various changes in its character, religious harmony reigns supreme in Goa. There is no dearth of several places representing this unity. To name a few, the Church of Our Lady of Miracles in Mapusa, Damodar Temple at Sanguem, and the Shantadurga Temple at Fatorpa.

Both Hindus and Christians live together and that is what makes Goa one of secular place thus strengthening the old adage, ‘Unity in Diversity’. There is no dearth of various occasions and festivals in Goa, which make the place all the more significant and worthwhile from travel point of view.

You can always explore the distinct culture of Goa suffused with heart-warming folk songs, fun filled musical treats, traditional dances, invigorating music, mouth watering seasoned cuisines and colorful festivals.

You can easily earn an opportunity to witness the traditional lifestyle that has retained the age old art forms of tribes of Goa coming from the isolated villages near the beaches.

Food lovers’ delight…
Goa is also one of the best places when it comes to mouth watering foods and exquisite cuisines. You can always flatter your taste buds with mouth-watering sea food items, which come with the popular delicacies in Chinese, Italian, Mughlai and Indian cuisine. No doubt, Goa offers a lot to explore and experience.

The mantra of unity in diversity, which is deeply ingrained in the culture of Goa makes it unique and make the travelers attract to its vicinities.