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Shop 11
c/o Heritage Organizers
Sodder's Landmark
Tito's Road
Baga, Bardez
Goa 403516

Tel:
+91 98 90 449 719

Email:
enquiries@eclipsepm.com

 
Culture

The most popular celebrations in Goa are Christmas, Ganesh Chaturthi, New Year's Day, the Shigmo festival and the Carnival. The carnival is celebrated with pomp and revelry and is the only place in India which hosts a carnival. However, since the 1960s, the celebrations of the Shigmo and carnival have shifted to the urban centres, and in recent times these festivals are seen more as a means of attracting tourists. Celebrations for all festivals usually last for a few days and include parties and balls.

Western English songs have a large following in most parts of Goa. Traditional Konkani folk songs too have a sizable following. Manddo, the traditional Goan music which originated in the nineteenth century, is sung and danced on special occasions. Goa is also known for its trance parties, and has given birth to a variant of this type, known as Goa trance.

Rice with fish curry is the staple diet in Goa. Goa is renowned for its rich variety of fish dishes cooked with elaborate recipes. Coconut and coconut oil is widely used in Goan cooking along with chilli, spices and vinegar giving the food a unique flavour. Pork dishes such as Vindaloo, Xacuti and Sorpotel are cooked for major occasions among the Catholics. A rich egg-based multi-layered sweet dish known as bebinca is a favourite at Christmas.

The most popular alcoholic beverage in Goa is feni, which is made from the fermentation of the fruit of the cashew tree.

Goa has two World Heritage Sites: the Bom Jezu Basilica and a few designated convents. The Basilica holds the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier, the patron saint of Goa among the Catholic faith. Once every decade, the body is taken down for veneration and for public viewing. The last such event was conducted in 2004. The Old Goa region is also known for its medieval European architecture.

In many parts of Goa, mansions constructed in the Mediterranean style architecture still stand, though in some villages, most of them are in a dilapidated condition. Fountainhas in Panjim, has been declared a cultural quarter, and are used as a living museum showcasing the life, architecture and culture of Goa. Indigenous architecture is visible in the numerous Hindu temples dotting the state, most notably the Mangueshi Temple.

Football (soccer) is Goa's most popular sport with cricket a close second. Though popular, cricket does not enjoy the same frenzy that has gripped most parts of India. Many of the country's top clubs such as the Vasco, Salgaokar, Dempo and Churchill Brothers are based in Goa. Many Goans also keenly follow international football, especially the Football World Cup and the European Football Championship, events that record the highest viewership in the state as compared to other sporting telecasts such as international cricket popular elsewhere in India. The state's sole stadium is the Fatorda stadium, located near Margao. The stadium hosts both international football as well as cricket matches. Cricket is played by many of the youth. Hockey is the third most popular sport. Goa used to be a traditional bastion of hockey talent, though in recent times its popularity has been decreasing.

 

 
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