Culture Of Goa


The culture of Goa is an amalgamation of Indian and Portuguese culture. The long Portuguese rule has influenced the culture in more ways than one and many of the Portuguese traditions are reflected in the Goan culture even today.

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The crafts and arts of Goa also reflect Hindu, Muslim and Christian origins. Handicrafts are mainly made of materials easily available here like- clay, seashells, paper, bamboo, brass, wood, jute, stone and coconut shells amongst others. With the heavy inflow of tourists the handicrafts industry has also witnessed a boom. The Government of Goa has taken additional steps to further the handicrafts industry in Goa and has set up the Goa Handicrafts Rural and Small Scale Industries Development Corporation (GHRSSIDC) that has provided employment to many craftsmen.The crafts and arts of Goa also reflect Hindu, Muslim and Christian origins. Handicrafts are mainly made of materials easily available here like- clay, seashells, paper, bamboo, brass, wood, jute, stone and coconut shells amongst others. With the heavy inflow of tourists the handicrafts industry has also witnessed a boom. The Government of Goa has taken additional steps to further the handicrafts industry in Goa and has set up the Goa Handicrafts Rural and Small Scale Industries Development Corporation (GHRSSIDC) that has provided employment to many craftsmen.Dance and music is deeply embedded in the Goan culture. The most popular dance forms in Goa are Fugdi and Dhalo, which are traditional dances, performed only by women. Some dances are specific to an occasion or festival they are performed in. The Dhangar is performed during the Hindu festival of Navaratras and during the Shigmo festival women perform a lamp dance. Goa comes alive in the festive. The traditions and customs of Goa have allowed secularism to flourish and have made people more tolerant towards other religious practices. It is not uncommon to see people from another religion going to a church or a temple or a mosque. They follow the tradition of their choice and at the same time respect other customs. This is what makes Goans stand out in a striking contrast to the rest of India. The Goan tradition and customs have truly given a unique identity to the state and made it a role model for others to follow.

Pilgrimage Places

Basilica Of Bom Jesus
Shri Mangueshi Temple
Se Cathedral
Shri Shantadurga Temple
Shri Mahalaxmi Temple
 
            • The Basilica of Bom Jesus is a Roman Catholic basilica located in the Goa state, situated in the
            Konkan region of India. It is both a pilgrimage centre and also the most iconic monument of all the churches
            and convents of Goa, recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
            • The Mangueshi temple is situated 22 kms. from Panaji (26 kms. from Margao) at Priol in the Ponda
            Taluka. It is dedicated to Lord Mangueshi, a form of Shiva, which is recognised only in Goa.
            • The Sé Catedral de Santa Catarina, known as Se Cathedral, is the cathedral of the Latin Rite Roman
            Catholic Archdiocese of Goa and Daman and the seat of the Patriarch of the East Indies. It is part of the
            World Heritage Site, Churches and convents of Goa located in Old Goa, India.
            • Shri Shantadurga Saunsthan is a private temple complex belonging to the Goud Saraswat Brahman Samaj
            located 30 km (19 mi) from Panaji at the foothill of Kavalem village in Ponda Taluka, Goa, India.
            • The temple of Goddess Mahalaxmi has been in existence since at least the year 1413, when information
            about the rituals of the temple is found on stone plaques carved during the reign of Nanjan Gosavi Pratihast
            over Goa.