Fish is considered as the staple diet of the Goan people. All humans use readily available edible resources and slowly develop a culture around it and the knowledge is passed from generation to generation. Fish became an integral part of Goan diet from prehistoric times (50000-60000 years before present).Goa has an unenviable culture showcasing different ways communities look at, understand, worship, love/hate, catch, cook and serve fish. Goa being rich in freshwater and marine ecosystems offers free, highly diverse (about 250 species of fish and shellfish) fisheries resources so the culture of catching fish developed much before animal husbandry or agriculture.Due to early semi nomadic settlers who camped first in Mandovi and Zuari river basins about 50-60000 years ago and developed the practice of catching fish using different gears. Fish was a staple diet in ancient Goa even before caste system was developed so almost all ethnic Goan communities are found to utilize fish in their food but there are clear taboos about meat. After the advent of GSB (Goa Saraswat Brahmins) migrants the legend of Sage Saraswat saving the Vedas by consuming fish from Vedic river Saraswati became popular and the Brahmins too justified consumption of fish by taking […]

Experience the vibrancy of Portuguese architecture in this quarter of Panaji. The Fontainhas is the oldest Latin Quarter located in Panaji. In the late 1700s, this locality belonged to a Goan expat who was also known as ‘Mossmikar’, as he hailed from the Portuguese colony of Mozambique in East Africa. Since this place was an open space it was called as ‘Mollo’, finally leading to be identified as ‘Mala’.The ‘Mossmikar’ later converted this land into coconut plantation hence called as Palmar Grande. The Fontainhas became more civilized when the Portuguese moved out from Old Goa to Panjim in the 1840’s due to sanitary problems that led to repeated outbreaks of plague in Old Goa.Since this was a plain area, it became the first choice of habitation for the Portuguese. When the Kadambas ruled Goa, what we now know as Panaji was called as Pancham Khali.  The Portuguese called it as Novo Goa or New Goa as they had moved out of Old Goa.The city of Panaji was built around Fonte de Phoenix. Fonte De Phoenix (Fountain of Phoenix) is a water reservoir which was constructed in the Portuguese era. On the top of the fountain there was a plate which […]

In its continuous endeavour to share knowledge, improve skills and introduce new ideas, The Navhind Times has been organising workshops, seminars and competitions since 2011. In its latest venture, Your Career Matters, various popular, as well as uncommon professions, will be highlighted. The maiden interaction will be with some of the top RJs of Goa who will speak about radio jockeying as a career. Maria Fernandes | NT Kuriocity If things like music programming, scripting, presenting radio shows, radio advertisements and lending voice to audio magazines and documentaries seem interesting to you, a career as a radio jockey (RJ) is something you can consider. Radio is not only the fastest growing but also a very popular segment in the media sector today. Thanks to the various innovative approaches of the new channels that have entered the scenario in recent times, the popularity of radio is at an all-time high. RJs who run the shows are celebrities in their own right. Take for example our very own Shakuntala Bharne and Alfie of FM Rainbow, Ayesha Barretto of Radio Indigo and Uday Chari of Big FM, whose voices have charmed us over the years and kept us informed and entertained. Radio jockeying […]

Kamlakar Naik is a kind-hearted man who is an Indian classical music vocalist. His style is Khayal singing and belongs to the Agra style of music. He has performed in many places and music conferences like Surashri Kesarbai Kerkar Smriti Sangeet Samaroh, Sawai Gandharv, and Sangeet Samorah.  Naik says that nowadays in Goa, people lean more towards light classical music or Western & Indian classical music fusions.  He says: “I’m not interested in music fusions. I concentrate on pure classical music which I received from my gurus.” Some of his gurus were Ratnakantji Ramnathkar, Pt. V.R Athavaleji, and Jitendra Abhishekiji. He’s been involved in classical music for approximately 50 years. Kamlakar feels that Indian classical music has definitely changed in Goa and India over the years as each artist has his own imagination and capacity and makes his contribution to the classical music industry which changes the music. “I enjoy performing. I am totally involved in the performance. I always think that every performance is an examination for me,” Naik enthusiastically states. He continues,“ One must also learn the theory of music apart from practical. There are theoretical rules for presenting melodies. One melody can be performed even for 60 minutes […]

A cool breeze blows and the water laps gently against the river bank. A man walks towards the river carrying his floating net. He gets into the boat and uses his strong arms to expertly row to the desired spot to cast the net for catching fish. This happy-go-lucky Goan is Prakash. He goes fishing 2-3 times a week as it is one of his ways of earning a living. During his childhood, he had a tough life as his parents struggled to feed him and his seven siblings. From a young age he was a keen learner. Just by watching different people at work, he was able to pick up various other trades like carpentry and vegetable cultivation. He has observed that during the summer there is more fish to catch. According to him, the months of April, May, and June are the best months to fish. During the rainy season, he avoids fishing as the river waters get choppy. In the past few years, fishing has become a bit tougher for him because of crocodiles and seals. Seals move very quickly to steal the fish they catch and even come to bite them. Also, he has to avoid any […]

During monsoons, nightlife events and watersports activities are less. However, the rains make Goa more magical. There is a lot more greenery and the air feels fresher. People can visit local restaurants to enjoy hot samosas and kappas with tea while listening to the sound of the rain hitting the earth. Those who are adventurous can go for whitewater rafting or trekking. The monsoons are a great time to visit majestic waterfalls like Dudhsagar, Netravali, Amboli, Kesarval spring, Tambdi Surla, and Harvalem waterfall. For the people who are disappointed with the lack of watersport activities, there is no need to worry. You can try out flyboarding, catamaran sailing, kayaking, speed boating, banana rides, etc.  One can also explore the quieter places of Goa. One of them is Fontainhas – a Latin quarter which has heritage Portuguese houses, narrow streets, and colourful architecture. Other than this place there are many tranquil islands to visit that are full of natural beauty and cultural treats. Some of them are Divar Island, Chorao Island, San Jacinto Island, Butterfly Island, and Conco Island. In some of these places, you can rent a bicycle and tour these beautiful places. If you want to stay indoors and […]