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. SHERYL GONSALVES | NT GOGOANOW 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. […]

Lush green trees and the pristine Mandovi River flowing are notably one of the few things one will see cruising through the beautiful City of Panjim. Panjim being the capital city of Goa calls many visitors. Cruising through Panjim will definitely take a travel thirsty wanderer back in time to the Portuguese era. Fontainhas Fontainhas is famously known to be the Latin quarters of Goa has proven to be a very photo-worthy location for many. The feature of this place is Portugal infused architecture. Walking through the lanes of Fontainhas you’ll notice walls painted in hues of blue, yellow and strip white and that’s only the tip of the beautiful architecture. Walking through the lanes it’s definite to find many cafes and art galleries. Dive deeper into the architecture as you walk into the art galleries. Our Lady of Immaculate Conception One of the most famously known Churches in Goa is the Our Lady of Immaculate Conception Church. The church stands tall in the center of Panjim and receives hundreds of visitors on a daily basis. The church’s white color instantly grabs the eye.  Another feature of this church is its zigzag stairs that lead to the church. The church […]

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 […]

A 60-member choir will perform Palestrina’s compositions along with Goan Lenten hymns SHERYL GONSALVES Polyphony, a complex style of music, was almost lost in the 16th century. Goa now has the chance to hear it, preserved through the work of Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina, the Italian Renaissance composer credited with safeguarding polyphony in the Church. “This style was almost abandoned as composers adapted it for secular music and church authorities felt sacred texts became hard to follow when sung in multiple voices,” says the Director of the Western Music Department at Kala Academy, Goa and Chancellor of the Archdiocese, Fr. Romeo Monteiro. He adds that Palestrina’s Missa Papae Marcelli was a turning point. “Its harmony impressed the cardinals, who recognised its importance and preserved it for posterity.” The upcoming ‘Concerts of Sacred Music’, a personal initiative by Fr. Monteiro for spiritual purposes, will showcase 60 singers and musicians. The programme includes Gregorian chant, early and later polyphony, popular hymns and Goan Lenten music. He says, “The Goan Lenten Motet is an important part of our heritage and deserves to be preserved.” The main attraction of the concert will be Palestrina’s Mass to mark the 500th anniversary of the composer’s birth. […]

Old Goa is a small town in the North Goa district. Portugal-styled churches are famous for their architecture and impeccable history behind them. Old Goa, best known for its churches, is the perfect place to be for the traveller who wants to drown himself in the beautiful Portugal architecture of Goa. NT GoGoaNow gives you a sneak peek into some places you should visit when in Old Goa! …. …. …. Basilica of Bom Jesus As you enter Old Goa, you’re definitely going to see the monumental Basilica of Bom Jesus. The church was consecrated in May 1605 by Fr. Alexia de Menezes, the Archbishop of Goa. The church is a magnificent example of Baroque architecture in Goa. The church is well known as it embodies the relics of St. Francis Xavier, who lays to rest in a silver casket within the church. The relics are taken down every 10 years for an exposition which calls forth millions of devotees. The architectural monument comes under the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. …. Se Cathedral  The Sé Cathedral de Santa Catarina, known as Se Cathedral, in short, is known to be the largest church in Asia. The majestic church stands strong before […]

The shining sun is hitting the waves, making the ocean sparkle as it reflects the blue hues of the sky above. The gentle breeze and the calming sounds of the water make you slip into relaxation mode. However, there is one thing you may wish was different…. a beach that wasn’t so crowded! Written By: Sheryl Gonsalves Not to worry! Here is a list of beaches in Goa that’ll let you have a quieter, peaceful outing: NORTH GOA The North side of Goa has a notorious reputation for having crowded, noisy beaches. However, this isn’t entirely true. Here are some serene spots to visit for sand and sea… Morjim Beach This beach is quite famous for the Olive Ridley turtles who come to nest here and are helped by a group of volunteers who guard the nests and help the baby turtles get into the sea. The beach is also a favourite among Russian tourists, along with Ashwem beach close by, one will find signboards and menu cards in the Russian language. Mandrem Beach If you want to enjoy vast stretches of sand and water, this beach is the place to be! Colourful seashells dot the shores while little crabs […]