Resident of Goa or visiting this state, GoGoaNow is your one stop to the sights, sounds and taste of Goa. Here you can plan your weekend or your holiday with things to do, see, visit, eat and drink.
From exhibitions, concerts, dance, food and drink to performing arts, libraries and more, GoGoaNow is the definitive guide to events in Goa.
Featured Events
Sunaparanta Goa Centre for the Arts is organising an exhibition of Works from the Goa Open Arts Grants 2022 – 2023, Echoes till June 10 at their premises. Details: 9370675100.
Fundacao Oriente Panaji is organising the 7th Fundação Oriente Short Story Competition. In this regard, the organisation will organise a creative writing workshop between June 23 and 25. Entries for the competition 2023 will be accepted between August 15 and 30. The shortlisted stories will be announced on November 30 and the winners will be declared at a function to be held on December 8. The winning and shortlisted stories will be translated into English and published in the anthology ‘Short Stories from Goa’ in 2024. Regulations and registration forms are available on request by email to fossc2023@gmail.com. Details: 2230728.
Up Next
Sunaparanta Goa Centre for the Arts is organising an exhibition of Works from the Goa Open Arts Grants 2022 – 2023, Echoes till June 10 at their premises. Details: 9370675100.
Fundacao Oriente Panaji is organising the 7th Fundação Oriente Short Story Competition. In this regard, the organisation will organise a creative writing workshop between June 23 and 25. Entries for the competition 2023 will be accepted between August 15 and 30. The shortlisted stories will be announced on November 30 and the winners will be declared at a function to be held on December 8. The winning and shortlisted stories will be translated into English and published in the anthology ‘Short Stories from Goa’ in 2024. Regulations and registration forms are available on request by email to fossc2023@gmail.com. Details: 2230728.
Essentially Goa
Delightful Summer Fruits of Goa
The heat is intense but it’s the time of the year that seasonal fruits are available in plenty Seasonal fruits are popular among locals in Goa, especially during the summer. With the popularity of social media, these summer fruits are searched on Google and tracked down in the markets. This has increased demand and has caused the prices to go up. Mangoes, the king of fruits, have always been the favourite. The ‘Mankurad’ is so superior that in the Panaji market, people spent about Rs 4,000 a dozen after the mangoes came to the markets in March. The rates have stabilised but ask the elders around and they’d say, “People would give them to us for a song (free). We never had to think twice before buying Mankurad mangoes but today it’s out of the common man’s reach.” Raw mangoes are coveted too. Used for pickles, preservatives and to go along with urrack with some salt and chilli, the markets are flooded with raw mangoes. ‘Panne’ is a cooler made from raw mangoes. Fresh tender cashews (bibbe) are used in various recipes. These cashews are plucked and peeled to get tender cashews. A favourite of Goans, there’s so much joy […]
Get high on mangoes with the ‘Mangoholic’ Festival at Goa Marriott Resort
Come summer and mango is one of the fruits on everyone’s mind. One can relish the fruit in its many moods at the ongoing ‘Mangoholic Delights’ till May 31 from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. at Goa Baking Company, Goa Marriott Resort & Spa, Miramar. There is an array of bakes, pastries, smoothies, shakes, ice creams and more. RAMANDEEP KAUR & SHERYL GONSALVES | NT In cakes, there is the Alphonso mango boomer (classic mascarpone cream with fresh mango compote), spice mangles mangozza (sweet chili brule, mango cremeux and almond financier), kesar mango cheesecake (mango cheesecake, Oreo crust and chantilly cream), ‘aam panna’ with strawberry confit (‘aam panna’ mousse, pistachio sponge and crunch) and payari mango and coconut cake (coconut dacquoise and payari cream). Pastries include mango cream tart (sweet paste, cloudy cream and mango), classic mango popsicles (mango mousse and crunch), mango crepe cake (crepe, mango ganache) and ‘aam petti’ (vanilla sponge and mango cream). There are two types of ice creams and macarons in flavours of mango basil, raspberry mango and just mango by itself. Chef de Partie (pastry) Gouri Khanna says, “We have showcased our fusion and classical desserts of mango. We have homemade ice creams, macarons […]
Smoothie Recipes from Taj Hotels
Chefs share smoothie recipes to beat the heat. GRANOLA & FRUIT SMOOTHIE Ingredients:1 banana sliced1 apple medium (Peeled & Diced)1/3 cup plain Greek yoghurt1/4 teaspoon cinnamon powder1tbsp. maple syrup or honey1 tbsp. flaxseed powder1/2 cup granola1/4 cup ice Method:Crush granola coarsely in the blenderAdd Greek yoghurt, soy milk, and honey to blend it wellAdd the rest of the ingredients and blend until smoothVoila! Granola smoothie is ready AVOCADO SUPER SMOOTHIE Ingredients: 1/2 cup of almonds & walnuts1 ½ – 2 cups of spinach leaves chopped1 firm ripe avocado 1 ½ cups almond milk 1tbsp. of liquid apple syrup or honey1tbsp. sunflower seeds1tbsp. pumpkin seeds Method:Add mixed nuts (almond & Walnut), sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds in a blender and blend it wellAdd spinach, avocado & soya milk in a blender. Blend until smoothAdd liquid apple syrup or honey and blend it for another 10 seconds.Pour into glasses and serve. PEANUT BUTTER AND HONEY OAT SMOOTHIE (from Executive Chef Nitin Mathur, Taj Santacruz) Ingredients: 2 cups of rolled oats (pan-roasted)½ yoghurt1 cup almond milk1 large banana3tbsp. peanut butter2 tablespoons honey1tbsp flaxseed powder Instructions: Place oats in blender and processPour milk into a blender and allow processed oats to soften in […]
Beaches in Goa with less crowd
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 […]
From Grandma’s Kitchen: Fish Ambotik
Fish Ambotik is a classic favourite among the Goan folk. The curry has a deliciously sour, spicy, and tangy flavour. This is why it is named ‘Ambotik’ as ambot means sour and tik means spicy. It is usually accompanied with rice, bread, or sannas. Different types of fishes can be used such as kingfish, mackerel, shark, etc. This dish can be identified by its reddish-orange colour. The following recipe is given by a Goan grandmother who has a passion for cooking. Fish Ambotik of half kg Grind to paste the following: 1 tsp coriander seeds 1/2 tsp jeera 1/2 tsp mustard seeds 1/2 tsp peppercorns 5 cloves 1-inch stick of cinnamon 6 flakes garlic 3/4 inch piece ginger 6 Kashmiri chillies 1/2 tsp turmeric powder 1 marble size tamarind METHOD Pour a little oil in a vessel and then put one medium size onion (finely chopped). Then add one medium chopped tomato. After this, put the ground masala check the thickness of the gravy. Then put the fish pieces. Lastly, add 1 tbsp spoon Goa vinegar. Add salt according to taste. SHERYL GONSALVES | NT GOGOANOW Pic credit: Shivang Mishra | NT GOGOANOW
Whirlpools, crocodiles, and more. Find out what the life of a fisherman is like.
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. […]
Backpacking Guide: Old Goa
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 […]
Traditional sweets of Goa
We have all heard about the famous Goan fish thalis, prawn curries, sorpotel, chicken cafreal, and vindaloo. Now it’s time to celebrate the sweets of Goa. The people of Goa still make traditional sweets from recipes passed down from generation to generation. Here are some of the famous traditional sweets of Goa: Bebinca This is a type of layered pudding. The ingredients which usually go into it are all-purpose flour, eggs, sugar, coconut milk, nutmeg, and ghee. It takes time to prepare this lovely dessert as each layer has to be baked first before adding the next one. Bebinca usually has 7 to 16 layers. In many places, it is served with vanilla ice-cream. You can eat all the layers at once or peel one layer at a time and savour each one. Dodol Dodol is made using coarsely ground raw paddy rice flour, black jaggery, coconut milk, and cashew nuts. The coconut is ground and the juice/ milk is extracted. It is traditionally cooked on firewood. The end result is a pudding-like sweet which almost melts in your mouth. It is mostly made for Christmas. Sugar isn’t used and so dodol gets its taste from the delicious Goa jaggery. Its […]
Backpacking Guide: Baga
Want to experience the nightlife as well as the serene beaches during a tight vacation? Baga is the place to be! Baga is indeed one of the most serene yet commercialized places in Goa. Baga, a small village, along the coast of Goa is nothing but beautiful for the traveler who is on a time limit. Baga creek Baga creek is the perfect place for you to sit and watch the sunset. Right next to Baga beach lays the creek and it has one of the most beautiful views. The picture perfect place makes it a get-away to few locals who come fishing daily and also a view of the ever buzzing Baga beach. The creek is surrounded by beautiful rocks with the waves clashing against it. Saturday night market Another place to visit whilst in Baga is the Saturday Nite Market. As the name specifies, the market is open during the nights. The vast number of stalls sell clothes, jewelry and other kinds of artistic pieces. They also have food stalls that’ll help curb that mid-night hunger! They also have an open stage which gives upcoming talent showcase their work. Baga tibetian market Baga Tibetian Market is another flea […]
GoaMiles is now Goa government’s licensed app based taxi service
The State Transport Authority under the Department of Transport, Govt. of Goa has granted approval for operations of GoaMiles app-based taxi service in accordance with the Guidelines for App Taxi operators in the State. This approval from the Goa Transport Department now makes GoaMiles the state-run app-based taxi service and throws open its doors for all categories of registered vehicles to sign up and boost the State’ first and only app-based taxi service – GoaMiles. Following this approval, the aggregator can now aggregate taxis in the category of AGT(All Goa Tourist), Yellow black taxis and AITP taxis, Yellow Black Motorcycles, Rent a Cab, Rent a Bike etc as per the guidelines formulated by STA. Goa has around 30,000 registered tourist taxis operating across the State. GoaMiles which was launched last year by the Goa Tourism Development Corporation has already achieved success and had been appealing to local tourist operators to join the new service which has proven beneficial to the hundreds of taxi operators already in service with GoaMiles. GoaMiles is managed by a local Goan company called FrotaMiles Pvt. Ltd. created as an SPV as per the requirements of the tendering process. This SPV is the subsidiary of the […]
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