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 new menu at Fortune Miramar will leave you spoilt for choice with fascinating options from cuisines around the world SHERYL GONSALVES | NT It was a day when the sun struggled to shine through the clouds. The rain beat down against my helmet and didn’t show any signs of letting up. However, even though there were partially waterlogged roads and traffic jams, there was one thing that kept me going – I was invited to try out the new menu at Fortune Miramar curated by executive chef William Dias. The new menu themed ‘Savour’ took two months to curate. Entering the Orchid restaurant in the hotel was a sight for sore eyes. The classy bright interiors were a welcoming visual contrast against the gloomy skies. My colleagues and I enjoyed the colourful mocktails brought to our table and then started digging into the Mezze Platter which had a variety of different dips like Muhammara, Hummus, Tzatziki, Olive Tapenade, Cauliflower Tartar, and Fatoush Salad. They were perfect flavour bombs with spicy and creamy notes. The crispy pita bread elevated the eating experience by providing texture. Mezze Platter We then had Malai Broccoli which was marinated in cashew cream, yoghurt, and […]

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 […]

The Goa Book Fair & Children’s Literature Festival is all set to bring together book lovers and storytellers RAMANDEEP KAUR | NT KURIOCITY Imagine a place where children can enjoy stories, meet their favourite authors, and explore books that spark their curiosity. That’s exactly what they’ll get at the Goa Book Fair & Children’s Literature Festival, scheduled from February 27 to March 3. A new addition to the annual Goa Book Fair, which has been running for two years, the Children’s Literature Festival is organised by The Dogears Bookshop, Margao, in collaboration with Publishing Next. According to co-founder of The Dogears Bookshop and the festival Leonard J Fernandes, it aims to create a dedicated space where children can engage with books, interact with authors, and develop a love for reading. He believes children remain drawn to good stories and engaging illustrations. “They’re selective about what they read and often influenced by their friends’ choices. They prefer books that engage them, which they can relate to and understand,” he says. Further, he stresses the importance of children’s literature in developing a love for reading. “Studies show that reading a wide range of books helps children think critically, research better, and spot […]

Velha Goa Galeria    Velha Goa Galeria is a place full of various creative pieces. They sell products like ceramic tiles, clay items, glassware, tableware, and cutlery. The majority of their products are Azulejos (hand painted glazed tiles). The price range of the products is approximately between Rs.300 and Rs.15,000. They also conduct workshops and hold exhibitions.  . .  Address- H.No.191, Rua de Ourém,                Fontainhas, Altinho,                Panaji, Goa .  Telephone: 98221 59881        Azulejos de Goa   The Portuguese style craft, Azulejos, is beautiful. These hand-painted tiles take hours to make. Orlando Noronha went to Portugal and started getting into this craft. He says, “ I always wanted to do something different. It’s an art that I learned in Portugal in 1998 as a hobby and later on when I returned I thought of reintroducing this beautiful art in Goa with Goan designs, motifs, etc.” He is of the opinion that it will always be trendy. His place in Panjim, Azulejos de Goa, is crowded with these tiles and the most popular items are Azulejos tiles and plates. Orlando’s products are also available at Taj Khazana, Magsons […]

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. […]