Essentially Goa

Neeta Bhat Goa, a coastal region, boasts of its shell craft.  Neeta is one such person who practices this beautiful craft. He ingeniously incorporates shells into various household items like flower vases, table lamps, hanging balls, shell mirrors, and showpieces. Since Neeta is registered at the Handicraft emporium, their branches sell his products. Additionally, private shops from Mapusa & Panaji buy his items. He believes in keeping a low-profit margin of only 20%. The price range for his products are approximately between Rs.17 to Rs.290.” In the future, he intends to dabble in making necklaces out of raw material like sari borders.  The gentle-natured Neeta says this about shell craft, “ Of course I enjoy it!.” Maya Shetkar  The down-to-earth person- Maya Shetkar uses simple seashells which she buys from the market to create beautiful pieces of art. At a young age of 16, Maya’s neighbour taught her this craft and over the years she has put her own creative input into seashells crafting. She makes showpieces, table lamps, curtains, flower pots, mirror work, shell flower bouquets, and earrings. Maya’s items are available at Goa Handicraft showrooms.  She also sells her work at exhibitions. Her prices start at Rs.50. She admits […]

The annual feast of Our Lady of Milagres (Our Lady of Miracles) was celebrated at St Jerome’s Church, Mapusa, on April 16; the feast is celebrated on Monday following the third week of Easter. The feast portrays the communal nature of the state wherein a Hindu’s along with other devotes throng to St. Jerome’s church to venerate and seek the blessings of Milagres Saibinn. ‘Milagres Saibinn’ is also believed to cure various ailments and many devotees from different religious communities make vows, pour coconut oil over the statue of our Lady of Milagres and offer wax figurines in repayment of favors received by them. Pic Credit – Shivang Mishra I NT GOGOANOW.COM

Vinegar in Goa is prepared from the toddy (sur) which is extracted from the coconut tree. The toddy is usually collected into an earthen vessel by the toddy taper. In order to get the product of vinegar from the toddy, the extracted toddy is kept in the vessel for a period of 20-22 days, where the toddy turns into vinegar. At times the period of 20-22 days is not sufficient for the toddy to turn into vinegar, in-fact this period of storage depends on the quality of toddy. In case of an ordinary quality of toddy, the storage period may sometimes last for 3 months. Vinegar is normally used as a preservative or a catalyst that adds flavor to various meat oriented dishes such as, pork sausages, pork vindhalo, various beef dishes, chicken cafreal and others. It is also used to prepare the ‘rechado’ massala which is stuffed in fishes like mackerel and pomfret.

Pão- Keeping alive the legacy of the Portuguese The existence of bread in Goa The Goan bread is one of the delicacies that everyone craves for. The bread is an integral part of the Goan eating habit, be it for breakfast, for evening tea or for some occasion in the house the bread is always seen on the buffet table. Earlier the people living in Goa had a diet which comprised of roti, chapatti, idli, sambhar, a diet quite similar to that of South India. When the Portuguese invaded the coasts of Goa they brought with them various types of dishes ranging from sweet to savory delicacies. The Portuguese also brought in bread which was called pao. Earlier method of baking Pao The first Goan pao were quite unique. They were prepared by using local toddy, locally known as sur, as a source of natural yeast. This gave the bread a distinctive character that is quite impossible to replicate with any other kind of yeast. This mixture was then left for fermentation for 2-3 hrs. The pao is baked in wood-fired mud ovens, locally known as forn. According to Peter Fernandes, the proprietor of Dalima Bakers at Colva stated that […]

We are destroying the only home we have. Our waters and land are filled with waste, especially plastic. Animals and sea creatures tend to consume this plastic which is very dangerous for their well being. It also releases toxins into the water which affects the food chain. Our laziness and carelessness concerning the environment not only affects nature but the human race itself. There are many times when people try to enjoy the majestic beauty of our Goa beaches but instead they have to see and feel litter floating in the water. Areas of land which have the ‘Do Not Litter’ sign are dumped with even more waste material than usual. Why can’t we refuse to accept plastic bags and use cloth bags? Why can’t we plant more trees? Let’s say No to plastic straws. Why can’t we fight our urge to litter and reduce/ reuse/ recycle instead?  Tiny individual choices such as these will eventually have a positive impact on our planet. Concerned Goans voiced out their opinions: “It’s not just the uneducated but even the educated who disregard the environment” – Desiree D’souza, student “Mother Nature is deteriorating because of inconsiderate people”- Ashnett Fernandes, accountant “There should be more clean-up drives […]

Though Goa is the smallest state in India, it has made a quite telling contribution on the historical front of the country. Goa has been known for its ports through the ages, which facilitated trading. The state’s ports became handy not only traders but also rulers like the Mauryas, the Shatavahanas, Bhojas, the Shilaharas, the Kadambas, the Bahmanis and the Portuguese. The ruling stints of these dynasties allowed them to create some monumental edifices on this piece of land, of which some still exist and some have been lost to the time. In what can be said to be an honor for Goans, as the entire zone of Old Goa (The Churches and Convents of Old Goa) was inducted into UNESCO (The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation) World Heritage Site, inscribed under the UNESCO norms, in 1986. The Catholic faith in Goa was built on the pillars of St Francis Xavier who embraced the land of Goa in 1542 and in order to profess the Catholic faith the Portuguese built the churches. Goa was thus termed as the ‘Rome of the East’. The inclusion of religious monuments in Goa in the World Heritage List are: the influence of […]

Goan cooking generally involves liberal amounts of spices giving dishes a delightful taste and distinctive aroma. Particular combinations of spices have led to a number of styles of cooking, which have differing flavors; masala, vindaloo and balchao being some of the most famous. Chillies, particularly the dried red variety, are used widely to add pungency, flavour, and texture, and to marinate meats and fish. The green variety is also used to make chutneys, and pickles. They give a kick and taste to vegetables, meats and fish. The Christians prefer to use vinegar, while the Hindus use ‘kokum’ and tamarind to get the tang in their respective cuisines. Another important product of the palm is jaggery, a dark colored sweetener that is widely used in preparing Goan sweetmeats. Jaggery made from sugarcane is also used which has got a lighter colour compared to the coconut palm one. The spice plantations of Goa are quite popular as tourist attractions. For more details click on – Spice Plantations The various spices found in the Goan markets (Local Markets) or any General stores around you are; Fennel (Badisep)  Asafetida (Hing) Cardamom (Veichi) Cumin (Jirem) Pepper (Mirem) Mustard seeds (Sasvam) Cinnamon (Dalchini) Clove (Lovang)  Coriander […]

At a particular time of the year, rain clouds roll overhead and water the land of Goa heralding the monsoon season. As beautiful as this season is, some ingredients and other things aren’t available at that time. Many locals of Goa start collecting twigs, wood, and coconut shells, and carry it home to use as firewood before the rains hit. Sheryl Gonsalves | NT GoGoaNow Here are some other ways Goans deal with the rainy season:- – Chillies: Drying red chillies (Kashmiri, musureo, Moira chillies) in the sun and storing them. – Coriander seeds/ jeera/ turmeric: Mix salt and water in a vessel. Put the coriander seeds in that water and mix well. Take it out from the water and leave it in the sun to dry. You can do the same with jeera (cumin) and whole haldi. This is to avoid insects from attacking it during the moist rainy weather. – Dry seafood: Goans store dry fish and dry prawns as there may be fish scarcity during the monsoons. – Pulses: They dry pulses like beans (vousane) and small white beans (meerulio) in the sun. – Tamarind: Remove the tamarind seeds and discard, apply salt, and pound a little […]

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 […]

The Menezes Braganza house is located at the Chandor village in Goa. It is known to be more than 350 years old and is situated near the church square in Chandor. This mansion is the most exquisite heritage house in Goa and also has a Portuguese-style facade. It is a museum of chandeliers, paintings, porcelain, crystal and other antique items. Luis Menezes Braganza was a luminary. He used the power of his pen to spark the anti-colonialist movement in Goa and was referred to by people as “the Tilak of Goa”. Luis Menezes Braganza along with another reputed Goan writer, Professor Messias Gomes, established the first Portuguese language daily in Goa. Rare porcelain from Macao brought by the English and Dutch East India Companies beautifies the walls, and two thick porcelain vases that belonged to St. Francis Xavier are kept on the table in the dining room. The floors change from room to room: the visitors’ salon has Portuguese tiles, the library Flemish wood, and the ballroom Italian marble. There are crystal chandeliers from Belgium that illuminate the ballroom when lighted up. The ballroom is fashioned after Louis XIV’s Hall of Mirrors at the Palace of Versailles and a set […]

Every year on 3rd December, people flock to Old Goa for the feast of St Francis Xavier- the patron saint of Goa.  He was a God-fearing man who spread the Gospel and served the sick and poor. He is dotingly hailed as ‘Goencho Saib’ as his life story inspires people even today. His relics are in the Basilica of Bom Jesus. This year, the theme of the feast is to live life according to the Beatitudes which Jesus gave in the Sermon on the Mount. Living according to the beatitudes means always longing to know more about God, being merciful, bringing peace wherever you go, etc.  ‘Like St Francis Xavier, let us live the Beatitudes and be Holy’- those at the feast were taught that it’s not enough to just follow certain religious duties, but you have to have a loving relationship with God and obey His commandments.  There were masses in Tamil, Malayalam, Hindi, French, Italian, Portuguese, Marathi, Telugu, and Spanish. The feast fair was buzzing with activity and sold items like sweets, accessories, toys, etc. The St Francis Xavier 2018 feast also had a 3D stage which made the people feel like they were in an indoor cathedral […]

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 […]

It’s no secret that Goa is one of the top destinations for couples. Whether you want to experience a dreamy romantic trip, have an exciting vacation with your significant other, or find a place to propose – Goa has it all. The way to his/ her heart… This beautiful state offers quiet dinners with dim lighting, meals with a sunset view, or lunches with live music. In North Goa, some good options are Old Bombay, Black Sheep Bistro, Awadh House, Sea, Sublime, Angry Sardar Courtyard, Base, La Plage, Indian curry house, House of Lloyds, etc. If you’re in South Goa, feast at places like Riverside, Soul Souffle, The Fisherman’s Wharf, and The Garden. If you want a unique eating experience, dine in the dark at Alila Diwa or go for sky dining in Anjuna.   Spoil yourselves Tired from touring? Have a relaxing day at a spa. Cheron spa, Sereno Spa, Zaara Spa, Jiva Spa, Spa by Clarins, and Quan spa are good options. Some spas offer experiences for couples.   Romantic beach walks and sunsets The quieter, less crowded beaches are mostly in South Goa. Some of these are Galgibag beach, Butterfly beach, Kakolem beach, Bogmalo Beach, and more. […]

A unique ritual is held at Se Cathedral, Old Goa on every Good Friday and known as ‘Capas Magnas’ or Shepdyanche Pursanv (Procession of tails). The procession is called ‘Shepdyanche Pursanv’ as the trailing end of the cloak resembles a tail (shepdi). This unique procession has been held in the Se Cathedral from the sixteenth century. This procession is held in locations where the Cathedral Chapters still exits. The Cathedral Chapters is an organization of clergies which comprises of ‘Canons’– who are the advisors to the Archbishop. Earlier this institution was called as the ‘Cabido’ and the Canons were called as ‘Conegos’. Initially there were 32 canons who were advisors to the Archbishop of Goa and their jurisdiction ranged from South Africa to Japan. Presently there are only 5 canons who reside at the Se Cathedral in the Archiepiscopal Palace– the first palace of the Archbishop of Goa, which dates back to 1535. On the day of Good Friday during the procession the Canons are seen dressed up with special black cassocks, which has a hood and a long trail and portrays the state of mourning. (The liturgical service at Se Cathedral, Old Goa starts at 3.00 pm, which is […]

Goa is a beautiful state where great memories are created. It is natural to want a keepsake or edible souvenir for yourself or gift it to someone else. Here is a list of some things that can be great gifts. However, make sure that these items are allowed to be carried into your respective countries.  Vinegar Coconut vinegar is used in classic Goan dishes like sorpotel, vindaloo, cafreal, etc. Some Goans make their own vinegar at home. One can get bottles of vinegar at supermarkets and local markets. Mario Miranda’s works Mario Miranda had been an iconic Goan cartoonist and his works are available for sale till today. A person can get his cartoons printed on different items like lamps, mobile cases, cushion covers, mugs, medicine organizers, limited edition prints, mint boxes, bags and much more. The price starts at approximately Rs.125 for items like key chains. New products are constantly introduced like wristbands and others. The galleries are located in Panjim, Porvorim, and Calangute. Fruit wines Some families in South Goa make fruit/ vegetable wines at home from various ingredients like amla, jambul, mango, cashew, ginger, pomegranate, apple, pineapple, coconut, beetroot, etc. It isn’t easily available in shops. However, you can […]

Franco Fernandes In a quiet village of Goa, Camurlim, lives Franco Fernandes, a self-taught practitioner of coconut shell craft. He won awards like 1st & 2nd place for Best Handicraft and 2nd place for the State Art Exhibition. He even fabricated coconut shell accessories for Wendell Rodricks, the fashion designer. Franco takes private orders. He makes items like coconut bottles, lampshades, bangles, rings, necklaces, pendants, paper knives and hair clips. It makes one amazed at how useful a simple coconut can be. He says, “It is my hobby turned into a profession.” Part of the process of coconut shell craft is taking out the husk, cleaning it, and shaping it by hand or other cutting tools. Sometimes he modifies the cutting tools to get the shape he desires. His future plan is to start working with coconut wood. SHERYL GONSALVES | NT GOGOANOW Pics Credit – Shivang Mishra I NT GOGOANOW

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 […]

Goa is breathtakingly beautiful and commuting in Goa could be a hassle. GoGoaNow helps you out in picking a convenient way for you to travel within Goa. Hire a bike: Ride the day away in Goa by hiring a bike. Enjoying the view and passing through the fields on a bike is breathtakingly amazing. There are several places at which one can hire a bike across Goa. The standard price for bikes ranges from Rs. 300 per day and goes on depending on the type of bike. Pilots: A quick way to travel through the city’s hassle is to hire a pilot. ‘Pilots’ are bikes with a rider who takes you to a destination. The drawback of this is that only one person can sit on the pilot. The prices also are cheap as compared to other alternatives. ­The government has allotted the price of Rs. 5 for the first kilometer and 2.50 thereafter. Rickshaws Rickshaws are another convenient way to travel in Goa. They can accommodate up to 3 people. The best place to catch a rickshaw is at the bus stop. It’s always better to ask the driver the fare before you hop on to the rickshaw. Opting […]

Feni is a very popular drink and is produced only in Goa. It takes a lot of effort to make it and is completely organic with no added preservatives. One can get cashew feni (fermented cashew juice) and coconut feni (obtained from coconut toddy) from this state. Feni is sometimes mixed with cola and lime to make a nice cocktail. Urrak is a lighter form of cashew feni, has a fruity flavor, and is available during summer. Feni has a similar flavour but is more potent. Some people even mix feni in certain Goan dishes like sorpotel. Locals also use it to cure colds. They also make a Feni nutmeg mixture to use for massages and to bring down swelling. Pic Credit – Shivang Mishra I NT GOGOANOW.COM

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 […]

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 […]

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 the 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 […]

Today would’ve been the 60th birthday of Wendell Rodricks, the late fashion designer who placed the state of Goa on the world’s fashion map. A child born in Bombay with a simple lifestyle grew up to be world-famous and meet many celebrities. He was an inspiration to many, especially aspiring fashion designers. Sheryl Gonsalves| NT GoGoaNow Picture Credit – SHIVANG MISHRA | Nt GoGoaNow “From a young age people asked my advice as to the choice of a wall colour, what accessories go with a dress, decorations for a party, etc. This was at the age of seven. Later I began to draw sketches of everything from teachers to scenery. By the time I turned twenty I knew it was fashion because I began to sketch clothes. But I had to do fashion much later at 26 after a career in hotel management,” he had told NT GoGoaNow.  Wendell didn’t use television, magazines, and newspapers for ideas but loved creating new things. He was known as the ‘Guru of Minimalism’ and won a Padma Shree award in his lifetime. “Goa has played a huge part in my philosophy. If I gave India minimalism, resort wear and eco-friendly clothing, it is […]

Many people across the globe are starting to realize the numerous benefits of something so humble- coconut oil. The best type of coconut oil to use is unrefined, organic, and virgin.  It is no secret that there is an abundance of coconuts in Goa. Dry coconuts are gathered, split open, and their insides are taken out and chopped. This is then sun-dried till they reach the right texture for oil extraction. The coconut pieces are then taken to the mill and the oil is extracted. But what can it be used for?   Coconut oil in cooking Coconut oil can act as a healthy substitute for other ingredients. For example, in baking, room-temperature coconut oil can be used to replace butter. It can also be used instead of other oils in various recipes be it sweet or savoury. Coconut oil is said to probably have health benefits like aiding weight loss, reducing hunger, promoting healthier bones, and more. It remains stable even at high temperatures.   Coconut oil for skin If you have dry skin, coconut oil can be a great moisturizer. It may also reduce dark spots, scars, and fix uneven skin tones.  It can also be combined with […]