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Along with the beautiful beaches, Goa has remarkable lakes too.
The mayem Lake, all of 35 km from Panjim, is an example. It is
an ideal picnic spot with the Cottages and the awesome environs.
Boating is one activity every tourist visiting this artificial
lake must indulge in.
Over the centuries 'Govapuri' has been seen, conquered and
influenced by the foreign powers. The variety of gifts each one
brought for the people is amazing. This magnificent natural
harbor with the fertile land and the plentiful water supply has
attracted people since the times of the golden goose of the
spice trade.
The state reveals a unique amalgamation of the East with the
West. The Christmas is celebrated with equal zest as Diwali, the
spirits are as high at the Carnival as on Durga Pooja. The fun
and frolic never seems to end. Beer is enjoyed as much as the
traditional tipples of Feni, the local Hootch, and Toddy (Todi),
a derivative of palm sap.
The Portuguese who ruled for over 450 years on Goa, gifted
the chilies to India besides introducing the tobacco, lichis and
oranges. The other introductions range from Pineapple from South
America, papaya from the Philippines and Cashew from Brazil.
Maize, Peanuts and Sweet Potatoes came from Africa. Not to
forget the Roman Catholicism, which lead to the construction of
the churches as magnificent as those in Italy. Later they moved
on to establish smaller colonies in Daman, Diu and Bassein
(Vasai). Moving on with the Portuguese influence on the styles,
we spot the wrought iron balconies of the colorful houses in
Panjim.
Besides the cultural diversity, the state has a distinct
topography with lush green paradise edged on the one side by the
wooden foothills of the Sahyadri range and on the other by the
Arabian Sea
Goa being the coastal state has remarkable seafood to offer.
Right from the simple fish curry and rice to ambot tik,
Caldeirada and Recheiado, the goan cuisine is amazing. Goan
cuisine has always been admired, with its gamut of
Portuguese-Goan dishes. To feast on these visit a Goan home or
drop in at any of the authentic restaurant. Other eating joints
offer an international cuisine, with options of Italian, French
and Fusion foods.
Shopping which is a must for a holiday is true fun at Goa with
several shops making loads of stuff easily available for the
tourists. The items may vary from Carpets to Paper Machine,
Textiles and Silk to Wood Carvings. Some of the restored Goan
houses have the best of lifestyle and fashion shops.
The beach capital of India is variously known as Vasco,
Govapuri, Gomantaka and Govarashtra. Though the origin of the
name can be traced back to the mythology, legend and history.
The packaged tours offer a variety of options for the tourists.
There is the Carnival package for merry making by participating
in the Carnival parade.
Goa has its fair share of festivals. On one hand the Goans
celebrate the Carnival and Shigmo as festivals of joy and
Shivaratri is one of austerity and penance. The later being in
honor of Lord Shiva is believed to be the most ancient of all.
The celebration of the Carnival and the Shigmo comprise of
various types of theatrical performances. The festivity
commences with the canoe race at the Baina beach. The
traditional Khell tiatr or the Konkani drama is on the steps of
the classical Yakshagana dance of Karnatak.
It is based on old Hindu tales and has a rather stilted style
with a Sutradhar or a commentator and a Kodangi to provide the
comic relief. On the whole it is ideal for complete
entertainment. The themes of the performances have shifted from
the family disputes during Portuguese regime to political satire
and contemporary issues.
Each play comprises of 6 to 7 sets of 15 minutes each, these
sets are jumbled with two or three songs, unrelated to the theme
of the play. While celebrating Shigmo women hold lamps on their
heads and perform the lamp dance.
Besides the Shigmo, Goa carries forward a tradition of
several folk dances. Even though Fugdi and Dhalo are the most
common folk dances. It is Dekni is a rare combines the
traditional and modern music. The word 'dekni' in Konkani stands
for 'bewitching beauty'. On this occasion the women dance to the
'Ghumat' i.e. the folk drum. Kunbi and Morulem are other
examples of the traditional folk dance.
Along with dance forms the Goans carry forward the legacy of the
various forms of folk drama and music. Dashavatari, Goulankala,
Kala, Lalit, Kalo, Ranmale, and Rathkala are some of the popular
examples of the former and the well known examples of the later
include Other forms of Goan music include Suvari, Banvad,
Cantaram, Dasra Vadan, Gadya Ramayan, Gaun Kani, Gosavi Gayan,
Gudulya Geetam, Jat, Lagan Geet, Lavni, Pavada, and devotional
music like Bhajan-Dindi, Carol Singing, Kirtan and Ladainha.
Do visit Goa and have a holiday of a lifetime amidst the
silvery sands, the soothing sun, the sensuous songs and the
sumptuous seafood. Tourism in Goa is never dull and even if it
were our tour packages for Goa would never allow even a minute
of it.
Good Beach Resorts in Goa :
www.bambolimbeachresort.com
www.palmsbeachresort.net
Contact : Mr. Kenneth Silveira for instant reservation's,
E-Mail :
info@hotelpartnersingoa.com (M) +91 9422059688
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