History

The ancient Hindu city of Goa, was the first territorial possession of the Portuguese in Asia. Goa became the capital of the whole Portuguese empire in the east. Goa was under Portuguese rule for long 450 years. India launched 'Operation Vijay' on December 17, 1961 and Portuguese India was, by constitutional amendment, incorporated into the Indian Union in 1962.

Geography

Goa, with a coastline of 65 miles, is hilly and includes a portion of the Western Ghats rising to nearly 4,000 feet. The two largest rivers are the Mandavi and Zuari, between the mouths of which lies the island of Goa (Ilhas).

There are three principal cities in Goa: Marmagao (Mormugão), Madgaon (Margao), and Panjim Goa). Old Goa is, for the most part, a city of ruins. Panaji, originally a suburb of Old Goa, is built (like the parent city) on the left bank of the Mandavi estuary.

Occupation

Goa is predominantly agricultural, with rice, fruits, coconuts, pulses (legumes), cashews, and betel (areca) nuts the leading crops. The state exports a number of these commodities, along with spices, manganese and iron ores, bauxite, fish, and salt; its trade is small but its manufacturers produce fertilizers, sugar, textiles, chemicals, iron pellets, and pharmaceuticals. The tourist industry developed rapidly in the late 20th century.

People

The 2001 census measured Goa's population at 1.3 million. There is an almost equal number of Christians and Hindus in the state. There is also sizeable Muslim population in different pockets of the state. Konkani is the official language of the state. Other languages spoken are Marathi, English and Portuguese. Seafood is the staple diet of Goa. Most Goans love to take rice and fish curry for lunch and dinner.

Culture and Festivals

One can easily find the Portuguese smell and sound in the air of Goa. In the past the Christians generally spoke Portuguese but now tend to speak English and Konkani. Goa has a culture of its own. The fine blend of Indian and Portuguese culture has given birth to a new culture in Goa, and that is unique to Goa and known as Goan Culture.

Though the people of Goa celebrates all the Indian festivals, the most enchanting of them is the Goa Carnival. Every year in the month of February the atmosphere of Goa becomes festive as the carnival arrives. This three-day fest is a time for great fun and frolic for Goans. Colourful processions, singing and dancing mark the celebrations. People from all walks of life take part in the celebrations with pomp and gaiety.

The climate in Goa remains moderate all throughout the year. Weather is generally pleasant and sunny. There is no significant rise in temperature during summers and no drastic fall during winters. The average temperature remains in between 25-30 degrees. Falling on the southwestern monsoon pathway, Goa receives heavy rainfall during the months of June-September.

Tourist Attractions

Goa has a myriad of tourist attractions. There are numerous forts and churches of the Portuguese time, which are worth visiting. But the major attraction of the state lies in its colourful beaches for their most spectacular surroundings. Along the western coastline of Goa are some of the country's finest beaches. The picturesque beaches include Baga, Varca, Candolim, Majorda, Colva, Calangute and Anjuna beaches.

The beaches of Goa are also the best place in India to indulge in water sport. Water sports activities like parasailing, speed boat, water skiing and wind surfing have developed in a big way in Goan beaches. Sports like beach volleyball and football are also gaining popularity. While some of the beaches like Calangute and Candolim remain abuzz with activity, others like Majorda and Baga offer a serene ambience.

Goa may be described as a canvas of many colours. Tourists who have visited the state greatly admire the fun loving attitude and hospitality of Goans. The easy going and partying attitude of Goans is actually a legacy of the Portuguese being carried forward.