Some fun facts of Goa

 Some Fun facts of Goa.

Some fun facts of Goa which people are unaware .

Floating Casino

Goa is the only place in India where you can find Floating Casinos. It is one of the few states in India where Gambling is legal. In short, you can enjoy Vegas in Goa with all the modern gaming equipment, lounges, sundeck, restaurants, live dances, musicians, bands and what not.

Headphone party

Not a fan of loud parties? The world famous, unique Headphone parties can be seen in the Palolem beach of Goa. Grab the headphones and sway to the music which you alone can hear.

Get dual passport

Who wouldn’t love to have dual passports. Along with Indian passport, Goans can also avail Portuguese passport. This is something very unqiue right?

The number of bars

Can you even guess how many number of bars Goa has? You can’t even imagine. Goa has more than 7000 bars. Wow somany options who won't like Goa?

Olive ridley turtles

The second largest place after Orissa where Olive Ridley turtles flock up to lay eggs is Goa. You can find this amazing scene in Morjim of Goa.

 

Highest per capita income.

Boom!Boom!!Boom!!! It's a highest income city Among all the Indian states, Goa has the highest per capita income. 

Non-decomposingbody St.Francis Xavier

This is one of the best places in Goa that cannot be missed. St.Francis Xavier from Spain had come to India to spread the gospel 500 years ago. You can find the body of St. Francis Xavier kept in coffin is in non-decomposed state until now.

 

 

IIIi

IIndia's first English Medium school

Everyone loves to speak in English and English medium is standard in all the schools now. Yes, India’s first English Medium school was started in Goa.

 

Asia’s only Naval Aviation Museum.

Naval Aviation museum is something in Goa that should definitely be checked out. 15 types of aircrafts at the museum will amaze you. 

Wasn't this were some astonishing  fun facts of Goa..So Enjoy Goa have fun..

Goan Attire

The attire of the tribal people in Goa comprises of a loincloth known as 'Kashti', with a blanket draped around their shoulders. The women wear a traditional sari with a tied knot using their 'Kunbi palloo' and have a very distinctive dressing style.

Traditional Goan Attire

Goan Catholic wedding Attire

Goan Catholics follow the mixture culture of India and Portuguese. According to history Portuguese land their feet in Goa in 1510. There the native Indians adopted some cultural activities from the Portuguese people and mingle those cultural activities with their own tradition and culture. Perhaps they still following their own customs and Hindu caste system. This bondage between Indo Latin cultures became very famous and the same mixed culture came into wearing the costumes.

Goan Mangolarian wedding attire

In the early days the traditional wedding dress worn by the bridegroom was a short loin cloth (kachhen or dhoti) with red and gold hem (todop), a shawl to cover his shoulders, a red handkerchief (leis) on the head and a shirt with gold buttons and a coat (kutav). The bridegroom wore a chakrasar-neck chain and a pair of sandals or a pair of socks.  The groom also wore the “Urmbal” (head gear).  The traditional unbrella used was a big umbrella with 10 sticks “Damaskachi Satri” depicted by the red unbrella.

Goan local Attire

People of Goa wear clothing as per its tropical climate. Cotton costumes are ideal for tropical climate places such as Goa. Therefore, most of the cloths are inspired by the weather and cotton outfits are worn by inhabitants of Goa throughout this southern state of India.During the winter, men and women wear woolen clothes and jacket. 

Goa Beachwear 

Tunic outfit for women

1.  In spite of so many options, women still find themselves wondering what to wear in Goa for ladies. With so much to choose from, one is bound to get a little confused. Other types of dresses to wear in Goa include tunic dresses and breezy, maxi dresses for a simple day out.

2. Go bold with bikni:Goa is one of the fewest places in the country that is liberal concerning stylish beach outfits. Been working hard at the gym? Here is your chance to redeem those strenuous hours and flaunt your gains. If, however, bikinis make you feel uncomfortable, high-waisted bikinis and tankinis are great options too. Make sure that you wear bikinis only in the beach/pool areas and not in general public places unless you want to be a walking showpiece. Goa keeps modernity strictly limited to its beaches.
   
   
   

Goa's famous seafood

 With an impressive 105km of glorious coastline, it’s no wonder that Goa is famed for producing some exceptionally fresh and tasty seafood. With lots of old fishing villages and towns dotted along the coast, no matter where you choose to base yourself during your Goa holiday, there’s plenty of opportunity to sample all manner of fish and seafood dishes.It’s got pristine beaches, one of the world’s biggest electronic music festivals along with stunning architectural masterpieces and delicious cuisines. Being situated on the west coast of India, Goa’s main cuisine is seafood.

However, there are so many standalone seafood dishes that also contain the essence of Goan flavours. Every seafood dish is a palate pleaser, no matter what spices it is cooked with or what procedure has been used.

Lets explore some tasty seafood in Goa:

1.Mackerel Recheado-Recheado mackerels are a Goan seafood delight! Crispy pan-fried mackerel fish stuffed with the quintessential Goan spice paste is much loved by every Goan. Bangdo is the Konkani word for mackerel fish.Recheado masala (also known as rachead masala) is a fiery and tangy paste from Goa. Traditionally used with fish, it can also be used with chicken or vegetables. It's wonderful here with fresh mackerel and a crisp katchumber salad.

2.Crab Xacuti-If you love crabs and also love Goan cuisine, you should surely explore this delicious Goan Crab Curry Recipe. It is also known as crab xacuti. It uses the authentic Goan curry masala, the recipe for which I had shared in an earlier post. If you make the curry paste ahead of time, this crab curry recipe becomes super easy and is ready in no time

3.Mussels Rava Fry-Goan mussels rava fry is a popular delicacy found in most beach shacks and restaurants all over Goa, India! Mussels are called xinaneao in Konkani. This is a super simple appetizer that requires minimal ingredients and yet delivers irresistibly delicious end results. 

4.Prawns Balchao-Prawn Balchao is a traditional Goan dish that is typically enjoyed in the rainy season. The prawns are cooked in an array of spices to give you a melange of flavours and take you on a taste ride like none other. The gravy is spicy-mildly tangy in taste which will make you want more of it with each bite you take. 

5.Squids(Calamari) Masala Fry-Calamari are known as squids in India, they are called mankio in Konkani. Recheado squid fry or chilli fry as it is also known is one of the most popular Goan style squid recipes. It is ubiquitous on the menu of most Goan beach shacks. This spicy calamari appetizer, chilled beverage of choice, good company, blue waters, white sand!! Simple joys in life!

6.Shark Ambot Tik-A popular fish of choice for this curry is shark fish. The spice of this curry is well balanced with the tamarind and vinegar which forms the basis for the sour component

Famous Drinks Of Goa

  Famous drinks of Goa

Non Alchololic drinks of Goa:

So now we have done with the famous places, beaches, churches of Goa  Refresh yourself with  coolers of Goa.

1.Sweet lime Soda:

Image Courtesy Google.

Sweet Lime Soda Recipe is a refreshing drink that can be userved in any parties for a welcome drink of Goa.It refreshes you on a hot day .

This drink keeps you hydrated on your sunny day on Beaches.

Lassi : Sweet Lassi, a yogurt based creamy, sweetened and chilled beverage from Punjabi cuisine is a popular drink in NorthGoa.It is usually served after the meal or in the afternoon during the hot summer days as a cooling beverage.

Image Courtesy Google.

Sugar Cane Juice: The sugar cane juice is mostly sold on the roadside stalls.Its a best natural energy drink you can find on streets of Goa.Its sweet 8freyellowish green colour drink which keeps you fresh on hot days in Goa.

Image Courtesy by Google

Green Coconut Water: You are walking along the beaches of Goa and you miss Coconut water its immposible . It is a delicious and refreshing low-calorie drink Tender cocounut water is more nutricious  than mature coconut water.

Image Courtesy Google

Kokum Sharbat :Kokum juice is a popular drink from Goa. Kokum, also called Malabar Tamarind, is known for its digestive qualities and is a rich source of vitamins. It is an essential part of the Goan cuisine, and can be found across the recipes from all other regions of the Konkan  coast.

Sol kadi : Sol Kadhi is an authentic delicacy in Goa. As many of the local people relish this as a refreshing drink. It can also be served as a curry with your everyday meals.Its made with coconut milk and kokum juice. Its one of the best digestive drink after meals.

Famous Alcholic drinks of Goa:

Image courtesy from facebook /Wood Burns whisky.

1. Woodburns Whisky: Woodburns, a Goan whisky, is a full-bodied concoction of smoky flavour and has a balanced peated malt finish. 

This whisky is made with all Indian ingredients, with no trace of foreign malts or scotch from any part of the world but Goa.

2. Paul John Whisky 

Image courtesy from facebook/ Pauls whisky.

 Paul John Whisky: This is widely imported liquor has rightly earned the title of the ‘great Indian single malt’. Barley from the low Himalayan foothills is double distilled in copper pots and matured in American white oak barrelss The spirit also incorporates distinct flavours, such as chocolate, coconut, spices, marmalade, dry fruits and honey. 

3.  White Rum With Coconut

Image Courtesy: Facebook/ Cabo White Rum with Coconut Liqueur

With a flavour profile similar to the Caribbean rum Malibu, Cabo is basically a coconut liqueur. Made using a blend of coconut extract and white rum, it has a distinctly sweet taste with a strong hit of coconut in flavour and aroma. You can consume Cabo either on the rocks as a liqueur post a meal, as light rum in a cocktail such as piña colada.

4.Cazulo Premium Feni

4. Cazulo Premium Feni:Cazulo Premium Feni Experience is an all-new way to discover the world of Feni .This feni is only manufactured in Goa and made from either cashew or coconut. Cashew feni is obtained from the ripe fruit, which is stomped on to extract the juice, which is then fermented and distilled. Coconut feni, on the other hand, comes from the juice, known as toddy, collected from the bud of the palm tree flower, which follows the same maturation process as the cashew variant. Sourced from local distillers.

Image Courtesy: Facebook/ Fazenda Cazulo.

5.Kingfisher Beer

Image Courtesy by Google.

Kingfisher Beer

The most renowned beer also available in Goa is the perfect sip you need with curry. The beer can literally be found in every retailer around the city and is not very pricey too. One can pick one for a ride down the church lanes or simply whilst sitting feet dipped in the sandy waters.

6.Sula wine 

Image Courtesy from Google.
2. Sula Wine: It is one of the best drinks in goa, the Sula wine is one of the very few best products of the infant wine industry in India. They produce all the variety you can think of from reds, whites, and rosé to sparkling and dessert wines. The wine is known for its superior quality and rich taste.

Goa-Traditional Jewellery

 Goa’s unique crafts and traditional jewellery styles tell us that unlike its image as a holiday destination, it is a state of craftsmanship with the oldest crafts history in the country.Goa's traditional jewellery is very graceful and enchanting and attracts a lot of people because of its beauty. Goan jewellery comes in astounding variety, something that will leave you spoilt for choice.

Goan jewellery was introduced to the world by “Daivadnya Brahmins” who were known for their skills of jewellery designing.In fact, they were the first ones to introduce Goan traditional jewellery designs to Europe.

Similarity between Goan and Maharastrian Jewellery:There’s a lot of similarity between Goan jewellery and the konkan jewellery of Maharashtra.

Both regions have a lot of similar designs in the categories of Earrings, Nose as well as neck jewellery.Styles such as Pake (earrings), Nathini (nose pin), Tode, and Pichodi (bangles) are common in both Goan and Konkani traditional jewellery.

Let us take look at some of the traditional jewelleries of Goa:

1.Bajuband-As the name suggests, Bajubandh is an armlet that is worn on the upper arms by women.A traditional Goan bajubandh is made of Gold. It consists of floral and peacock motifs that are crafted with utmost precision by the local Artisans.Some of the Bajubandh designs even include figures of Goan forest deities such as Kelbai, Bramhini mai, Vetal, Mahishasurmardini.

Image credit-zamroo.com

2.Goth-These are the traditional Goan bangles. Made with Gold, a traditional Goth has a sleek design and is adorned with floral motifs that are crafted by the Artisans.

Image credit-zerokaata.com

3.Tode-These are chunky Gold bangles that are adorned by Goan women on a festive occasion, pooja, or at a wedding

Image credit-zerokaata.com

4.Pichodi-A traditional Pichodi design consists of Pearls or Gold motifs arranged in the form of a crown.The more expensive designs can have gemstones instead of Gold motifs and pearls.

5.Piddukachi Kakna-These are the beaded gold bangles. The traditional design includes Gold motifs with a combination of different colored beads such as orange, black, red, etc.Piddukachi bangles are very lightweight; therefore can be worn for hours without getting uncomfortable.

6.Coin Bangles-The coins have the symbols of religious figures of Goan forest deities such as Kelbai, Bramhini mai, Vetal, Mahishasurmardini.These bangles are also lightweight; therefore, they are worn by women on a daily basis

7.Galsiri-This is a coin necklace. A traditional Galsiri consists of coral and gold beads strung in a gold chain (with a thread fastening) and Gold coins.A Galsiri can have a single or double layer of coins set in the Gold chain.

8.Kasithaali-Mangalsutra worn by Goan brides is called “Kasithaali”.The pendant is adorned with a religious figure such as Goddess Lakshmi.

9.Nathani-A traditional Gold Nathini consists of pearls and pink or white stone in the middle (sometimes a precious gemstone such as Rubie or Emerald in the middle).

10.Pake-A pair of traditional Pake is made of Gold and it consists of floral motifs along with pearls strung together to form a mesh-like pattern

Handicrafts of Goa

 Handicrafts of GOA.

     

The crafts of Goa are intricately astonishing, capturing the fancies of tourists and locals alike. These crafts are a mirror of Goa’s perennial beauty. Handicrafts of Goa include shell work, creative pottery, brass work, furniture, bamboo work, paper mache, etc.

Terracota and Pottery.

Terracotta Pottery
One of the arts that continues to lend character to Goan homes and in which each art piece is known for its artistic finish is terracotta pottery. It includes items such as pen holders, decorative flower pots, floral designs, ashtrays and figurines of saints and gods and it is also one of the earliest arts known to mankind.

Seashell Craft
Beaches in Goa are a shell collector's delight and seashell craft has become a full-fledged art with recent design innovations. Some of the items produced are chandeliers, lampshades, curtains, coasters, mirror frames, ashtrays etc.

Woodcarving
This intricate art that has adapted well to the changing times and is constantly evolving is one of the best examples of eastern and western influences on Goan culture. Items such as photo frames, idols, mirror frames, book shelves and boxes are carved by the Goan craftsmen today.

Brassware
This traditional profession uses ancient techniques to create stunning metal items. Oil lamps, candle holders, church bells and more are sculpted into designs that meld the traditional with the modern.

Bamboo craft
An old Goan technique— this sees bamboo converted into objects of daily use. From pots to baskets to candle stands, this durable wood is fashioned into numerous different objects using traditional bamboo.

Coconut mask and Sea shell craft.

Mask  carving is wonderful craft in Goa

As it is done on Cocount  frames.

This is an extraordinary piece of artwork. Seashell craft is a major art form of Goa. Converting them into extraordinary pieces of work. Shells of various sizes, shapes and shades are used in the making of ornaments like necklaces, rings, bracelets and brooches. The product range also includes decorative cum utility objects like ashtrays, lampshades, coasters, chandeliers, curtains, pot hangers, tablemats, clocks and mirror frame.

Jute Macrame Craft.                                  Jute Craft  is known one of the most unique crafts  of India and items such as decorative bags,belts,wall hanging ,lamp shades flower pots,hangers,etc Similar to other craft of Goa, this art  also exhibits a blend of Portuguese and Indian culture.

Products made with macram include decorative bags, belts, wall hanging, lampshades, flowerpots and hangers. Goa being an important tourist destination, these products serves as valuable souvenirs.

So enhances your experience in Goa after exploring this beautiful crafts in Goa.

Image courtesy from Google.

Cashews of Goa.

 Goa's famous dry fruits

The significance of the cashew to the Goan economy is equivalent to that of the coconut palm. It is the most sought after commercial crop and is widely grown especially for its nuts and juice whether natural or fermented to produce feni.

Goa with a production of 24,396 tonnes of raw cashew nuts from an area of 56735 hectares stands in sixth position both in area and production in India during 2016-17. The productivity of cashew trees in the state is 430 kg / ha which is less than the national average of 748 kg/ ha.

It is also national fruit of Goa.Goa's production is more than what processing capacity is installed in the State. Actual Goan cashew is more expensive and you get a premium only when you sell it in Goa. Outside Goa people are not ready to pay a premium for Goan cashew nuts.

Feni is a traditional liquor distilled from the fermented juice of cashew apples.It is safe to drink as it is free from organic or artificial flavors. The name "feni" is derived from the Sanskrit word phena which actually means froth. It is due to the fact that bubbles form a light froth when the liquor is shaken in a bottle or poured in a glass. Feni is a part of Goa food tradition from the last 400 years. 

Feni warms up the body and cleanses the respiratory system more effectively than cough syrups.

Feni can be served neat or over ice, and can be mixed in classic cocktails or with juices. It can be served with a slice of lime, and sometimes with sugar or sugar syrup, which are popular additions. Cazulo. Cazulo are the makers of some of Goa's finest feni.

Cashews are low in sugar and rich in fiber, heart-healthy fats, and plant protein. They're also a good source of copper, magnesium, and manganese — nutrients important for energy production, brain health, immunity, and bone health.

The significance of the cashew to the Goan economy is equivalent to that of the coconut palm. It is the most sought after commercial crop and is widely grown especially for its nuts and juice whether natural or fermented to produce feni.

It is a major contributor to the foreign market specially because of its salted and roasted nuts which are enjoyed all over the world. Cashew nuts from Goa are exported in millions abroad and in a large way, boost foreign trade.

So whenever you visit Goa do not forget to fetch some Cashews for your loved ones.

Note: Image courtesy from Google.