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Temperature :Max: 33OC :Min: 20OC in Summer Tourist Seasons:October to May STD Code :0832 |
Goa is the smallest state of the Indian Union. It was part of the Union Territory of Goa, Daman and Diu. It became the twenty fifth state in the Indian Union on May 30th 1987 while Daman and Diu remained as union Territory. Situated between Karnataka and Maharashtra, Goa is bounded on the north by the Terekhol river, surrounded on the south and east by Karnataka while on the west is the Arabian sea. Its ancient name was Gomantaka or Gomanchala. Goa with its long beaches along the Arabian sea is a principal tourist resort. Goa has a hilly terrain especially on its eastern side where lies the southern ends of the Sahyadri range. These mountains after skirting a considerable portion of the northern, eastern and southern boundaries branch off westwards across the territory with many spurs and ridges. The most picturesque region is located in the lower basin of the Mandovi and Zuari rivers which join to form a bay. There are about half a dozen islets between the estuaries of these rivers. ForestsAbout one fourth of the area of Goa is under forests and the same originates from Archaean rock formations which are very thick. The soil is murum on the slopes. Many commercial tree species thrive in the well-aerated soils at the foothills where the murum is mixed with humus to form a loamy soil, where the growth is often thick and high. In the valleys where perennial natural water springs occur, there are plantations of areca nut. In Goa, forests are confined to the western Ghat foot-hill slopes mainly in the talukas of Sangium, Satari, Canacona and Quepem and to a lesser extent in the talukas of Ponda, Pernem and Bicholim. The coastal talukas of Tiswadi, Bardaz and Salcete had no forests. The entire land is covered with verdant forest, coconut, cashew-nut and mango tree groves, interspersed with extensive paddy fields for cultivation of rice offers a marked and refreshing contract to the arid hinterland. The port of Marmugao situated on the southern side of Zauri river is one of the best natural harbours on the west coast of India and can shelter larger ocean liners. Teak of good quality is one of the products of the forests of Goa which also produce bamboo. Eucalyptus trees and oil are among the other products. ClimateGoa's climate is generally moderate although humidity is high but there are cool months in winter and around October and weather turns good. Goa has a heavy rainfall during the monsoon months. RiversThe major west-flowing rivers that crease the territory are Mandovi, Zauri, Tere Khol, Chapora and Betul. The total navigable length of these rivers, which form the waterways by which Goa's main export commodity iron and manganese ore is transported to the Marmugao harbour, is 253km. The Marmugao harbour is virtually the confluence of the Mandovi and Zuari rivers. The coast is full of creeks and estuaries formed by these rivers which provide a good shelter for the fishing crafts. Estuaries of these rivers are rich in marine fauna.
FAIRS AND FESTIVALS The observance and celebration of feasts and festivals constitute the joyous aspect of the religious life of the people. According to the Shalivahana (Saka) era followed in Goa, the New Year of the Hindus is heralded by the 'Sonvsar Padvo' (Samvastsara Padva) meaning Chaitra Shudh Pratipada. The day begins with a flag-pole being installed in front of the house and munching of leaves of bitter lime, sweet eatables being prepared for mid-day. Chovoth or Ganesh Chaturthi The most important and almost the national festival for Goan's is the Ganesh Chaturthi known as 'Chovoth'. The festivities run into several days, at least two and half days, when puja of Gouri and Mahadev along with Ganapati, is performed, Gouri being drawn on paper and Mahadev on a coconut. On these days married women fast. On the Chovoth day, in the morning or evening, a clay idol of Ganapati is brought home. Before that a matov (pavilion or pandal) is prepared with bunches of betel nut, coconut, bananas and branches of mango-trees being necessary ingredients of it. The puja of Ganapati goes on until mid-day. The puja is performed with the help of the priest. On the second day, in the evening or at night, after performing the uttara puja of the image of Ganapati, it is taken in procession and immersed into the sea, creek, river, lake or well. Before the idol is removed from its stand for immersion, it is besought for the welfare of the household and its members. Three days of Chovoth means, days of great rejoicing for children. Girls collect different types and shapes of leaves for Gauri, Mahadev and Ganapati. There is competition in flower-making also. At least five vegetables are cooked on that day. Aartis is a special performance on the occasion of the Ganapati festival. On Panchami (fifth) day, in the evening, crowds of people move around the village to have a look at Ganapati. Women of the masses, dance and sing the Fugdi before Ganapati. Some houses keep Ganapati for five, seven or nine days and rarely up to Anant Chaturdashi. Dussera or Dosro Dussera or Dosro in Konkani comes following the 'Navaratra' (nine nights) and is celebrated in all the temples of Goa as a religious ritual and an auspicious day for beginning any new venture. It is celebrated on Vijayadashmi day. It is celebrated with pomp and ceremony at the major temples of Goa, like Shri Shantadurga at Kavlem, Shri Mangesh at Mangeshi, Shri Mahalsa at Mardol. Diwali or Narak Chaturdasi Following the Dosro, comes Diwali which is the festival of lights. It is a one-day festival in Goa. Bhaubija and the New year day are also celebrated as part of Diwali festival. Narak Chaturdasi is called Diwali in Goa. On this day, early morning, a paper made Narkasur (demon) filled with grass, wastepaper, crackers etc is taken out and to the accompaniment of taunts and insults, burnt and cremated. Later, in all the houses, bath is taken. Women prepare various types of fov (dried beaten rice dusted with sugar or jaggery and wetted lightly), raitas, usol and other snacks and serve them. After the snacks are served, all men-folk are made obeisance to by a gesture of showing a thali (plate) with lighted wicks around their heads (onvalop) which is known as 'dive darkhovnk' in Konkani. The men folk are expected to place some article or cash as a present in this plate. Later after breaking a bitter gourd, crushed by the finger of the left foot, it is applied to the tongue. Sweet snacks are taken, after making obeisance to the God and the elders. Shigmo Shigmo is a social festival with a religious core. It is the Goan counterpart of the Holi in the rest of India. On the Holi day, Puja is performed of the stems of the teflam fruits or betel nut, struck on the ground before the temple and a little grass put at their feet is then burnt. There are a number of dances which burst forth on this occasion in the spirit of plenty that marks the harvesting season when the barns are full and a sense of satisfaction and mirth is bubbling all around Gokulashtami, Mahashivratri and Brahmotsava are celebrated at the temples of Goa with great splendour, when thousands of devotees from all over Goa gather to pay homage to the deity. A famous fair known as Jatra festival is held in the temple of goddess Lairai, situated in the village of Sirigao in Bicholim taluka where thousands of people from all over Goa come to pay their homage to the goddess. A special feature of this Jatra is walking on burning coals by certain devotees of the goddess popularly known as Dhonds.
TOURISMGoa, one of India's smallest states with an area of 3,702 sq km is cradled in the Sahayadri range in the Western Ghats. The vertical strip of the state begins from Tiracol in the north to Palolem in the south and is bounded by the Arabian Sea on the west, Maharashtra to the north and Karnataka to the east and south. Goa is India's most superior beach resort with superb beaches at least a million years old. Goa's beachnik lifestyle is best experienced during the winter months between October and the end of February. A Portuguese colony till 1961, Goa's Portuguese atmosphere and its lovely beaches make this an interesting region to spend time. Goan culture is a blend of Indian and Iberian: European style central squares and Indian bazaars, white Portuguese churches alongside Hindu temples and villages and hamlets surrounded by green fields of paddy. Goa is rich in folk culture with a delightful blend of vigorous Konkani folk songs and remnants of Portuguese dance and music. Panaji, Margao, Vasco, Mapusa and Ponda are the main towns of Goa. How To Reach There Road: Goa is well connected by NH17A with Maharashtra and Karnataka state. There are regular bus services to Mumbai, Bangalore, Hampi and other destinations. Tourist Information Centers/offices
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