Introduction
Goa,
a former Portuguese territory, for more than 450
years is often described as 'The Rome of the East'.
It has over the past decades, become the dream holiday
destination, for many a foreign tourist. More than
40 years after the departure of the Portuguese,
Goa is perhaps the most westernized of all the states
in Modern India. The majority of Goans are very
bohemian. Easy going in nature, enjoying a typical
'tropical lifestyle'; including the 'siesta', which
is usually from 1pm to 4pm, the hottest part of
the day. Music, dance,
drama, food
and feni, are a few of the things most Goans are
passionate about.
Religion.
Religion
is very important to the Goans. Whether it is Catholic,
Hindu or Muslim. Churches,
Temples and Mosques abound wherever you journey
in Goa. Some of the churches are placed in spectacular,
and very difficult locations. Though, Goa is a multi-ethnic
state, Goans are very tolerant towards each other's
faiths; while unfortunately this is not true of
the rest of this country. The majority Hindu community
and the sizeable Catholic minority have lived in
peace and harmony for decades and centuries. They
participate in each other's many feasts. Many Hindus
attend the novenas during the feast of St. Francis
Xavier (the patron saint of Goa), as the Catholics
take part in the zagors and zatras. It is not rare
to see young Catholics at local Hindu temples during
the feast
of Dusshera. They consider it auspicious to have
their vehicles blessed by the temple priest on that
day. A few days before lent, many colorful carnivals
are held, in all the major towns in Goa. Then, a
few days later comes the Shigmo (Hindu festival
of spring) distinctive parades go along the very
same streets, with many kaleidoscopic floats and
frenzied dancers. On these occasions both communities
participate.
One
of the things that make Goa unique, are the laws,
a legacy that the Portuguese have left behind. The
common civil code, confers equal status to all religions,
it favors no particular religion. The law also accords
equal legal status to both sexes, in all matters.
Perhaps, this is why the local women and girls of
Goa are not so shy and reclusive, in stark contrast
to the rest of India. Most Goan ladies dress in
western fashion dresses and skirts, rather than
the more tradition (in India) Saree and Churidar.
Of course being used to tourists from around the
globe, and the European influence of the Portuguese
are the main reasons for this. As part of the Indian
subcontinent where conservatism is traditional,
the Goans are flamboyant and out going. The women
are attractive and in step with the latest trends
of the west. The young men bear themselves with
a distinct air of machismo; they love football,
bullfighting and automobiles, they are quick to
smile - or fight. Goa, itself is often stunningly
beautiful. The roadsides are bright with cascades
of bougainvillea; the forests are alive with iridescent
butterflies, and kingfishers so brilliant that they
seem to glow from within. Just after the monsoons,
in the flooded paddy fields, a horde of workers
can be seen preparing for the new crop. Yes, Goa
is a beautiful land, with wonderfully hospitable
people.
The
people of Goa are generally well educated; the literacy
rate is high. Despite this, the caste system is
up and running, in defiance of government laws.
Even the Catholics have their casts, borrowed from
the casts of their Hindu forefathers. Thus one is
not at all surprised to see a matrimonial
advert in the papers (or even on this site)
that reads; 'Wanted for Goan RC (Roman Catholic)
Brahmin bachelor…!' In spite of strict
laws against dowry, the system is still around,
albeit very hush-hush.
Sports
are very popular with the locals. Bull fighting
(Dhirio) used to draw huge crowds, but now the courts
have banned it. Unlike in Portugal, it is not man
against bull, but bull against bull. The Dhirios
were held in the local paddy fields, no walls or
fences to separate the audience from the fighting
bulls. Consequently, sometimes a spectator was gored
or killed. For this reason the fights were banned.
Although gambling is illegal, vast sums of money
used to change hands at these fights. The two main
sports of interest now, are the usual football and
cricket. In Football, Goa has got more first league
teams than any other state in India. On any given
day there is sure to be a tournament or match, in
one or more of the villages.
The
staple diet of Goa is fish
curry and rice. Unlike the rest of India, most
Hindus in Goa eat fish. In the monsoons, when no
fresh fish is available, most Goans have very long
faces. The other favorite dish is pork, although
chicken is a close second. In Goa like many other
places in the world, alcohol, for some, is a major
problem. The main cause of which is FENI. This is
the local drink in Goa, made from either coconut
sap or cashew fruit.
Goans
are very proud of their state, and are well prepared
to fight for its protection. Environmental issues
feature prominently, but often lack firmness in
dealing with issues related to government utilities,
administrative corruption and horrendous government
services.
Music
Goans
love music.
It is an integral part of their lives. Music in
Goa covers a broad spectrum, from Portuguese music
to Techno to Rave and the now the (in)famous Goa
Trance. The local radio station AIR (All India Radio)
mostly plays music in Konkani, Hindi and English.
Though occasionally, we still get to hear some Portuguese
music. The DJ's are awful to say the least, talking
far too long between each piece of music. They read
out endless lists of requests, which, by their continuous
stumbling, is clearly unrehearsed.
Some
of the singers and dramatists, who have become household
names, include Prince Jacob, Alfred Rose, Tony King,
Kid Boxer, Souza Boy, M.Boyer, Emiliano D'cruz,
Rosario Rodrigues and J. B. Rod.
A
lot of the music churned out today (2 to 3 releases
per month) is from 'Tiatre' (Konkani theatre), which
are mainly melodramas about family and domestic
life. Each lyricist will offer his own explanation
for life's varied problems, often coloured by individual
prejudices. Although there are quite a few 'Tiartist'
who produce plays with political satire. Notable,
is William de Curtorim.
Love
became a theme, mainly in the songs of the Jazz
artistes, and the classy composer Chris Perry. His
ballads, immortalized by singer Lorna, remain all
time favorites. Lorna has now returned to Konkani
music after a gap of almost 28 Years. Bombay-based,
Alfred Rose, is believed to be among the first to
actually cut cassettes, and records of his music,
with printed lyrics to accompany them.
The
Goan economy is highly dependent on tourism, which
brings in the much-needed foreign currency. This
has caused the mushrooming of hotels, resorts and
other tourist related businesses, all along the
northern coastal area. The exports of iron and manganese
ores are also big earners for Goa. If tourism is
the bread and butter then mining is the jam. In
Goa unlike the rest of India the mining industry
is privately owned and not controlled by the government.
Sadly enough, Goa is also an exporter of manpower.
Most of those leaving its shores are highly skilled
in their respective fields. As a matter of fact,
Goa is more becoming like a "Retiree's Place".
The Working local Goan population is getting to
be mostly middle aged, as most young people are
either working in the Arabian Gulf region, or migrated
to USA, Australia or New Zealand. So this is Goa,
amche Goem - its culture and people. Want to visit?
Book your hotel
now.
Harvest
Time
