Worldroom MICE Tourism Guide: India 2008


	Previous Edition archive
	Worldroom National Tourism Guide INDIA 2008archive


	Sun kissed beaches; cashew fenny and grizzled hippies swishing to rhythmic beats are images that fecund minds conjure up when they think of Goa. But Goa is stratospherically different from these images conjured up from its halcyon days of the hippy revolution synonymous with susegad, that loosely translated means a laid back way of living, Goa is a city with a living heritage that is all around to see. The state is known as the Pearl of the Orient. According to Hindu legend, Goa is associated with Parashuram, the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu, who created the Konkan coast by ordering the sea to recede. He created an Aryan settlement by the banks of the Mandovi and Zuari rivers. The tiny state's history goes as far back as the 3rd century BC, being a part of the Mauryan Empire, then passing on to the Satavahanas, and passed hands over a few more times to end up with the Chalukyas, amongst others. It was in the 14th century when the intrepid Vasco da Gama landed on these golden sands to seek a fortune from spices, and slowly, colonisation began, and stayed for centuries, finally for the powers to be ousted in 1961. Twenty-six years later statehood was conferred on to this union territory. Consequently, the Goa today is a composite of its past and present, reflected in its unique architecture and attitude. Situated on the Konkan belt, different pockets of Goa reflect different hues of life and culture, perhaps the heaviest influence being of the Portuguese, who inhabited it for nearly 450 years. With an amalgam of religions and different communities living in this tiny state, it is speckled with places of worship covering every community that inhabits the state. Colonial Goa has the most stunning Church, the Basilica of Bom Jesus, situated in old Goa. It is built in the Baroque style and proudly holds its World Heritage status on its lapel. Built in 1695, it contains the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier, occupying a vaunted place in Christianity due to the miracle that binds it to God. The embalmed body of the Saint is visible in a beautifully engraved silver casket. The underlying beauty of Goan churches scattered throughout the length and breadth of the city has another major significance. One being the spread of the faith and the other being the fact that these monuments were instrumental in spreading Manueline, Mannerist and Baroque forms of architecture through out Asia where all Christian missions were established. It isn't unusual to come across a church tucked far in the hinterland in another country built perhaps in the ensuing country to realise the influence that crept in from here. Hindu temples in the region are also exquisitely unique to the place, reflecting Goan Hindu architecture. Perhaps the most telling is the Mangueshi Temple, which is dedicated to lord Shiva. The temple complex is expansive and tremendous. A magnificent water tank, synonymous with temples in the region, sparkling chandeliers in the spacious hall and beautiful deepstambhas or lamp towers make this sanctum sanctorum venerated by people of all faiths. The city is scattered with mosques, and the Safa Masjid on the highway is simplistic and reminiscent of the Bijapuri architectural style, yet with a dash of local flavour. But it is the homes, villas and mansions that speck old Goa and other parts of the city, which are pieces of living heritage. For those tourists who wander off to big foot at Loutolim, to get a glimpse of Goan life as it was, a walk to the Figueredo mansion with its unique plinth and its front porch transports you into Portugal. Close by, noted cartoonist Mario Miranda's mansion, hidden behind a winding drive way and a clump of trees is visible from a distance. Atypically, most mansions have a private Chapel for worship and have grand facades reflecting the sheer opulence of the time. Stain glass windows, exquisite china wares that adorn mantelpieces; windows carved out of mother of pearl, and stunning balconies are staples. Goa's dramatic cultural diversity has stayed intact through the years. Traditionally, the state has been associated with poetry, music and the fine arts. Synonymous with music; the state has churned out superstars - including the nightingale, the singer Lata Mangeshkar and the rockstar Remo. Festivals are ubiquitous to this state as is the sea. Be it the Feast of St. Francis Xavier, or Diwali, festivals are celebrated with equal pomp and fervour. The Goan Carnival is another much awaited event, where India's only Mardi Gras attracts visitors from all over. It is this sleepy heritage that has percolated to its delectable cuisine, which is as fresh as the evening's pick. If fish curry, rice and cashew fenny maketh a holiday, then Goa is paradise. Add in a little Bibenca, a chewy dessert, and port wine, and one would look for a home there. To a Goan, it is said, food is as important as is their afternoon siesta, something they inherited from the Portuguese. A mention of the beaches is what is inevitable of every piece about Goa. Though reams have been written about the golden sand, it is sacrilege to omit it from an authentic tale, being an intrinsic part of the state's identity. Be it the Anjuna - Baga - Calangute stretch that is a sea of heads during season time, or the laid back southern beaches Colva, Benaulim, Bogmolo, Varca or Agonda Beach, there is plenty of choice. Beyond these heavily touristy spots are unknown havens which many an intrepid tourist deigns to explore the butterfly beach or perhaps Morjim beach, where the Oliver Ridley Turtles nest. As the sun sets, the music begins and the beaches shine with light from the shacks. It's susegad time, all year round now.