PEOPLE AND CULTURE OF GOA Known As : Goans (instead of Goanese) Cultural Influence : Traditional Portuguese mixed with Indian Culture Traditional Dress : Nine-yard sari, or 'nav-vari' Known For : Immense Religious tolerance amongst themselves

People And Lifestyle - Friends In Foreign

Goan Women at Beach

History

Religion

Language

If you want to spend your dream holiday amidst your friends, no other place in the world than Goa, can give you such a convivial exposure. A four century colonisation under the Portuguese rule, together with sprawling geographical boundaries in the form of the Sahyadri ranges and Arabian Sea have bestowed the people with a friendly attitude and beneficence thought flow. Proud to be addressed as Goans (and not Goanese as referred in some documentary concepts), they illuminate Goa with an eternal happy-go-lucky attitude. Obsessed with fashion and a melody that has become a way of life, Goans are known for their cool and easy going nature, where 'sussegod' has become an inseparable metaphor. Come to Goa, where life itself takes a leisure, where every tourist finds a shoulder to rest and every heart lends a bite of love to an unknown soul.

Dress As To Party

Like most people, Goans also have a passion for fashion. New clothes and accessories are purchased every fortnight - a far cry from days when a new suit was reserved for the annual festival. The main costume for women in Goa is the nine-yard sari, or 'nav-vari'. Worn all along the Konkan coast in a typical 'cassato' style (tucked in at the back), the sari was practical for working in the lush fields and on the beaches. one can enjoy a grand fashion fiesta during the festive season when the whole state springs up into colourful aroma of fresh fabrics. During the tribal festival Shigmo (the spring festival), you can see men wearing vibrant attires decked with coloumn style red spotted dwajas (flags). The Kunbis celebrate 'Chowrang' (four colours), through a dance that, despite its name, bears no relation to colours. Rather it signifies an impeccable blend of music, dance, tradition and costume. Dressed up in a white dhoti, with flowers in the hair, garlands on the neck and 'ghungroos' on the anklets, they surely create an impressive sight.

From the murky history of the inquisition, rose one garment that became the epitome of Goan fashion. It successfully bridged the aesthetics of East and West and later stood out as a signature of colour, music, wealth, beauty and culture of Goa. The garment came to be known as 'pano bhaju', the ingenious invention of converted orthodox Hindu women. Today, the Portuguese influence can be seen in men's wear and in a few prominant garments for women. However, the Hindu Goan woman retained her 'sari' and traditional wa of dressing, throughout the reign of the Portuguese.

Goan Fishermen Going For A Fresh Start

Its Life, Take It Easy

What is life? Atleast it is simple in Goa. Or, 'sussegod'? doesn't it makes you imagine, someone sleeping under a swaying coconut tree, fanned by maiden breeze. Or someone just chilling out in his easy chair with a glass of beer? But hold on a minute! That is not what a Goan really is. They know how to enjoy life. Though they are in a habit of submitting to an afternoon siesta, life usually starts after six in this palm fringed land. With the drooping calls of a cuckoo, and the beats of drums, the whole state embarks on a trance tour. Late night rave parties, dancing till wee hours is a common attraction, a tourist can experience in this beach destination. More interestingly, they still wake up in the morning to attend Masses in the ancient churches of Old Goa. Where can you see such a nice contrast of religion and merriment sprawled over just a few hours!

For A Fun-filled Holiday

A holiday plan in this dream land will surely give you a splendid opportunity to meet the Goans from a close angle. Reach out for their sweet tone, colourful attires, festivals and of course, conviviality and you will never forget your vacation trip to Goa. For an inside view of tribal Goa, go for the government organised tours that take you to the heart of civilisation. For more of tourist related information, contact the Tourism Department, Goa.