Go Goa...

From exotic beaches to magnificent architecture to Goans cuisine, Goa has lots more than this. The festive season, which starts from December and remains till March, is round the corner and Goa is all set for a blast this season

Internationally renowned for providing beach holidays Goa is honeymooners’ paradise. A tiny emerald land on the west coast of India, adjoining the Arabian Sea Goa is the greatest hub for the tourists, as every year tourists in abundance visit this place. Goa seems to be in the mood of party and merry making.
The Goan culture is very easy going and relaxed. Everyone is free to follow the kind of lifestyle they wanted. This is the place where indo-Portuguese people follow tradition as well as remain ahead with the changing time and trends. Konkani is the official language of Goa which is written in Devnagri script but other languages also move very smoothly. The chief feature of the people in Goa is the element of mingling. Elvis Gomes, Director of Goa Tourism says, “The main strength of Goa is its people as its beauty is natural but people add spark into its beauty.” “We are enhancing tourism in Goa by upgrading its infrastructure and by aggressive promotions… Goa is in festive mood 365 days,” he further adds.

Sun, Sand and Sea
In Goa it seems that the sun kisses the beaches and in that ambience one can just relax on the soft sand and gaze at the warm mild sun that drenches the entire environment in its amber-gold embrace. The beaches are clustered into two regions, north and south Goa coastlines with the capital Panaji and nearby Miramar beach, and Bambolim beach in the middle. Anjuna beach is mostly visited for rejuvenating mood. If you are visiting this place in the day time then you can savor the best delights at the famous flea market or the shopping hangout off the beach. If you want to enjoy fishing then Benaulim beach is the right choice and this place is quite safe for swimming too. If you are looking for the beach where you can spend your time personally then Colva beach is a perfect place. Dona Paula Beach has a good relation with romance and myth and tourists throng this place for deceased beloved and is also famous for water sport paradise for water sports lovers, surfing, snorkeling, jet skiing, boogie boarding, scuba diving, water-skiing, parasailing, windsurfing and deep sea fishing are just some of the water sports that can be enjoyed here. Miramar beach is the one of the best tourist place that is known for its lovely golden beach of soft sand, occupied by a thick grove of shady palms, facing the blue Arabian Sea and forming a dense canopy over the area. Clusters of coconut palms border these lovely beaches and add glam to it.

Grand Gala
Due to the Portugal rule, many people converted to Christianity at that time. Yet, they did not forget their Indian roots and Goa is the best example where you will find people celebrating different kind of festivals. Although, Goa seems to be in the mood of festival whole year but in December the mood in Goa is totally different. Each house, market, churches, beaches lights up and decorated and people seems to be in full mood of merry making. The Month starts with St. Francis Xavier Feast that is celebrated in Old Goa on 3rd December with processions and services. The feast of the patron saint of Goa is celebrated on the day he died in 1552. Preceding the feast, nine days of Novenas are held, attended by pilgrims from all over the world. Stalls sell sweetmeats, toys, clothing etc.
Next comes the Christmas that is celebrated on 25th December every year as the birth of Jesus Christ. Christmas trees are decorated and the city is also decorated with clay statues or with artifacts made up of box board, millet and hay grass. New Year is also celebrated in full swing as visitors from across the globe throng this place and welcome New Year in very modern way. The most awaited festival Carnival is celebrated for the arrival of spring which occurs immediately before Lent; the main events are usually during February and March. Carnival typically involves a public celebration or parade combining some elements of a circus and public street party. People often dress up or masquerade during the celebrations. The festivals are also musical in nature and a great deal of dance forms part of the carnivals which are celebrated on special occasions.

Splendid Architecture
Goa is the perfect example of Portuguese architecture as it has unique smooth blend of different architectural styles. Churches and houses bear a striking element of the Portugal style of architecture. Here most of the houses have the bust of Jesus Christ at the entrance. Churches in Goa present a unique blend of the renaissance and baroque styles. They are the next important tourist attraction after the beaches and are thronged by people of all religions. Basilica of Bom Jesus is very famous Roman Catholic Church as it contains the tomb and mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier.
St. Cathedral is built in purist Tuscan style and is staggering in proportions. In one chapel is kept the cross of miracles. Convent and church of St. Francis of Assisi has superb decorative paintwork, woodcarving; and floor are inlaid with elaborately engraved tombstones. Another great example for architecture is the Aguada fort it was used as a prison primarily; the fort stands on the beach south of Candolim, at the shore of the Mandovi River. The fort is so large that it envelops the entire peninsula at the south western tip of Bardez. Built on the mouth of river Mandovi, it was strategically located and was the chief defence of Portuguese against the Dutch and Marathas.

Eat, Drink and shop
Goa is flooded up with tourists whole year, therefore roadsides and beaches are all flourished with traditional Goans market, and these markets are a mirror of Goa’s ethnic culture and provide a glimpse of the typical goan way of doing business. Goa’s each town has something special to sell. In Old Goa one can shop antique, local wine called 'Fenny', cashew nuts or any traditional souvenir for your loved ones. Anjuna Beach Flea Market is very famous Wednesday Market besides Anjuna Beach, started by foreigners. It is an extremely lively spot where souvenirs, beachwear, trinkets and handicrafts are sold at very cheap prices. Mapusa is well known for its Friday market that holds too many attractive items on sale.
If you are going to Goa and not drinking the traditional drink ‘Fenny’, it will not be fared as it is the strength and specialty of Goans. Fenny is prepared and produced in Goa and exported all around the world. Cashew and coconut fenny are the varieties available. On the other hand Seafood is also the strength of the state. Here you will get lots of magnificent culinary delicacies like the prawn balchão and sorpotel which have become famous around the world. Besides fresh seafood, dried and salted fish dishes are also highly prized by Goans. For those who love to take chances in life and play it as a gamble, then Goa has top class casinos with popular games like roulette, blackjack, baccarat and craps.
Goa is a place, where fun & frolic never ends. Exotic beaches, lip smacking cuisine, easy going people, rocking parties and ancient religious places, rock that place. Goa is synonymous with vacations and holidays. This is the only state that guarantees to relax and rejuvenate you. So, Go Goa and enjoy the freedom and dive deep in the full mood of joy.