Goa
TICLO RESORTS
Sandwiched between majestic verdant hills. And the vast turquoise Arabian sea on the western coast of India lies a serene and picturesque pearl called Goa.
This youngest state of India never ceases to enchant visitors from India and abroad. Its hospitality, culinary delights. Ancient temples, folk, arts and music. The scenic beauty and enough reason for any visitor to fall on within go and reasons enough to be the titled the pearl of the orient.
Goa earned many designations from the most ancient times. Originally Goa which enclosed a larger slice of Konkan, was known as Kalyan, meaning happy because, unlike some interior regions where droughts and food scarcity struck the land, it was blessed with bountiful rainfall. So happiness was where rain was. Hence, it got the name Kalyan. Her capital was Kalyanpuri, Puri-signifying city, which still survives as Kalafura – Kalyanpura, named Santa-Cruz by the Portuguese.
Goan Cuisine:
The Goans are famous for their distinctive cuisine, it is greatly influenced by the Portuguese.
The main ingredients are a variety of fish, shellfish, pork, beef, mutton, rice, coconut and a huge variety of spices. Food is not considered to be just a source of nourishment. It is very important that it has to taste, smell and look good.
Delicacies like Meat Xacuti, Vindaloo, Prawn Balchao and sweets like Bebinca, Dodol and Doce are very popular. During feasts and celebrations, different types of Port Wines, Red and White Wines are served as appetizers. Sausages, Ham and preserved meats are famous for their local flavor. The meals are washed down with a variety of local wines and FENI a local brew made from cashew nuts. Neoris, cakes, Marzipan fruits, Crunchy coconut Burfi and a host of other sweets are made together with bibinque, Christmas cakes and puddings.
Goan Culture:
Goa has many, many churches, temples, mosques and shrines. Goans are diverse in belief.In spite of this diversity in religions Goans live in peace and harmony.Goa has a very rich and unique cultural heritage. Goans are peace loving people. The natural beauty of Goa, hospitality of the Goans together with heritage has made Goa one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world.
Goan Cuisine:
Goan folklore is very rich in variety and content. It consists of folk tales, music, visual arts, folk songs and dances. Rhythm, music and dances are deeply rooted in the Goan life. The rhythms and the dances are very lively and bring joy to the observer as well. The music has devotional and contemporary overtones.
Goan Dances:
Some of the famous Goan folk dances are Mando, Dekhni, Goff, Ghode Modni, Tonyamel, Mussel Khel, Dhangar Dance, Talgadi, Shigmo, Jagor, Suvari, Fugdi, Thalia, Lamp Dance.
These dances are well performed during local festivals in the Goan villages. These dances and songs are accompanied by a variety of musical instruments like Drums-Dhols, Ghumat and flutes, harmoniums, guitars, violins etc.
Art and Craft:
Many of the Goan folk arts and crafts are commercially produced They make excellent souvenirs. Goan handicrafts include bamboo work, brass work, wooden furniture, pottery, earthenware, shell work, papier mache etc.
Festivals:
Festivals of almost all of the faiths are celebrated by all the communities, irrespective of their caste and creed with equal enthusiasm. Most of the festivals are related to various religious activities. Every village ‘Jatra’ or feast is a festival in itself.