Mandodari Temple While returning from a visit to the Anant Temple, we noticed a board mentioning the Mandodari Temple in Betki. It also claimed to be the only temple dedicated to Mandodari. Intrigued by the board’s spelling of “Mandodari (मंडोदरी)” instead of “Mandodari (मंदोदरी),” we decided to take the left turn Read more…
Akur is a vegetable found in Goa during the monsoon season. This reddish-green vegetable is sold in the market as tender shoots. Akur, sprouts along riverbanks during the rains and is used to make a delicious gravy with pulses like chana dal, green peas, or masoor dal. Even when prepared Read more…
The name Lairai had often come up since I came to live in Goa. Who is this goddess? What is her story? These questions had been forming in my mind. Especially when the Lairai fair (Jatra) was approaching, the large advertisement in the newspapers drew my attention due to the Read more…
The Only Temple of Devaki and Baby Krishna Whenever I think of Marcel village in Goa, the first thing that comes to my mind is the Devaki-Krishna temple. This is the only temple in India where Baby Krishna is worshipped along with Devaki. Devaki, the mother of Krishna, is depicted Read more…
The Guardian of Mapusa The revered guardian of all the people of Mapusa and the spiritual anchor for many Goans, Lord Bodgeshwar!Approximately 12 km from Panaji, at the entrance to Mapusa, stands the temple of Bodgeshwar at a place known as Bodgini. This location was once a swampy area, home Read more…
In Maharashtra, just as kat (soup) accompanies matki usal (moth bean curry), similarly in Goa, saar (a type of soup) is made to go with mugagathi (a sprouted moong bean dish). The difference is that this saar is completely satvik, meaning it’s prepared without onion or garlic. Dishes like mugagathi, mugachi usal, mugache saar, and khatkhate are typically made during festivals or Read more…
Goa’s Traditional Dish, Mugagathi In Goa, no religious or traditional ceremony is complete without a meal that includes the staple dish called Mugagathi, which is essentially a thin sprouted moong bean curry. The unique feature of this dish is that the moong beans used must be sprouted and peeled. Ingredients Read more…
On the road right in front of the main entrance of the Mahalasa Narayani Temple in Mardol, to the right as you exit the temple, stands Hotel Mahalasa. A small hotel, yet the crowd it attracts speaks volumes about the uniqueness of the food served here. While the dishes offered Read more…
Navratri is celebrated in various unique ways across different regions of India. While the Durga Puja in West Bengal and Garba in Gujarat are widely known, have you ever wondered how Navratri is celebrated in Goa? Goa’s Navratri is distinct and is renowned for its Makharotsav. This festival is celebrated Read more…
Since childhood, Ganapati has been a beloved deity for people of all ages! While there are numerous temples dedicated to Ganapati in Goa, the most famous among them is the Mahaganapati Temple in Khandola. Located on the road from Marcel to Savoi-Verem in Ponda Taluka. The path leading to the Read more…