A Favourite Tourist Destination!
Goa! Just the mention of this name brings joy to many. It is not just a favourite among travelers from neighbouring Maharashtra and Karnataka but also attracts tourists from Delhi to the southernmost parts of India. In fact, it’s not just Indians—foreign visitors, too, are deeply in love with Goa!
Earlier, the peak tourist seasons were mainly around Diwali and summer vacations. However, today, be it monsoon or scorching summer, tourists continue to flock to Goa throughout the year. Since tourism is Goa’s primary industry, the state government constantly introduces new initiatives to attract visitors and promotes them extensively. Some of these include monsoon tourism, trekking, water rafting, cruises, casinos, and the grand Carnival festival.
Incredible Goa
One day, feeling a bit bored, I turned on the TV and started channel surfing. Suddenly, I came across a program on National Geographic called Incredible Goa, and I stopped right there. The show featured the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, Goa’s stunning natural beauty, beaches, churches, local markets, and casinos. Watching this beautiful depiction of Goa on TV filled me with pride. No wonder people are so fascinated by Goa!
Two days later, while watching National Geographic again, I saw an advertisement for Goa. However, it only showcased churches, a few well-known temples, casinos, beaches, and cruises.
The very next day, I had the opportunity to attend the Pt. Jitendra Abhisheki Music Festival at the Kala Academy in Panaji, where I got to witness performances by renowned national and international artists. At that moment, I realized that many tourists might not even be aware of such cultural festivals and the true essence of Goa beyond its popular tourist attractions. It was disheartening to think that visitors only saw a limited, commercialized version of Goa while missing out on its rich cultural and artistic heritage.
The Home of Art
Goa is a true haven for art. The people here have an immense love for creativity, and the state has given India some of its finest artists across various fields. Many Goans are skilled in some form of art, and those who aren’t are still knowledgeable appreciators. Even those who may not be artists or experts themselves are deeply passionate about art, wholeheartedly admiring and supporting artists.
National and international performers who have showcased their talent in Goa often express how overwhelmed they are by the enthusiastic response they receive here. Many have even stated that nowhere else have they felt the kind of love and appreciation they experience from Goan audiences.
However, the Goa that tourists know is entirely different. Most visitors remain unaware of Goa’s deep-rooted artistic and cultural essence. This contrast makes it evident that there are two Goas—one that belongs to the tourists and another that belongs to its people.
For most visitors, the first things that come to mind when they think of Goa are alcohol, seafood, casinos, beaches, water sports, and, to a lesser extent, a few churches and temples. This doesn’t mean that tourists are entirely to blame, as Goa was primarily advertised in a way that highlighted these very aspects to attract them. However, with the rise of social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook, this perception is gradually changing. Still, many people who have little to no knowledge about Goa continue to associate it only with fun, indulgence, and extravagance, without realizing the depth of its cultural and artistic legacy.
Some Misconceptions About Goa
Some people have developed completely false notions about Goa, often based on outdated or exaggerated ideas.
Once, I met a young, religious-minded person at a temple in Maharashtra. When I asked if he had ever visited Goa, he replied, “Oh no, I would never go there! My mother told me that Goa is not a good place. The girls there are not respectable; they wear all kinds of clothes.” I didn’t know whether to laugh or feel sad. I told him, “I am from Goa, and that’s not true at all. You should visit once and see for yourself.”
Revealing or tight clothing is not unique to Goa anymore; you can see such outfits in any city. In fact, most women wearing shorts and unusual outfits in Goa are tourists. It’s not just young girls—many middle-aged and older women also seem to embrace a sense of freedom in their attire once they arrive here. Their appearance alone makes it obvious that they are visitors.
Another thing that has given Goa an infamous reputation is alcohol. This is largely due to people who visit Goa solely for drinking. I once had a vegetarian friend from Mumbai who casually mentioned that she never visited Goa because she thought “everyone there eats seafood.” That was the height of ignorance!
Who knows how many such misconceptions exist about Goa? There are plenty of locals who are vegetarian and who don’t drink at all. However, people who visit Goa just to party, drink, and gamble only focus on these aspects. Unfortunately, most of them have no real interest in exploring the true culture and beauty of Goa.
The Peaceful, Culture-Loving, and Festive Goan Community
A true Goan is a peace-loving, religious, and culturally inclined individual who deeply cherishes art, drama, and music. This love for culture is reflected in the numerous festivals celebrated throughout the year with great enthusiasm.
Most tourists visiting Goa remain unaware of its magnificent temples, grand fairs, and traditional feasts. They also have little to no knowledge about the annual bhajan competitions, theater festivals, and internationally recognized music and film festivals held here. For them, Goa is just about a couple of temples and the Carnival!
Most tourists are familiar with Carnival, but very few know about Shigmotsav, an equally mesmerizing festival deeply rooted in Goan culture and traditions. This grand celebration features vibrant folk music, traditional dances, and stunning processions with beautifully crafted mythological floats—a spectacular sight that remains largely undiscovered by many visitors.
Ganesh Chaturthi and Diwali – Goa’s Most Beloved Festivals
Ganesh Chaturthi and Diwali hold a special place in the hearts of Goans, with Ganesh Chaturthi being particularly significant. During this festival, every Ganesh devotee in Goa makes it a point to return to their ancestral home to celebrate with family.
While in Maharashtra and other places, Ganesh Chaturthi is traditionally celebrated for eleven days, in the villages of Marcel and Kumbharjuve in Goa, the celebrations extend for a unique twenty-one days. These villages are known for their deep-rooted artistic heritage, and their very soil seems to be blessed with creativity.
The intricately crafted Ganesh idols and artistic displays created by the skilled artisans of these villages attract visitors not only from across Goa but also from Banda, Sawantwadi, and other nearby regions. Sadly, following the COVID-19 pandemic, the public Ganesh celebrations in Marcel and Kumbharjuve came to a halt. However, devotees remain hopeful that this cherished tradition will soon be revived.
Unique Diwali Celebrations in Goa
Unlike the traditional festive sweets (faral) prepared in other parts of India, Goans celebrate Diwali with locally made pohé (flattened rice) delicacies.
Another distinctive feature of Diwali in Goa is the grand competitions for decorative akash kandils (lanterns) and massive effigies of Narakasura. The night before Narak Chaturdashi, huge Narakasura effigies are built and later burned, symbolizing the victory of good over evil.
Just like the state-level Ganesh Chaturthi competitions, the Narakasura effigy-making contests are widely popular across Goa, especially among the youth.
Goa’s Christian Community: Lovers of Art, Music, and Celebrations
Not just the Hindu community, but Goa’s Christian community is equally passionate about art, music, and festivities. They deeply cherish Kantar and Mando music, as well as Tiatro—a popular form of Goan theatre. In addition, they celebrate Sanjav, various Fests, and many other small and grand festivals throughout the year. During Christmas, crib-making competitions are held, and nativity scenes depicting the birth of Jesus are beautifully displayed outside churches and Christian homes.
Football: The Beloved Sport of Goans
Along with art, Goans have a deep love for sports—especially football! Whether it’s the monsoon or scorching summer, it’s common to see young players engaged in football or cricket matches on village playgrounds across Goa. This passion for sports is yet another testament to the vibrant and festive spirit of the Goan people.
Different Perspectives of Tourists in Goa
However, among the tourists who visit here, Some fall in love with its breath-taking natural beauty and vast, serene beaches. A few visits for spiritual purposes, seeking blessings at the temples. but the majority come with a mindset of “Eat, Drink, and Have Fun.” These are the very tourists who, upon returning home, share only what they experienced—creating a narrow and often misleading perception of Goa among outsiders.
Goa – Beyond the Stereotypes
So, dear friends, remember—Goa is not just about alcohol, seafood, and casinos. Beyond all this, it is a land blessed with stunning natural beauty, a rich cultural heritage, and an unparalleled artistic legacy.
