English activity Group

Topic-Glimpses of India-Goa. English activity Group.

Capital The capital is Panaji, on the north-central coast of the mainland district. Formerly a Portuguese possession, it became a part of India in 1962 and attained statehood in 1987. Location Goa is a state on the southwestern coast of India within the Konkan region, geographically separated from the Deccan highlands by the Western Ghats. It is surrounded by the Indian states of Maharashtra to the north and Karnataka to the east and south, with the Arabian Sea forming its western coast..

Portuguese was widely spoken until Goa was liberated from the Portugal regime in 1961. In fact, the older generations can still speak Portuguese. the total number of languages used in Goa are English, Portuguese, Konkani, Hindi, and Marathi. Konkani, however, is the official language of Goa.

Goa features a tropical monsoon climate under the Köppen climate classification. Goa, being in the tropical zone and near the Arabian Sea, has a hot and humid climate for most of the year. The month of May is usually the hottest.

Now let’s see some of the traditions, culture, tourist places, monuments, state animals, and the state bird!!.

Touristic places.

Palolem Beach is situated in Canacona in southern Goa, India. The beach attracts many international tourists, mainly during the winter season between November and March.

Dudhsagar Falls. Dudhsagar Falls is a four-tiered waterfall located on the Mandovi River in the Indian state of Goa. Dudhsagar Falls is India’s tallest waterfalls with a height of 310 m (1017 feet) and an average width of 30 metres (100 feet)..

The basilica is located in Old Goa , the former capital of Portuguese India , and holds the mortal remains of St Francis Xavier . [3] Bom Jesus (literally, "Good/ Holy Jesus" in Indo-Portuguese ) is the name used for the Ecce Homo in countries of the Lusosphere . This Jesuit church is India's first minor basilica , and is considered to be one of the best examples of baroque architecture.

Goa is a famous tourist spot for Indians because of its dazzling nightlife that never ends . This city offers amazing and exciting nightlife.

Now let’s take a look at some famous monuments in Goa.

Monuments.

Fort Aguada. This majestic fort perched over the Sinquerim beach is an architectural marvel of the 17th century, which was constructed by the Portuguese in order to defend their land from the Marathas and the British. Offering breathtaking views of the Arabian Sea, a walk through the fort to the lighthouse located on top is a must while touring Goa..

Viceroy's Arch. Established in 1599 by Viceroy Francisco da Gama, the Viceroy’s Arch is made up of laterite and green granite. The archway was once the main street for entering Old Goa. The arch was built to commemorate the memory of the famous explorer – Vasco da Gama. The arch is embellished with an imposing statue of Vasco da Gama on the riverside and with the statue of St. Catherine on the other side. The original arch collapsed in 1948 and was rebuilt in 1954..

The Portuguese rule in Goa lasted for as long as 450 years. It is interesting to know that while the Portuguese ruled Goa, they were the first ones to introduce European architecture in Goa by building numerous churches and monuments..

State Animal.

The gaur also known as the Indian bison , is a bovine native to South and Southeast Asia , and has been listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List since 1986. The global population was estimated at a maximum of 21,000 mature individuals in 2016. It has declined by more than 70% during the last three generations, and is extirpated from Sri Lanka and most likely Bangladesh . Populations in well-protected areas are stable and increasing. [1].

The Indian Bison or Gaur truly is a majestic creature. The state animal of Goa can reach an impressive weight of about 1500kgs . The look of the Gaur is quite distinctive, with a rather pronounced shoulder hump (especially in the males), and horns on either side of their heads, that grow to be an impressive 110cms.

State Bird.

The yellow-throated bulbul ( Pycnonotus xantholaemus ) is a species of songbird in the bulbul family of passerine birds . The species is endemic to southern peninsular India. They are found on scrub habitats on steep, rocky hills many of which are threatened by granite quarrying. It is confusable only with the white-browed bulbul with which its range overlaps but is distinctively yellow on the head and throat apart from the yellow vent. The calls of this species are very similar to that of the white-browed bulbul ..

Flame-throated Bulbul is a Schedule – IV bird, according to wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. The Flame-throated Bulbul is a beautiful bird, with short and slender neck. Size between 17 cm to 20 cm. The weight of adult is between 25 g to 35 g . Both Sexes alike. The tail is long and the wings short and rounded and the mouth is yellowish pink in color..

Culture The culture of Goa is an amalgamation of Indian and Portuguese culture . The long Portuguese rule has influenced the culture in more ways than one and many of the Portuguese traditions are reflected in the Goan culture even today. The crafts and arts of Goa also reflect Hindu, Muslim and Christian origins..

Let’s take a look at some famous people in GOA.

Gaansaraswati Kishori Amonkar [a] (10 April 1932 – 3 April 2017) was a leading Indian classical vocalist, [3] belonging to the Jaipur gharana , or a community of musicians sharing a distinctive musical style. [4] She was a performer of the classical genre khyal and the light classical genres thumri and bhajan . Amonkar trained under her mother, classical singer Mogubai Kurdikar also from the Jaipur Gharana , but she experimented with a variety of vocal styles in her career.

Shripad Yesso Naik ] (born 4 October 1952) is an Indian politician serving as the current Minister of State for Tourism and Ports, Shipping and Waterways of India in office 7 July 2021 (in Second Modi ministry ). He was the former Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare . He is the Member of Parliament from North Goa constituency, representing the Bharatiya Janata Party . [3] [4].

Now onto the Wedding and rituals,Traditional costume, Goan cuisine Sweets and desserts Bakers of goa Music and folks.

Wedding and rituals. The first tradition that is a must for a Goan wedding is ‘ Chuddo ’ In the Goan wedding culture, bangles are an important bridal accessory. It is a custom where the Goan bride has to wear the best bangles possible. These bangles of a particular colour and design are called ‘ chuddo’ They are usually purchased from the regular/local bangle-seller of the village, known as the volar or kankonkar who is often invited over to the home. The bangles are made of glass and very delicate.

The second traditional is a ritual called ‘Ros’ This is the anointing ceremony where both the bride and the groom are anointed with coconut milk by their parents, relatives, neighbours and friends in their respective houses.This is usually done 2 to 3 days prior to the wedding. This ceremony symbolizes the beginning of new life. The coconut milk is used and is said to cleanse or purify the couple before the wedding, which also signifies the end of their single lives.

Culture and tradition run deep in Goan blood. Goan weddings aren’t just a day’s celebration, they are spread over four to five days. Goans definitely take every celebration, especially weddings, very seriously. Plans are made at least a year in advance, and it goes without saying that a lot of money is spent on all the events involved. Of all the various wedding venues in India one could choose, nothing beats Goa. The months of October through February witness a number of weddings in Goa. Being the colder months in Goa, the weather is perfect for the customary outdoor weddings. For those on a budget through, off-season weddings are also possible, thanks to a number of indoor air-conditioned halls as well..

Traditional Goan Attire The attire of the tribal people in Goa comprises of a loincloth known as ' Kashti ' , with a blanket draped around their shoulders. The women wear a traditional sari with a tied knot using their ' Kunbi palloo ' and have a very distinctive dressing style ..

Goan cuisine consists of regional foods popular in Goa , an Indian state located along India 's west coast on the shore of the Arabian Sea . Rice, seafood, coconut, vegetables, meat, pork and local spices are some of the main ingredients in Goan cuisine. The use of kokum and vinegar is another distinct feature. Goan food is considered incomplete without fish . The cuisine of Goa originated from its Konkani roots, and was influenced by the 451 years of Portuguese rule and the Sultanate rule that preceded the Portuguese. [1] Many Catholic dishes are either similar to or variants of their Portuguese counterparts in both naming or their use of ingredients..

The cuisine of Goan people is mostly seafood-based; the staple foods are rice and fish. Kingfish ( vison or visvan ) is one of the most commonly eaten varieties of fish.. Other fish varieties include pomfret , shark , tuna , sardines , and mackerel . Among the shellfish are crabs , prawns , tiger prawns , lobster , squid , and mussels . The food of Goan Christians is heavily influenced by the Portuguese. The use of vinegar, for example, is very prominent, specifically toddy vinegar, which is made from coconut sap that is retrieved from stems and is then left to ferment for four to six months..

Sweets and desserts are known by their Konkani name, Godshem . Popular dishes include: Cashew laddus nevryo -Sweet fried dumpling with filling made from grated coconut, sugar, poppy seeds, green cardamom, almonds or cashew nuts khaje revdyo sakharbhat -Rice with sugar and coconut madgane payasa halwa dali kapa ( halwa made from red gram), cashew halwa , mango halwa , banana halwa , pumpkin halwa Dodol Bebinca Patoleo or patoli – A dish of turmeric leaves stuffed with rice, dal , jaggery, and coconut Serradura Kuswar Perada.

Bakers of goa. The bakers known as paders would come to sell these bread in the street and would make a jingle sound with the bamboo. Although, nowadays we may not see these loaves but may sometimes see the furnaces and some bakers carrying on the traditional business of their forefathers. During those days, bread was an important part of any occasion especially the sweet bread, Bol. Also, the baker had a peculiar dress, Kabai . It was a single-piece frock that would reach up to knees. Baking was a profitable business at that time..

Influences from the western world didn’t spare the music of Goa. One can also see the beautiful combination of eastern and western influences in the traditional music of Goa.Music is the life of Goa. Every corner of Goa is musical. In nightclubs, pubs or even in the streets music is the great way of entertainment. Music of Goa is unique. Due to Portuguese influence one can hear the combination of Konkani and Portuguese lyrics at different places in Goa. Some music are of religious and cultural significance.Traditional music of Goa including folk songs can be best heard in rural areas of Goa. Some of the most popular traditional music of Goa are - Mando Suvari , Ovi , Dhallo , and Duvallo etc..

Ghode Modini - It is one of the most popular folk dances of Goa. Viewing this dance form will teleport you into the world of great warriors of the past. The dancers tuck dummy horses around their waists and carry swords in their hands which is a symbol of bravery and swing around in the background music of Dhol.

Mando - Mando is the folk music of Goa. It is a delightful combination of eastern and western musical forms. It was performed by catholic Christians in 1840s and now it is usually performed in wedding celebrations. Assortment of violin, guitar, and Ghumat makes this music more soothing to the ear. Mando festival is also held every year to promote this folk music of Goa..

Goa has been attractive destination for the Decades . It has attracted millions of tourists from across the globe..

United Indian school. Year-2022 Class X-C Group Number-7 Topic- Glimpses of India-Goa Group Members -Esther Elizabeth Cherian - Geehon MathewAlexander - Amenna Nourin -Helen Sara PPT and Edited by- Geehon Mathew Alexander Article by-Esther and Helen (Helen-Intro video) Kaniskh and Ammena - Details about GOA Pictures of GOA Tradition Costumes Cousine Weddings and rituals Dress Famous people.