History of Goa

History of Goa. Goa has a fascinating historical past which dates back further to the 3rd century BC. A prominent part of the Mauryan Empire, Goa was of prime importance because of its natural harbours and wide river base. Only in 1987 did Goa get the status of an independent state and the regional language Konkani was recognized as one of India's official languages..

Culture of GOA. A former Portuguese colony, Goa is also fondly known as the 'Rome of the East'. Inhabited and colonized by the Portuguese for almost 450 years, the culture of Goa is distinctly different from that of the rest of the nation. Here is a quick run-down of the rich and varied heritage of Goa ..

Goan Life and Culture. With a strong influence from the west, Goa has always had a more contemporary mindset. Their rich heritage culture has not been tarnished by the rapid industrialization that has become commonplace in the rest of India yet. Celebrating livelihood and religious festivals with scrumptious food and delightful music, the locals are humble, warm and fun-loving individuals..

Language. Goa is a Multi-lingual state, they speak dialects of Konkani and Marathi. Konkani is the official language of Goa and the total language used in Goa are English, Portuguese, Konkani, Hindi, and Marathi..

Food Culture of Goa. Food and drinks are an integral part of marking Goa's vibrant culture. Meals bring families together, and a staple is the combination of Goan fish curry and rice. Apart from this staple, Goa is also famous for its mixed bag of freshly caught seafood. Prawns, crabs, kingfish with their traditional spicy marination are a delectable delicacy for the locals. Another festive favourite for the Goans is their beef and pork roasts that are a must-try during Christmas which is best paired with Goa's famous brew Feni, made with fermented cashews. Other dishes like the Bebinca (a multi-layered sweet dish) and the Khatkhate are essentials when friends get together or during festivities..

Dance and Music Culture of Goa. Goans have a particular fondness for performing arts. A beautiful blend of Indian and western dance forms, Goan dances include Fugdi, Dhalo, and the Kunbi that date back to the Portuguese era in Goa. The folk dances and music in the state are performed for both religious festivals and cheerful events..