FACTS: TOP INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT GOA

Talk about Goa and all that you can imagine is sun, sand and beaches with pristine blue waters and its exotic seafood. It’s a paradisiacal place with lots of sightseeing attractions. Also known as a party capital of India. But Goa is just not a party place; it’s beyond its beaches, trance parties and ‘Susegad’ lifestyle.. Goa is a culturally rich state. Its history dates back to the times of Mahabharata. The very first literary reference to Goa is in the Bhishma Parva of Mahabharata as Gomanta (Region of Cows).Goa has played a major role in Indian History. It has always moulded and changed itself with the invasion of various dynasties, rulers, teachings of monks and missionaries, priests, and the influx of traders and merchants, which is why Goa is so culturally and socio-economically diverse. Today, the aura of Goa is different and mesmerizing because of its unique flavour and culture, making it, one of its kinds in India.

Goan History: The Goan history is a concoction of facts and mythology. History has it that , Goa was the part of the Mauryan Empire in 3^rd Century B.C. For the next 700 years, Goa was ruled by the of Hindu dynasties such as The Shillaharas, the Kadambas, and the Chalukayas. The Kadambas ruled this region for more than 300 years, roughly over 10^th to 14^th centuries. During their rule, several temples were built. The states transport service is named as ‘Kadamba Tourist Corporation’. Uniquely, no other transport service has been named after a dynasty. Hence, the people of Goa witnessed their first ever Golden era,with prosperity all over. Later in the 1300’s Goa was ruled by the Muslim rulers.Goa became a base for many Portuguese Seafarers upon the discovery of a new sea route.Trades flourished with the invasion of the portuguese and many other eminent dynasties that ruled.The control over Goa went in many hands.The Portuguese ruled Goa for as long as 450 years. 17^th December, is commemorated as a ‘Goa Liberation Day’.On this day in 1961,Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru  ordered the military invasion and liberation of Goa. Portuguese Governor General Vassalo Da Silva surrendered with the invasion.

So friends, read on to know more about some interesting facts of Goa:

• LANGUAGES SPOKEN: Goa is the multilingual state and the only state in India to have two official languages -Konkani and Marathi. English and Hindi are also widely spoken here.

• FIRST ENGLISH MEDIUM SCHOOL & MEDICAL SCHOOL: Goa’s connection with English Language is centuries old, it comes as no surprise that the first English medium school was established in this state. And the first medical school of India was established in Goa in 1842 during the Portuguese rule at Panaji. It is one of the oldest medical colleges with the oldest medical library in Asia.

• INDIA’S FIRST PRINTING PRESS: The art of printing was first introduced to India through Goa. The printing press was brought to Goa by the Portuguese in the year 1556 A.D., being the first one in entire Asia. The Goa gallery, in its printing history showcases the various manually operated printing machines, the different types of cases used in printing, the rubber stamps and the machines used for making it. It also displays monographs and fonts used in printing.

• UNIQUE PILLION RIDE: Ever took a ride in a ‘Motorcycle taxi’ when in Goa? That’s a must do thing when you are in Goa. Yes, Goa has a very unique and popular mode of transport known as a ‘pilot’. This is a motorcycle taxi. This is the fastest and most economic way of getting about in goan towns. The motorcycle taxis are easily recognized by the yellow number plates.

• GAMBLING IS LEGAL: Do you know that there are only three states that are legally allowed for Gambling in India? they are – Goa, Daman and Sikkim!! There are 10 casinos in Goa 6 of which are in the city and 4 of them are floating casinos. These floating casinos can be found on boats anchored in the Mandovi River. The offshore Casino market is dominated by the Deltin Group and The Pride Group. The floating Casinos –The Deltin Royale, Casino Deltin Jaqk and the other two Casinos of Pride.

• BARS IN GOA: Goa has largest number of Bars, although being a small state. In all there are about 7000 plus bars and almost all of them are licensed to serve alcohol. So just imagine the count that would make, if the unlicensed bars are included!

• PER CAPITA INCOME: Goa has one of India’s highest per capita incomes with tourism, farming, fishing and iron-ore mining forming the backbone of its economy.

• UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE: The charismatic beauty of Old Goa is very welcoming and timeless. It is under the UNESCO world heritage site that has got several magnificent and beautiful Churches and Cathedrals.

• RELICS OF ST.FRANCIS XAVIER: In the year 1542, during the Portuguese rule in Goa St. Francis Xavier in Goa. It was during this time that St. Francis Xavier began his work of spreading Gospel. He played a pivotal role in helping many people turn to his faith. In the year 1552, he planned to introduce Christianity in China. He left for China (Shangchuan Island) and was a part of an embassy. He finally landed at Macau. He died there and his body was brought to Goa, enshrined in a silver casket. The body is still in a non-decomposed condition. The miraculous relics of St. Francis Xavier is in the world famous Basilica of Bom Jesus Church, Old Goa.

• OLIVE RIDLEY TURTLES: Goa is also home to the endangered species of turtles known as ‘Olive Ridley Turtles’. They flock the Morjim beach to lay their eggs. After Orissa, Goa is the only state in India where you can spot these turtles.

• BIRD SANCTUARY: This Bird Sanctuary is named after the eminent Indian Ornithologist Dr. Salim Ali. It is an estuarine mangrove forest where you can spot some amazing birds. Located on the Island of Chorao along the Mandovi River, Goa.

• THE ANCIENT ROCKS: 3600 million years old rocks are found in Goa –between Molem and Anmod on Goa’s border with Karnataka. They are the oldest rocks in India. Geologically classified as ‘Trondjemeitic Gneiss’. The specimens of these rocks are exhibited at the geological Museum of Goa University.

• LAND OF ISLANDS: Goa is a land of Islands. Some of the major inhabited islands- Divar Island, Chorao, Santo Estevam etc. Goa has more than 40 estuarine, 8 marine and about 90 riverine islands. Some of these islands are very picturesque and uninhabited.

• THE BRAHMA TEMPLE: Lord Brahma who is a Hindu God and believed to be the creator of Universe according to Hindu Mythology has only two temples in India. One that is very well known is in Pushkar, Rajasthan and the other is in the village of Carambolim, Goa.

• NAVAL AVIATION MUSEUM: The Naval Aviation Museum is a military museum located in Bogmalo; 6 km form Vasco, Goa. This Museum has exhibits that showcase the evolution of Indian Naval Air Arm over the decades. The Museum was inaugurated in October 1998 and is one of the two military Aviation Museums in India, the other being the Indian Air Force Museum Palam in Delhi. The Naval Aviation Museum is only one of its kinds in the entire Asian continent.

• UNIFORM CIVIL CODE: In India, there are religion specific civil codes that separately govern the adherents of different religions. Goa is an exception to that rule; it’s the only state in India where a single code governs all Goans, irrespective of religion, caste, ethnicity or linguistic affiliation.

• TROPICAL SPICE PLANTATIONS: Tropical spice plantations are located in Keri, 6 Km off Ponda. Tropical Spice Plantation can also be reached from Panjim via Mardol. Undoubtedly its one of the best spice plantations one will ever get to see in India. After your guided visit to the plantations, you get to eat a sumptuous local meal served on a Banana frond, which surely couldn’t be missed.

• A FOOTBALL CRAZY STATE: We all know that India is a cricket crazy country; but Goa loves football. In fact, Goa along with West Bengal and Kerala are the only Indian states where people are passionate about football. Football is the most popular sport in Goa. Many prominent clubs from Goa participate in the national league. The Goan flavour of football is unique to its culture. History of football in Goa dates back to 1883 Father William Robert Lyons, an Irish Priest, introduced the sport in the curriculum of Christian education.

• GOA AND ART: Goa boasts of a vibrant cultural scene. Various artists, local and across the country come together to create, share and experience the art. There is a confluence of artistic minds and energies which inspire many to begin their creative journey. There are art galleries spread over various parts of Goa, they display both traditional and contemporary works of art. The government of Goa is also helping set up academies to nurture music, art, drama, dance and literature. Many seminars are held, ‘Artists’ Camp’ are set up. There is an exchange of national and international art. There are many such beautiful galleries and studios, some of them are tucked away amidst the forests. This provides a breath of fresh air for the creative minds at work.

•  FLEA MARKETS: There are several flea markets in Goa. A shopping paradise for the Tourists. There’s an exciting mix of shopping opportunities ranging from Hippie Clothing, Junk Jewellery, Sarongs, beachwear, Gothic accessories, colourful flip flops, spices, Cashews, Handicrafts, Souvenirs, Rugs and carpets, and also not to forget to hog on to the lip smacking delicacies served at the food stalls of the flea markets. Below mentioned are some of the famous flea markets of Goa:

• Anjuna Flea market

• Mapusa Market

• Calangute Market Square

• Saturday Night Bazaar , Arpora

                           ADIOS SAIBA, BE SUSEGAD!