The story of Dona Paula –She still walks among us?

By Rebecca Pereira Located 15°27’2″North and 73°48’12″East, lays a place where two famous rivers, namely the Zuari and Mandovi meet the Arabian Sea. It is a former village, and tourist destination, in the suburbs of Panaji, initially named Oddavell. Today it is home to the National Institute of Oceanography, the Goa University, the International Centre, […]
Hippo’s teeth and elephant’s tusk found in Goan waters!

The sea is often referred to as the largest museum in the world. Mainly because of the thousands of ships that have been lost in it. Underwater exploration have found many artefacts that help in understanding the past civilizations better. Similarly, the sea off the coast of Goa contains many priceless artefacts due to the shipwrecks that have taken place here. Goa’s coastline has been trading internationally for the past two thousand years. Ports on its […]
Secret behind the sea bathing tradition in Goa

Many might wonder what is so special about locals going to the beach to be written about? Well, in a state with a long coastline it may not sound that big a deal. It is not the act but the reason behind going to the beach that is more important. Many Goans believe that bathing […]
Are Goan Padekars slowly becoming extinct?

By Marlon Moraes While the ministers are busy fighting over whether a coconut tree is classified as a tree or not and restaurants keep boasting about the delicious ‘Sheet-Kodi’ they serve, the coconut tree is in danger of becoming history. The Problem A few decades ago we had to travel miles in order to find […]
Rs. 1 Lakh – A real motivation for Goan artists!

By Rebecca Pereira International Museum Day was recently observed globally. The same was true in Goa, with a number of museums curating special themes to celebrate the day. Quite alot of the things on display in these museums were created by talented Goan artists of yesteryear. To encourage the Goan artists of tomorrow, initiatives are […]
‘Purumentachem Fest’ a window on Goan life

Recent rain showers witnessed in the state reminded many old timers of the importance of Purumentachem Fest, also referred to as the ‘Feast of Provisions‘. The feast is held once a year at the Holy Spirit Church, Margao. Besides the spiritual fulfilment the feast also provided many Goans to stock up on items that are […]
Enjoying Goa on a shoe-string budget!

By Marlon Moraes The next time your friend calls you up to say, “Let’s go to Goa for a holiday”, and you hesitate whether to say yes or no because of the tight budget you are on. Think again! We bring to you a decent and affordable holiday itinerary for your next visit to Goa. […]
93 Sacred Groves of Goa

By Rebecca Pereira Goa is said to possess 93 Sacred Groves. Sacred groves are patches of pristine forest area which are dedicated to local deities or forest spirits in Goa. Traditional worship of these patches as well as of plants and animals has been carried out since ancient times. Tribal communities who first inhabited Goa […]
What all Goan students should read before starting college!

By Marlon Moraes It was the beginning of July; the monsoons were just setting in and the new academic college year was unfolding. The clock was 5 minutes passed 9. The rain clouds had cast darkness everywhere. There were slight showers of rain. I parked my bike and found this shady, old building in the middle […]
Coral reefs – Underwater treasure of Goa

Funnily referred to as the ‘Housing complex’ of the ocean. Coral reefs in Goa add to its natural patrimony. Much like its beaches, these reefs are continuing to attract divers and visitors from across the globe. Some come to study these phenomenal structures of the ocean and some visit them for their beauty. What are coral reefs? […]