Margao city is South Goa’s proud capital with lots of Portuguese influences
Goa has five main towns, or cities if you will. Panjim, Mapusa, Vasco, Ponda, and Margao. While Panjim is the state capital, Margao city is considered to be the commercial capital of Goa. It’s also the second largest city in the state and a well-known cultural hub with a lot of Portuguese influences. The city […]
Casa da Moeda – Goa’s Mint House literally means House of Coins
The Panjim Post Office Square in the Bairro do São Tomé is home to a bunch of lovely old houses. Among these is the Casa da Moeda (The Mint House). Translated literally, the words mean ‘House of Coins’. Casa da Moeda functioned as the Mint of Goa from 1834 – 1841. This is one of […]
Strong ties bind Portugal and Goa together
Anyone that’s lived or visited in Goa knows all about the strong ties that the state has with Portugal. The Portuguese ruled Goa for over 450 years before the state was liberated in 1961. In spite of this, it has still left behind a ton of influences in many aspects of Goan life. Goans have […]
The Convent and Church of Santa Monica in Old Goa
There’s no doubt that a trip to Goa is not complete unless you do some sightseeing at Old Goa. The former capital of Goa has a rich history and has famous churches everywhere. The most famous of these being the Basilica of Bom Jesus, the Sé Cathedral and St. Cajetan Church which are visited by […]
The story of Anjediva Island and fort off the coast of Karnataka
When Goa was conquered by the Portuguese in the 15th century, one of the first things they did was to build forts all over the land. This was to ensure a defence against other invaders and were therefore built at strategic locations in Goa. While most are in ruins, some have been renovated and are […]
Talented youngsters win the Annual Fado Competition at Semana da Cultura Indo-Portuguesa 2017
The 10th of November 2017 saw the hall at Instituto Menezes Braganza come alive with excitement and anticipation. The eager audience present there was awaiting the melodious and familiar melancholic notes that the Portuguese fado is so famous for. The ninth edition of the Semana da Cultura Indo Portuguesa (Goa) hosted its “5th Concurso de Fado” […]
The day a Portuguese Emperor built a Hindu Temple
It took none other than the King in Portugal to provide his seal to an order for establishment of the Shree Mahalaxmi Temple. In which place did the original idol of Shree Mahalaxmi Temple of Panaji hide for two centuries during the Portuguese inquisition? Today, few would know the answer. It has indeed been a […]
‘Gaunti’ fruits and vegetables – highly sought after by all
GOAN FARMERS MARKET – bridging the gap between the local vendor and the buyer Today, people the world over have become more health conscious. Staying fit is the mantra of the day. One important factor to fitness and health – a healthy diet. Having this in mind, sisters Chiara, Sheena and Anne, with Ian, introduced […]
Semana da Cultura Indo – Portuguesa (Goa)
Eighth edition of Semana da Cultura Indo – Portuguesa (Goa) set to begin The eighth edition of the Indo-Portuguese culturally rich ‘Semana da Cultura’ will begin shortly. This year too will see a celebration of Indian and Portuguese culture. This will include art, cinema, music, poetry, cuisine, films and more. Dr. Rui Carvalho Baceira, Consul […]
1st August- The day Pao rises?
‘Pao’ meaning bread in Portuguese, has been a part of the Goan’s staple diet for centuries. Be it breakfast, lunch or dinner, the traditional Pao is never far from the kitchen table as it acts as the perfect cushion for a sandwich, be it ‘cutlet pao’ or ‘choris pao’, or equally savoured to mop the […]
