Culture of Goa: Goan Tradition, Lifestyle, and Cuisine

Nestled along the coastline of the Arabian Sea, Goa is well-known among travellers for its perfect blend of sun, sand, and vibrant culture. Beyond its well-known beaches and lively nightlife, this coastal state is also renowned for its traditions, lifestyles, and cuisine that reflect its unique historical legacy.

From the rhythmic beats of traditional folk dances to the tempting aroma of spicy seafood curries, Goa’s culture is a mix of traditions, Portuguese heritage, and culture.

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In this blog, we’ll talk about the culture of Goa. Let’s together explore its traditions, lifestyle, and delectable cuisine that make it one of the best holiday destinations in India.

History of Goa

In the 14th century, Goa was conquered by the Islamic rulers. Since it was in a prime location next to the sea, Goa seemed like the perfect place to establish the Vijayanagar Empire. During the peak of the Vijayanagar Empire, this coastal area was widely used to import Arabian horses.

During the 16th century, European forces started to travel to India, which resulted in the Portuguese conquering Goa. Also, Christian missionaries entered India, and they started to build some monuments, which we know as the Basilica of Bom Jesus and the Catholic Basilica, as historical places in Goa.

By the end of 1961, the Indian Army had entered Goa, which resulted in the Portuguese leaving the state. In 1987, after a lot of struggle, Goa finally got the status of an independent state.

Culture & Tradition of Goa

Goa, the party capital of India, is also known as the Rome of the East. For more than 450 years, this coastal state was inhabited and colonized by the Portuguese rulers. You can still find their powerful influence in Goa through its abundant corners. Thus, it is considered a land that boasts unique cultures and heritage.

The people of Goa basically follow both Hinduism and Christianity. One can even witness the presence of other individuals from different religious backgrounds as well. You can even find numerous holy places, such as churches and temples, in Goa.

Delectable Cuisines of Goa

Goan cuisine is a delightful fusion of Indian, Portuguese, and local flavours that promises to leave a lasting impression on every bite. Some of the Goan cuisines that you must definitely try are:

• Goan Fish Curry: It is the most iconic dish where fresh fish is cooked in a coconut-based gravy with some aromatic spices and coconut milk.
• Prawn Balchão: Another favourite, Prawn Balchão, features prawns cooked in a fiery red masala made from dried red chillies, vinegar, garlic, and aromatic spices.
• Crab Xec Xec: This dish showcases delicate crab meat cooked in a rich coconut-based gravy flavoured with some aromatic spices.
• Sorpotel: It is a traditional Goan pork dish where pork offal is cooked in a spicy gravy. It’s often enjoyed during festivals and special occasions.
• Xacuti: Xacuti is made with chicken or lamb. It is a rich and aromatic dish that pairs with rice or bread.
• Bebinca: A must-try Goan dessert, Bebinca is a layered pudding made from flour, sugar, clarified butter, and coconut milk.
• Sannas: These fluffy, steamed rice cakes are a popular accompaniment to Goan curries. They are made from fermented rice batter and coconut milk.

Lifestyle of Goans

The Goan lifestyle reflects a unique blend of East and West. Whether they are rich or not so rich, they do not equate life with money. They just work, earn, and spend money on clothes, food, and entertainment. Moreover, they love to rest. Their lives are full of peace and are not influenced by modern-day sentiments such as anxiety and tension. Other than that, they are fully into following religious practices. They follow family traditions and celebrate famous festivals in Goa with a lot of religious fervour. Yet they are secular, which means they share their joys and sorrows with people of other religions.

During festivals, the whole village takes part and contributes, irrespective of caste or religion. On the other hand, food is their love. Pao, the bread, is quite famous in Goa. It has become an essential part of our food habits. Fish is another favourite food and a must-have on their plate. You might have also heard about fenny, which is a famous drink in Goa that’s prepared from the cashew apple.

Wrapping Up

Indeed, Goa is a destination that’s popular for adventurous water sports, traditional dance, cultural spots, delectable cuisines, and a lot more. The Manguesi temple, Aguada Fort, Dona Paula, Anjuna Beach, Dudhsagar waterfalls, Candolim Beach, and others are some must-visit places in Goa.

No amount of poetic language has the potential to capture the beauty of Goa. So, it is best to pay a visit to this place and immerse yourself in the culture.

If you’re planning a romantic getaway or a get-together with your friends and family this holiday and are confused about the best place to stay, we would recommend White Flower Cottages. Our property is popularly known as the best resort in North Goa. We offer cottages that are equipped with top-notch amenities to ensure your trip is comfortable and cosy.

What’s holding you out now? Pack your bags to delve into the amazing culture of Goa!

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