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Goa is the smallest
of all Indian states and covers an area of 3702 sq.
km. Located in India's south-west, this small state
is sandwiched in between the bigger states of
Maharashtra and Karnataka. Panaji(Panjim) is the
capital of the state.
History
The ancient Hindu city of Goa, was the first
territorial possession of the Portuguese in Asia.
Goa became the capital of the whole Portuguese
empire in the east. Goa was under Portuguese rule
for long 450 years. India launched 'Operation Vijay'
on December 17, 1961 and Portuguese India was, by
constitutional amendment, incorporated into the
Indian Union in 1962.
Geography
Goa, with a coastline of 65 miles, is hilly and
includes a portion of the Western Ghats rising to
nearly 4,000 feet. The two largest rivers are the
Mandavi and Zuari, between the mouths of which lies
the island of Goa (Ilhas).
There are three principal cities in Goa: Marmagao (Mormugão),
Madgaon (Margao), and Panjim Goa). Old Goa is, for
the most part, a city of ruins. Panaji, originally a
suburb of Old Goa, is built (like the parent city)
on the left bank of the Mandavi estuary.
Occupation
Goa is predominantly agricultural, with rice,
fruits, coconuts, pulses (legumes), cashews, and
betel (areca) nuts the leading crops. The state
exports a number of these commodities, along with
spices, manganese and iron ores, bauxite, fish, and
salt; its trade is small but its manufacturers
produce fertilizers, sugar, textiles, chemicals,
iron pellets, and pharmaceuticals. The tourist
industry developed rapidly in the late 20th century.
People
The 2001 census measured Goa's population at 1.3
million. There is an almost equal number of
Christians and Hindus in the state. There is also
sizeable Muslim population in different pockets of
the state. Konkani is the official language of the
state. Other languages spoken are Marathi, English
and Portuguese. Seafood is the staple diet of Goa.
Most Goans love to take rice and fish curry for
lunch and dinner.
Culture and Festivals
One can easily find the Portuguese smell and sound
in the air of Goa. In the past the Christians
generally spoke Portuguese but now tend to speak
English and Konkani. Goa has a culture of its own.
The fine blend of Indian and Portuguese culture has
given birth to a new culture in Goa, and that is
unique to Goa and known as Goan Culture.
Though the people of
Goa celebrates all the Indian festivals, the most
enchanting of them is the Goa Carnival. Every year
in the month of February the atmosphere of Goa
becomes festive as the carnival arrives. This
three-day fest is a time for great fun and frolic
for Goans. Colourful processions, singing and
dancing mark the celebrations. People from all walks
of life take part in the celebrations with pomp and
gaiety.
The climate in Goa remains moderate all throughout
the year. Weather is generally pleasant and sunny.
There is no significant rise in temperature during
summers and no drastic fall during winters. The
average temperature remains in between 25-30
degrees. Falling on the southwestern monsoon
pathway, Goa receives heavy rainfall during the
months of June-September.
Tourist Attractions
Goa has a myriad of tourist attractions. There are
numerous forts and churches of the Portuguese time,
which are worth visiting. But the major attraction
of the state lies in its colourful beaches for their
most spectacular surroundings. Along the western
coastline of Goa are some of the country's finest
beaches. The picturesque beaches include Baga, Varca,
Candolim, Majorda, Colva, Calangute and Anjuna
beaches.
The beaches of Goa are also the best place in India
to indulge in water sport. Water sports activities
like parasailing, speed boat, water skiing and wind
surfing have developed in a big way in Goan beaches.
Sports like beach volleyball and football are also
gaining popularity. While some of the beaches like
Calangute and Candolim remain abuzz with activity,
others like Majorda and Baga offer a serene
ambience.
Goa may be described as a canvas of many colours.
Tourists who have visited the state greatly admire
the fun loving attitude and hospitality of Goans.
The easy going and partying attitude of Goans is
actually a legacy of the Portuguese being carried
forward.
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