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Showing posts from May, 2021

THE COLOUR OF SUMMER

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‘Those who say that the colour of summer is not yellow are those who failed to see mangoes’. – Zephyr Limns. While the popular time to visit Goa is considered the winter, don’t forget that summer too, has its highlights. Though the increasing warmth of the days can often lead to a certain frenzy, one cannot dismiss the satisfaction that overcomes you after months of eagerly anticipating the divine flavours of the Goan mangoes. As the crowds line up at the fruit markets to collect the best of the Mankurad, Mussarat and Hilario, it appears as though they have been influenced by a certain MangoMania. The era of mangoes was ushered in by the invasion of Alfonso de Albuquerque in 1498. Once the Portuguese influence was established, the value of growing mangoes was also truly understood. As the plantations of flavourful new varieties spread across the region, so did the excitement for the summer season. Don’t be confused by the names though, they came about with relation to where they were g

A CURIOUS CONCOCTION OF CULTURES

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A myriad of cultural influences is interwoven into the fabric of Goa. As a result, the Goan way of life involves accepting and understanding traits that are not native to their culture. This is what has always made Goa a unique place; and it is this distinctive character that makes it particularly exciting to explore. Having been a Portuguese colony for about 450 years, European traditions, cultures and practices percolated through many layers of the Goan heritage. The foreign influences led people to understand new ideas and find ways to adapt them into their own existing traditions. This influence culminated into new styles of architecture, cuisines and even festivals. Besides the acclaimed architecture and diversity in food, Goa also has some very interesting festivals. Sao Joao – The celebration of this festival signifies how exhilarated John the Baptist felt at the news of Jesus's birth. The festivities are unique to Goa and people make sure they don't miss out on all the