Goa Magic

29/08/2023

The monsoon months are a lean time for the fishing community. Traditionally the fisherfolk have a self-imposed ban on fishing in the monsoons; they stop when the rains make the waters too dangerous and rough, and they commence fishing again on Narli Purnima after offering prayers and a coconut (this year Narli Purnima falls on Aug 30). But there is also an official government ban in place, primarily for fish stocks to recover. June to September is the spawning season for many species. Also, the ban helps fish to grow bigger, thus realising higher value when the fish eventually come to market.




Photo by Ishay Botbol on pexels, fish market at Bandoli in Goa

05/06/2023

Beach seller. It's a tough life.
Image by Mirko Sajkov on Pixabay

01/05/2023

Mangueshi Temple, Ponda, Goa - a Shiva temple dating to 1560. It was built and rebuilt several times, with mixed architectural elements from Indian and western traditions.

11/02/2022

Bring out the bubbly! India has revised guidelines for international arrivals with effect from Monday, February 14. The government has removed the category of 'at risk' countries. It has removed the 7- day quarantine as well.
To visit India, you need to either be fully vaccinated, or provide an RTPCR negative report tested 72hrs prior to arrival. Please go through the official announcement to understand the current requirements fully. Or write to us.
You can reach us at [email protected] or by WhatsApp at +919867707414

https://www.mohfw.gov.in/pdf/GuidelinesforInternationalarrivalsupdatedon10thFebruary2022.pdf?fbclid=IwAR26VSw6ntXVKy4WHgFtcgLsVYciazxs2_JGTs571ZwIcv577YF2SYaAmo8

08/02/2022

Feni being made from cashew

26/11/2021

Meet the State bird of Goa, the flame-throated bulbul

Can you think of a better representative for sunny beaches and warmth?

With December round the bend, everyone's planning time in Goa. What about you?




https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Flame-throated_Bulbul,_Goa_-_6198288505.jpg

22/11/2021

Street shopping in Goa
There's something for everyone, all you need is the time

https://www.onmanorama.com/travel/outside-kerala/2021/11/18/great-indian-road-tour-states-union-territories.html

06/10/2021

With the New Year around the corner, it's worth taking our Grand Old Houses tour, one of the stops is Chandor House. A resplendent mansion that used to be considered the Europe corner of the city.
It's easy to see why.

A long time ago, when times were slower, the original residents of the mansion, chose to follow a decidedly affluent European lifestyle. Traces of it are evident in the decor that varies from sunny to decidedly formal. Each room has a different design and colour scheme.

17/09/2021

A Museum for Alcohol

On Candolim beach, stands an interesting spot. A museum dedicated to Feni, the cashew apple based local drink

The local drink found its way from Brazil to the shores of Goa, some time in the 15th century. Cashew feni is the first drink in the country to obtain a GI tag. The museum displays alcohol-making utensils, glasses, bottles and more

The first distilled juice is called urrak, with a low alcohol content while the second distilled juice is feni. The alcohol content in feni varies.
There's a masala version too

09/09/2021

When we walk through Fontainhas, colourful houses dot the street, there's the landmark well

This is the quiet, Old Latin quarter, another face of a holiday destination that's usually known for its beaches, fun and lots of food and drink

https://www.alamy.com/colourful-houses-fontainhas-panjim-goa-india-image338193071.html?pv=1&stamp=2&imageid=AB90B825-C80F-4095-90F0-295410818E02&p=5677&n=0&orientation=0&pn=1&searchtype=0&IsFromSearch=1

26/08/2021

On the outskirts of Panjim, there are villages like Santa Cruz, with fairy tale houses in white

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Santa_Cruz_village,_on_the_outskirts_of_Panjim.jpg

15/07/2021

The seven-storeyed 'deepstambha' tower of lamps at the Mangeshi temple stands in the foreground

Credit: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Mangueshi_Temple_Goa.jpg

09/07/2021

An ancient church site, in ruins, Old Goa
Part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site

Credit: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Old_Goa,_Church_of_St._Augustine.jpg

01/07/2021

The State bird of Goa, the flame throated bulbul is endemic to southern peninsular India.

The bird likes rocky, scrub covered hills mostly in the Eastern Ghats and central peninsular India but also in some places in the Western Ghats.

A shy little thing, the bulbul moves in flocks and prefers to remain under cover.

24/06/2021

Just another day in Goa

Here's the well in Fontainhas

Also, the name Nossa Senohra (Virgin Mary), there's the shrine on the side

17/06/2021

The beautiful houses of Goa.

While it is common practice to call these "Portuguese style" houses, the reality is that they are uniquely Goan. Such houses are nowhere to be found in any town or village in Portugal, Brazil, or indeed, anywhere in Portuguese-influenced Africa.

Photo by Preeti Bharadwaj (thanks!l

08/06/2021

Latin charms of Goa.

The heritage walk lasts two hours, all you need is a wide hat and ample water supply.

14/05/2021

Chillpill and jenga with rocks

A 12th century Shiva temple and nearby waterfall, almost 2 hours from Panjim
Secluded, beautiful

05/02/2021

New cafe in Panjim. Cháfé Braz - a tribute to the legendary saxophonist Braz Gonçalves.

04/08/2020

Lovely collection of Goa photos...

23/03/2020

26/01/2020

Old Goa was the thriving capital of the Bijapur Sultanate. The Portuguese captured the city in 1510, defeating the forces of Adil Shah. Under Portuguese rule, Old Goa soon became a major metropolis, competing with cities like London, Paris and Amsterdam. But the city was hit by plague in the 17th century, and never returned to its former glory.

In 1843, the capital of Goa was shifted to Panjim, and Old Goa was more or less abandoned. Today its beautiful monuments are a historical record of the evangelization of Asia. They depict the spreading forms of Manueline, Mannerist and Baroque art in all the countries of Asia where missions were established.

See www.goamagic.net for more details of the tours.

02/12/2019

The women still keep the songs of the grinding stone alive.

27/04/2019

Sounds like fun.

Here's our final schedule for Purumentachem Fest at Goa Chitra Museum, Benaulim!!!

Reviving traditional Goan Preserves
May 1, 2019 | 10 AM to 1 PM
*2200* per head inclusive of material Authentic Master Class by Fatima Moniz teaching you:
Fish Para | Fish Mole | Prawn and Bimbli Balchao | Pork Balchao.

Kitchen Garden workshop and talk on Traditional coconut oil and vinegar making
May 2, 2019 | 3 PM - 6 PM | 750 per head inclusive of material.

Reviving Traditional Goan Jams
May 3, 2019 | 10 AM - 1 PM | 2000 per head inclusive of material.
Authentic Master Class by Yvette Barros teaching you: Mangada (Mango Jam) • Jacada ( Jackfruit Jam) • Perada (Guava Jam)

Reviving Traditional Goan Juices
May 4, 2019 | 10 AM - 1 PM | 1500 per head inclusive of material.
Authentic Master Class by Yvette Barros teaching you classic juices like:
Aam Panna (Raw Mango Juice) • Ambyachi Xeropi (Fresh Mango Juice) • Binda Xeropi (Kokum Juice) • Orchatta (Cashew nut juice).

Reviving Traditional Goan Pickles
May 5, 2019 | 10 AM - 4PM | 3500/- per head inclusive of material AND lunch Authentic Master Class by Shamal teaching you classic Goan Pickles and Papads:
Ash gourd Vodyo • Sabudana Sangde • Bimbli pickle • Lime pickle • Stuffed Mango pickle • Chopped Mango pickle

All Workshops are inclusive of all materials
Enquire about special discounts for Jams and Juices Workshop. Please bring your own knife and chopping board.

Prepare for the monsoons with Purumentachem Fest at Goa Chitra Museum, Benaulim!!!

Limited seats! Register early to avoid disappointment! Call/message:
+91 9535710558 | +91 9850466165 |
+91 8322772910/11

26/04/2019

24/04/2019

Sounds like fun!

Reviving Traditional Goan Jams and Juices
3 and 4 May | 10 AM - 1 PM | Goa Chitra Museum, Benaulim

Attend an authentic Master class by Yvette Barros custodian of disappearing foods, who will keep traditional foods alive by teaching you:

GOAN JAMS
May 3, 2019 | 10 AM - 1 PM
1. Mangada or Mango Jam
2. Jacada or Jackfruit Jam
3. Perada or Guava Jam

GOAN JUICES
May 4, 2019 | 10 AM - 1 PM
1. Aam Panna or Raw Mango Juice
2. Ambyachi Xeropi or Fresh Mango Juice
3. Binda Xeropi or Kokum Juice
4. Orchatta or Cashew nut drink

Materials and printed recipes will be provided. Please bring your own knife and chopping board.

Prepare for the monsoons with Purumentachem Fest at Goa Chitra Museum, Benaulim!!!

Limited seats! Register early to avoid disappointment! Call/message:
+91 9535710558 | +91 9850466165 |
+91 8322772910/11

21/04/2019

Lovely

Ivo de Figueiredo’s memoir sheds light on the Afrikanders’ fantastic saga.A Stranger At My Table centres on de Figueiredo’s Kenyan-Goan father

21/07/2018

While in Goa, indulge in the lip smacking and irresistible Goan Choriz Pao for your morning meal!
There are no other sausages on the planet to beat Goa's spicy, zesty, highly flavoured Choriz Pao.
As Hilda Mascarenhas rightly said in her blog, Goan Choriz Pao is the pride of Goan Cuisine!
Photo Courtesy: http://www.hildastouchofspice.com/2017/10/goan-choris-pao.html

Goan rosary bead sausages / Choris are not only popular but well known worldwide. Traditionally, the Goan Catholic community takes pride in making their own choris / sausages. Homemade choris has that special unique taste and flavor as great care is taken to use choicest pork, chillies, spices and h...

30/05/2018

The Basilica of Bom Jesus is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, holding the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier. This 400 year old Church is among the oldest in the world, and it is India's first minor basilica.

Construction work on the church began in 1594, and it was consecrated in May 1605.

The churches of Old Goa were inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage list in the year 1986. They illustrate the evangelization of Asia; and were influential in spreading forms of Manueline, Mannerist and Baroque art in all the countries of Asia where missions were established.

'Bom Jesus' (literally, 'Good (or Holy) Jesus') is the name used for the Ecce Homo in the countries of Portuguese colonization. This Jesuit church is considered to be one of the best examples of baroque architecture in India.

Photo credits: Nativeplanet
https://www.nativeplanet.com/travel-guide/interesting-facts-about-basilica-bom-jesus-goa-002499.html

Read about it more on: https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/234/

23/05/2018

Mogacho Anvddo (English: Love's Craving) was the first Konkani film;A story of love between a rich spoiled boy and a poor girl. It was produced and directed by Al Jerry Braganza (Antonio Lawrence Jerry Braganza), under the banner ETICA pictures (Exchange Talkies of India, China and Africa)).[1] It was released on 24 April 1950. Hence, this day is celebrated as Konkani Cinema Day, and AL Jerry Braganza is called the 'Father of Konkani Cinema'.