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Sunday 2 October 2016

Goan food

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Goan cuisine

Goan prawn curry, a popular dish throughout the state
Goan cuisine consists of regional foods popular in Goa, an Indian state located along India's west coast on the shore of the Arabian Sea. Rice, seafood, coconut, vegetables, meat, pork and local spices are some of the main ingredients in Goan cuisine. The area is located in a tropical climate, which means that spices and flavors are intense. Use of kokum is another distinct feature. Goan food is considered incomplete without fish. It is similar to Malvani or Konkani cuisine.

The cuisine of Goa is influenced by its Hindu origins, the four hundred years of Portuguese colonialisation and the Muslim rule that preceded the Portuguese.[1] Many Catholic dishes are either similar to or variants of their Portuguese counterparts in both naming or their use of ingredients.

Seafood

The cuisine is mostly seafood-based; the staple foods are rice and fish. Kingfish (vison or visvan) is the most common delicacy. Other seafood delicacies include pomfret, shark, tuna, and mackerel. Among the shellfish are crabs, prawns, tiger prawns, lobster, squid, and mussels. The food of Goan Christians is heavily influenced by the Portuguese.

Introduction of new edibles to Goan cuisine

The Portuguese introduced potatoes, tomatoes, pineapples, guavas, and cashews from Brazil to Goa and consequently India. The chili pepper is the most important aspect of Goan cuisine, which was introduced by the Portuguese and became immensely popular as a very important spice for wider India cuisine. None of these above-mentioned ingredients were used in Goan cuisine before the advent of the Portuguese. The Portuguese also introduced beef and pork to the converts of Catholicism, which were and still are considered a taboo by some of the Hindus of Goa.[2] However it is common to see people of either faith enjoy delicacies of the other.

Hindu cuisine

Hindu cuisine in Goa is mainly pescetarian and lacto-vegetarian, but lately the younger generation have taken up a taste for meat, which was not common before. Hindu cuisine mainly uses less heat, tamarind and kokum for souring, and jaggery for sweetening. It uses asafoetida, fenugreek, curry leaves, mustard, and urad dal.[2] It is not very spicy; less onion and garlic are used. It also includes more vegetables, such as lentils, pumpkins, gourds, bamboo shoots, roots, etc. It is less oily and the medium of cooking is coconut oil.[2] Popular Goan Hindu dishes include:
Humann (हूमण) – Fish curry and rice (शीत or भात), also known as kadi or ambot Fried fish (तळील्ले नूस्ते) Fish suke or dhabdhabit (सुकें) – Dry spicy preparation of fish, eaten as a side dish Fish udid methi or uddamethi (उद्दमेथी) – Type of curry consisting of fenugreek and mackerel; a vegetarian version of this dish is also prepared using hog plums (or anything sour and tangy, such as pieces of raw mango) Kismur (किस्मुर) – A type of side dish normally consisting of dried fish (mostly mackerel or shrimp), onions, and coconut Dangar – Goan fish cutlets (डांगर) Kalputi – A dish normally prepared from the head of a large fish, with onions and coconut Bhaaji or shak – A generic term for stews, Curries, stir frys made from different vegetables and fruits (भाजी or शाक) Bhaji - Fried Fritters with Besan batter. Different kind of bhajis can be made by changing the vegetable used with Besan. Popular bhajis include those containing onion or chilies. Khatkhate (ख़तखतें) Varan - A lentil preparation often made with coconut milk tempered with mustard, hing, curry leaves, and chilies, served as an accompaniment to rice for the Naivedya, prepared during all Hindu festivals, and an integral part of wedding feasts. Tondak – A dish made with beans, cashews, etc. (तोंडाक) Different varieties of sweets made from rice and lentils, such as payasu, patoli, madgane, kheer, etc. (गोड्शें) Different varieties of pickles and papads (लोणचे or पापड) Solachi kadi – A spicy coconut and kokum curry (कडी)
Catholic cuisine

Main article: Goan Catholic cuisine
Chamuças, Goan samosas

Fried pomfret

Crab xec xec

Left: Tandoori-style lobster with french fries and vegetables. Right: Tandoori prawns with sauce. From Goa, India
Catholic cuisine in Goa is a fusion of Indian and Portuguese cooking styles. Vinegar (made from the toddy of local coconut trees) is used to give the zingy taste to the meat dishes.

Popular Goan Catholic dishes include:

Ambot tik – A spicy and sour curry prepared with fish Arroz doce – A Portuguese derivative of kheer (sweetened rice custard) Balchão – A curry made with prawns/shrimp Canja de galinha – A type of chicken broth served with rice and chicken, which is originally a Goan recipe Chamuça – A Goan/Portuguese derivative of the samosa Chouriço – A spicy pork sausage Croquettes – Breaded and fried shredded beef rolls, a common snack among Goan Christians and the Portuguese Cafreal – A masala marinate mostly used for chicken or fish made from coriander leaves, green chilies, and other spices. Feijoada – A stew brought by the Portuguese. It is made with meat (beef or pork), beans, and cabbage. Roast beef and beef tongue – Popular entrees at Goan celebrations Sorpotel – A very spicy pork dish eaten with sannas or pão (Goan bread – spelled the same way as in Portugal) Xacuti – Type of curry made with roasted grated coconut and pieces of chicken or lamb Samarein chi kodi – Goan curry made with fresh and dried prawns Patoleo or patoli – A dish of turmeric leaves stuffed with rice, dal, jaggery, and coconut Sanna – A dry rice cake; a variant of idli Solantule kodi – A spicy coconut and kokum curry Vindaloo – A spicy curry made with pork, chicken, or lamb. The name is derived from the Portuguese term for a garlic and wine (vinho e alho or vinha d'alhos) marinade; this dish is popular in the West, particularly the United Kingdom, the United States, Australia, and New Zealand; not related to aloo (potato)[3] Bebik – A pudding traditionally eaten at Christmas Ros omelette – An omelette drowned in spicy chicken or chickpea gravy and served with pão (Portuguese-Goan bread)
Cashew laddus, nevryo, khaje, revdyo, peda, puran poli, sakhar bhat, madgane, and payasa are other well-known dishes. There are several types of halwa, such as dali kapa (halwa made from red gram), cashew halwa, mango halwa, banana halwa, pumpkin halwa, and dodol.

Thursday 29 September 2016

Wildlife sancturies in goa

Wildlife Sanctuaries in Goa

Known for spectacular beaches and vibrant nightlife, Goa is also proud of its blossoming green kingdom. With an extremely rich flora and fauna it has taken keen interest in protecting its ecological wealth and with more than 20% of its geographical area declared protected it has become one of the Indian states with maximum legal protection. Although fairly less popular, Goa is a dream destination for the adventure lovers and nature enthusiasts for its marvelously rich variety of wildlife residing leisurely in the thick covers of verdant green forests.

Let’s have a look on the 10 best and most picturesque wildlife sanctuaries in Goa:

Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary

Image Credit: wikimedia

The smallest of all the wildlife sanctuaries in Goa, Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary falls in the Ponda region. Slightly away from the coast, this 8 sq.km long natural reserve lies in the foothills of the lush green Western Ghats.

A great attraction to school children and tourist Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary is a home to a wide range of wildlife like Indian Bison, Sambar Deer, Indian Peafowl, Malabar Giant Squirrel and a variety of deer and snake. Along with the Common Grey Hornbill and Golden Backed Woodpecker, more than a hundred different species of birds reside in this garden.

Image Credit: wikimedia - N A Nazeer

More of a jungle resort with Eco-Tourism cottages where nature lovers can stay and explore the diverse wildlife in Goa, the sanctuary even has a zoological park, an expansive deer park, botanical and rose garden to woo its visitors. The adventure enthusiasts can also opt for a trek through the reserve to gain insight and enjoy the picturesque natural ambiance.

Best visited during December and January, Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary even houses a small archeological exhibition with many figurines dating back to the sixth century. Allowing the visitors between 9:00AM-5:00PM (except on Thursday), this sanctuary can be easily reached as it is well connected to different parts of Goa.

Molem Wildlife Sanctuary

Image Credit: wikimedia

Molem Wildlife sanctuary is the core area of Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary, the largest wildlife sanctuaries in Goa. Located in the Sanguem region, it is best explored in between November to March.

Barking Deer, Black Panther, Bengal Tiger, Bonnet Macaque, Leopard, Civet and Wild Boar can be easily spotted while strolling around this sanctuary. A heaven for bird watchers, it boasts of recording 120 different bird species like Wagtails, Fairy Bluebird, Drongo, Three-Toed Kingfisher, Great India Hornbill and Golden Oriole.

[Learn the art of wildlife photography as you step into the magical wilderness of Goa]

With vehicles permitted within the sanctuary, the biggest attraction here is the adventurous jungle safari; the park is also famous for its trekking trails and bird watching. It is also recommended to hire an experienced guide while travelling through the thick forest.

Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary

Image Credit: wikimedia

A perfect representation of the delicate ecosystem of the Western Ghats, the Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Canacona Taluka, South Goa. This 105 sq. km. large park is called a tree lovers paradise and is at its blooming zenith is between October to March. Visitors are allowed every day from early 7:00AM to 5:30 PM after a minimal entry fees; however, there are extra charges for carrying camera or any kind of videography devices.

Image Credit: wikimedia

Covered heavily by thick deciduous trees, it serves as the home to Flying Lizard, Golden-Back Gliding Snake, Malabar Trogon, White-Bellied Woodpecker and Velvet-Fronted Nuthatch. The sanctuary has about eight natural trails ranging from 500m to 5km.

[Venture into the forests of Goa, view snakes up-close and capture them with your cameras]

A Nature Interpretation Centre run by the forest department organizes various treks and walks through the abundant greenery. For the daredevils who

Famous people of Goa

List of people from Goa

This is a list of famous and notable people from Goa, India. This list aims to include persons who are known to a large number of people, and is not based on the extent of their popularity. Neither is the list viewed from the context of the present. Their fame could be brief; what matters is that they were well known during the peak of their popularity.

Sports personalities

Main article: Goans in sports
Seraphino Antao, represented Kenya in sprinting in the Commonwealth Games during the 1950s and early 60s; won two gold medals Swapnil Asnodkar, opening batsman for Goa and Rajasthan Royals; played a key role in helping his team win the inaugural edition of the Indian Premier League Bruno Coutinho, Indian footballer and Arjuna awardee Antao D'Souza, represented Pakistan cricket team in Tests in the 1950s and early 60s Mary Dsouza (Sequeira), winner of the Dhyan Chand Award as First Double International; Asian Games winner first and second Asian Games for track and field; World Cup Field Hockey in England and Australia Brahmanand Sankhwalkar, soccer player and former Goa captain; one of Goa's best goalkeepers; Arjuna awardee for his achievements in sports Dilip Sardesai, former cricketer
Olympians

Jack Britto, field hockey, 1952, representing Pakistan J.M. Carvalho, field hockey, 1976, representing India Mary Dsouza (Sequeira), 1952, Helsinki, track and field Leo Pinto, field hockey, 1948, representing India
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Musicians

See also: Goans in Hindi film music composition
Jitendra Abhisheki, Indian musician Kishori Amonkar, classical vocalist Lorna Cordeiro, Konkani language singer Ian D'Sa, UK-born, of Goan descent; former guitarist of Canadian band Billy Talent António Fortunato de Figueiredo (1903–1981), conductor, violinist; founder-director of the Academia de Música (now Dept of Western Classical Music, Kala Academy); founder-director of the Orquestra Sinfónica de Goa (Goa Symphony Orchestra) Remo Fernandes, musician and Bollywood playback singer Anthony Gonsalves (1927–2012), violinist; taught R.D. Burman and Pyarelal Ramprasad Sharma (a member of the Laxmikant Pyarelal team) and worked with most of the legendary composers of the 1950s and 1960s Suresh Haldonkar, classical vocalist, actor Kesarbai Kerkar (1892–1977) Mogubai Kurdikar, classical vocalist Anjanibai Malpekar (1883–1974), Hindustani classical singer of Bhendibazaar gharana, Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship (1958) Dinanath Mangeshkar, dramatist and classical vocalist Datta Naik, Hindi film music director Khaprumama Parvatkar (1879–1953), ghumot and tabla player Chris Perry, the king of Goan music Hema Sardesai, playback singer Oliver Sean, singer/songwriter
Indologists and archeologists

José Gerson da Cunha (1844–1900), historian and Orientalist; wrote the first book on history of Bombay, The Origin of Bombay (1900), published by the Bombay branch of the Royal Asiatic Society[1][2] Mahadevshastri Joshi Damodar Dharmananda Kosambi (1907–1966), Indologist Dharmananda Damodar Kosambi (1876–1947), studied Pali; Buddhist scholar Prakashchandra Pandurang Shirodkar
Political campaigners

Dayanand Bandodkar, first Chief Minister of Goa Narana Coissoró, left his motherland of Goa to serve the Portuguese people and became a member of the Portuguese Parliament António Costa, Portuguese Prime Minister (since 26 November 2015) and former Mayor of Lisbon (2007–2015) Otelo Saraiva de Carvalho, formerly a Portuguese military officer, was the chief strategist of the 1974 Carnation Revolution in Lisbon; was born in Lourenço Marques (now Maputo); Mozambique of some Goan ancestry Luís de Menezes Bragança, journalist, writer and anti-colonial activist Erasmo de Sequeira, head of United Goans Party; former member of the Indian Parliament at New Delhi Dr. Jack de Sequeira, prominent campaigner for the opinion poll that retained Goa as an independent state Eduardo Faleiro, politician and former central minister Abbé Faria, priest, key participant in the Conspir

Tuesday 27 September 2016

Festivals in goa

Festivals in Goa
Fairs and Festivals in Goa are really a refreshing experience for the town dwellers as well as the visitors to the enchanting beach town. Various festivals and events in Goa are celebrated with all the pomp and show. The long list of the most-popular Fairs and Festivals includes Monsoon Festival Goa, Christmas & New Year Celebrations in Goa and the Festival of Three Kings Feast. Goa Christmas Celebrations and New Year Celebrations are world famous and people from across the world come and enjoy the glamour of these memorable moments. The most-awaited Goa Carnival Festival 2012 was celebrated last February.

Christmas :-

Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. People make it a point to go and attend the mass at midnight. And after this, they decorate their homes with Christmas trees, cribs, stars as well as amazing lighting. People also eat sweets and give gifts to their family members and friends.

Diwali :-

Diwali is also a significant festival of Goa. On this day, it is believed that lord Krishna killed the demon named as Narkasur ruling Goa, through his ‘sudarshan chakra’. Therefore, the festival is celebrated with the burning of the effigies of Narkasur that is mainly done at dawn. Hindus make it a point to light up their houses and to wear new clothes.

Ganesh Chaturthi :-

This festival is related to Lord Ganesh and his birth. People embellish and clean their homes as well as the places where they worship the lord. Amazign idols of the lord are made by the people of the villages and also, this is a time when people get together, share gifts, have fun and enjoy to the fullest.

Feast of St. Francis Xavier :-

St. Francis Xavier was a much loved saint who died on 3rd December and therefore, in Old Goa, every year, people assemble to participate in the feast. The famous and amazing church named as Basilica of Bom Jesus still hold the body of the saint preserved in a casket which is brought to the sight of people only after 10 years, on the day of his feast. Since the saint lives in the memory and hearts of the Goan people, this festival is celebrated with much cheer.

Shigmo :-

This festival is celebrated during springtime and the celebrations extend to five days. People also call this festival as Shigmotsav and all its festivities come along with the festival of Holi. During this festival, honor is paid to various warriors to return to their homes after defeating the invaders. At this time, people play with colors. People hold umbrellas as well as small sticks and enjoy dancing.

Three Kings Feast :-

This is a feast which takes place when three boys of Goa play the role of going to see Jesus. They are actually taken by a small boy playing the kettle drum. In order to meet Jesus, the kings ride on the back of a horse and pass through the Hill of Remedios to take part in the High Mass. During this feast, people also worship the Lady of the Mount and make it a point in gaining blessings from and shelter in the lap of the goddess.

Sao Joao Festival :-

This is a festival that is celebrated with much cheer on 24th of June every year since during this day the catholic community pays honor to St. John the Baptist. The festivities involve a number of folk dances that are referred as ‘Sangodds’. The people of the village, mainly the young people make it a point to wear leaves and fruit laden crowns. People also present fruits to their in-laws as well as friends.