Here’s where you can get a glimpse of Goa’s vibrant heritage

ONE OF A KIND

Goa’s rich heritage is on display everywhere, from its to-die-for cuisine to its festivals. This World Heritage Day, let’s take a brief look at what constitutes the uniquely Goan heritage…

CUISINE

Goa’s delectable cuisine is the end result of Portuguese, Indian, Arab, Brazilian, French, African and Malaysian influences. And, there’s nothing quite like it!

HOUSES

From shell windows to ornamental columns to courtyards to decorative finials and mouldings, many houses in Goa are built in a distinct Indo-Portuguese style.

FEASTS & FESTIVALS

Numerous feasts and festivals are celebrated with traditional cheer across Goa, all year round, the majority of which are unique to the state. For example Shigmo, Carnival and Sao Joao to name a few.

TRADITIONAL CRAFTS

While traditional crafts such as basketry, pottery, roticao and chitari are on the brink of extinction, a small number of local artisans continue to keep them alive.

MONUMENTS

Of the centuries-old mosques, temples, churches, palaces, forts and other structures dotting the state, Old Goa holds the distinction of being a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

MUSEUMS

Four-poster beds, roticao chairs and a host of furniture and household effects can still be spotted in many a Goan home, stately or otherwise. Alternatively, they can also be seen in museums, such as Goa Chitra in Benaulim, and Big Foot in Loutolim.

LIFESTYLE

Everyday elements, including dances (such as fugdi, dekhni), the local poder, the kunbi saree and so much more are essentially Goan.

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