Tiny Goa lives at Big Foot in Loutolim

Lakshmi G Sardesai

The Ancestral Goa Museum at Big Foot in Loutolim introduces Goa to visitors in a nutshell.

Goa|Big Foot|Ancestral Goa|Loutolim | Photo: Lakshmi G Sardesai

At Big Foot, one can get a glimpse of some of the oldest occupations of Goa which are on the verge of extinction.

Goa|Big Foot|Ancestral Goa|Traditional occupations | Photo: Lakshmi G Sardesai

The depiction of salt farming (salt pans) and distillation of cashew apples to make urrak, which is Goa's summer drink.

Goa|Big Foot|Ancestral Goa|Urrak|Salt pans

Sculpture of Mirabai carved from a single laterite rock by the museum's owner, Maendra Jocelino Araujo Alvares, features in the Limca Book of Records.

Goa|Big Foot|Ancestral Goa|Mirabai sculpture | Photo: Lakshmi G Sardesai

The old-world charm of living in Portuguese-era houses is recreated here.

Goa|Big Foot|Ancestral Goa|Portuguese-era houses | Photo: Lakshmi G Sardesai

Goa's festivals, its dances and its communities define the uniqueness of the State, and that's what one gets to see at Big Foot.

Goa|Big Foot|Ancestral Goa|Loutolim|Dances | Photo: Lakshmi G Sardesai

At Ancestral Goa, visitors can see the depiction of rural life.

Goa|Big Foot|Ancestral Goa|Rural life | Photo: Lakshmi G Sardesai

Goa is synonymours with its fish, curry and rice, and one can't ignore its coastal life which is well depicted here.

Goa|Big Foot|Ancestral Goa|Loutolim|Fishermen | Photo: Lakshmi G Sardesai

A unique Goan feature is pao (bread) and a traditional wood-fired bakery (padaria) where it is given shape. At Big Foot, one gets to know how pao, the morning delight, is so dear to Goans.

Goa|Big Foot|Ancestral Goa|Loutolim|Bread | Photo: Lakshmi G Sardesai

Those who venture deep, can see Goa's hinterland and village life. Get the feel of it at Big Foot.

Goa|Big Foot|Ancestral Goa|Loutolim|Village life | Photo: Lakshmi G Sardesai

The depiction of popular practice of hosting 'saibin' (Virgin Mary) at the Big Foot.

Goa|Big Foot|Ancestral Goa|Loutolim|Religious practice | Photo: Lakshmi G Sardesai

NEXT: Awareness and inclusivity in Goa, the DOSTI way