One of the most happening places in Goa is the Mandovi River Promenade in Panjim. Why? Because that is where all the entertainment happens! What entertainment, you ask? Read on to find out!
For those who do not know where the promenade is, the stretch starts from the Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG) right up to the Panjim ferry point. However, some also consider the stretch from Kala Academy to Patto Bridge the Mandovi River Promenade.
What makes this location interesting?
Let’s start with the fact that be it locals waiting to catch a bus or tourists flashing cameras like the paparazzi, this place always has people buzzing around at any time of the day!
Over the years, this promenade has changed, and today, it is made up of a paved pathway, lights and artsy monuments.
What you will see from the promenade
If you’re standing opposite the Panjim fish market, one can see the River Mandovi and all the offshore casinos, which have made the river their home. Right opposite you will see the Reis Magos Fort and the Fort Aguada lighthouse.
Towards one end, you can see the Atal Setu Bridge in Porvorim, which is sure to give one the feeling of experiencing a budget version of the Northern Lights, which can be seen only once the sun has gone down and the multicoloured lights from the bridge reflect unto the sky.
The facelift of the Mandovi River Promenade consists of the construction of the Yog Setu Bridge which was spearheaded by the Imagine Panaji Smart City Development Limited (IPSCDL) and implemented by the Goa State Infrastructure Development Cooperation Limited (GSIC).
On this bridge, one can see Sinha Dwar (Lion Gate), Yog Setu (Bridge), Yog Stambh (Pillar), Yog Dalan, Yog Mandal, Yog Path, Pranayam Kshetra, Astang Yog Kshetra, and a statue of Gomantbhumi Janak Parshuram.
Apart from this, there are a couple of artefacts that can be seen like A cock in the bag, which was originally near the CCP market entrance and then shifted to the Panjim promenade, opposite the Old GMC building.
Another artefact that can be seen here is A male protagonist cavorting about a traditional door house. The art installations in and around the city aim to provide a cultural touch, said Minister of Art and Culture Govind Gaude.
An entertainment hub & tourist attraction
The promenade is a prime location during festivals and events. Two major events that take place here are the Serendipity Arts Festival and the International Film Festival of India (IFFI), which are hosted in Goa, yearly.
The promenade is also the hosting ground for the annual fair before the festival of Ganesh Chaturthi where people from all over Goa come to purchase local items that they will require for the celebration.
Heritage architecture
If you’re walking along the Mandovi River Promenade - just opposite the ferry point - you will notice a couple of heritage buildings like the old Central Library, Headquarters 2 Signal Training Centre, Old Goa Medical College (GMC) building and one of Panjim’s oldest gardens, the Menezes Braganza Garden.
So, the next time you are walking along the River Mandovi footpath (now known as the Mandovi River Promenade) keep an eye out for some of the above-mentioned things that you can either spot or personally visit.
