Aoufa at 19:26, 28 February 2026

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{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2022}}
{{More citations needed|date=June 2019}}
[[Goa]] is a state of [[India]]. [[Goans]] are commonly said to be born with [[music]] and [[Association football|football]] in their blood because both are deeply entrenched in Goan culture.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Siqueira |first1=Abigail |title=Is hospitality management a sinking ship? |url=https://www.heraldgoa.in/Cafe/Is-hospitality-management-a-sinking-ship/190275 |access-date=26 December 2022 |work=oHeraldo |date=7 Jun 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Goan Art And Culture Services |url=https://www.indiamart.com/proddetail/goan-art-and-culture-services-14609568688.html |website=indiamart.com |access-date=26 December 2022 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Saxena |first1=Ayush |title=Tourism Scenario of Goa |url=https://issuu.com/arenaleo123/docs/3b9724d4-3b5e-4722-ade7-e7c4babe9b7 |access-date=26 December 2022 |language=en}}</ref>

==Religion==
[[File:Churches in Old Goa.jpg|thumb|[[Old Goa|Velha Goa]] is considered to be the heart of [[Goan]] culture and religion.]]
According to the 1909 statistics in the '''''Catholic Encyclopedia''''', the total Catholic population was 293,628 out of a total population 365,291 (80.33%).<ref>{{cite book
|chapter=Archdiocese of Goa
|author=Ernest Hull
|title=Catholic Encyclopedia, Vol. 6
|date=1909
|publisher=Robert Appleton Company
|location=New York}}</ref> Within Goa, there has been a steady decline of Christianity due to Goan emigration, and a steady rise of other religions, due to massive non-Goan immigration since the [[Annexation of Goa]]. Native Goans are outnumbered by non-Goans in Goa, but Christianity remains prevalent in the state, with a higher percentage of Christians than the national average. <ref>{{cite news
|first=Vivek
|last=Menezes
|title=Who belongs to Goa? This question resurfaces as the State battles the raging pandemic
|url=https://www.thehindu.com/society/who-belongs-to-goa-this-question-resurfaces-as-the-state-battles-the-raging-pandemic/article34554870.ece
|date=15 May 2021
|work=[[The Hindu]]}}</ref> Conversion seems to play little role in the demographic change. According to the 2011 census, in a population of 1,458,545 people, 66.1% were [[Hindu]], 25.1% were [[Christians|Christian]], 8.3% were [[Muslim]] and 0.1% were [[Sikh]].<ref name="THReligion">{{cite news
|url = http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/religious-communities-census-2011-what-the-numbers-say/article7582284.ece
|title = India's religions by numbers
|date = 29 March 2016
|publication-date = 26 August 2015
|work = [[The Hindu]]
|access-date = 6 September 2017
|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160110201326/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/religious-communities-census-2011-what-the-numbers-say/article7582284.ece
|archive-date = 10 January 2016
|url-status = live
}}</ref>

==Festivals==
The most popular celebrations in the Indian state of Goa include the [[Goa Carnival]], (Konkani: ''Intruz''), [[Shigmo]] and [[Sao Joao Festival in Goa|São João]] (Feast of John the Baptist).<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.goatourism.gov.in/festivals/christian-festivals/201-sao-joao|title=Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, India - SAO JOAO|last=Administrator|website=www.goatourism.gov.in|language=en-gb|access-date=27 November 2018}}</ref> The most popular festivals in Goa include [[Ganesh Chaturthi]] (Konkani: ''Chavath''),<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.goatourism.gov.in/festivals/hindu-festivals/184-ganesh-chaturthi-or-chovoth|title=Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, India - GANESH CHATURTHI or CHOVOTH|last=Administrator|website=www.goatourism.gov.in|language=en-gb|access-date=27 November 2018}}</ref> [[Diwali]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.goatourism.gov.in/festivals/hindu-festivals/185-diwali|title=Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, India - DIWALI|last=Administrator|website=www.goatourism.gov.in|language=en-gb|access-date=27 November 2018}}</ref> [[Christmas]] (Konkani: ''Natalam''),<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.goatourism.gov.in/festivals/christian-festivals/195-christmas|title=Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, India - CHRISTMAS|last=Administrator|website=www.goatourism.gov.in|language=en-gb|access-date=27 November 2018}}</ref> [[Easter]] (Konkani: ''Paskanchem Fest''), Samvatsar Padvo or Sanvsar Padvo and the feast of St. [[Francis Xavier]], who is known as ''Goencho Saib'' by the Catholic Community in Goa.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Ot6BAAAAMAAJ|title=Feasts, festivals, and observances of Goa|author-link=Maria de Lourdes Bravo da Costa Rodrigues|last=Bravo da Costa Rodrigues|first=Maria de Lourdes|publisher=L & L Publications|year=2004|location=Goa|pages=43–74}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.goatourism.gov.in/festivals/christian-festivals/203-feast-of-st-francis-xavier|title=Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, India - FEAST OF ST FRANCIS XAVIER|last=Administrator|website=www.goatourism.gov.in|language=en-gb|access-date=27 November 2018}}</ref>

==Education==
{{main|Education in Goa}}

==Cuisine==
{{main|Goan cuisine}}
[[Rice]] with [[Fish (food)|fish]] [[curry]] (''Xit kodi'' in [[Konkani language|Konkani]]) is the staple diet in Goa.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/travel/eating-out/food-travel-soul-stirring-seafood-in-india/as66630323.cms|title=Food travel: soul-stirring seafood in India|last=Chowdhury|first=Arka Roy|date=14 November 2018|work=Times of India Travel|access-date=27 November 2018}}</ref> [[Goan cuisine]] is renowned for its rich variety of fish dishes cooked with elaborate recipes. [[Coconut]] and [[coconut oil]] is widely used in [[Goan]] cooking along with [[chili pepper]]s, [[spice]]s and [[vinegar]] giving the food a unique flavour. [[Pork]] and beef dishes such as [[Vindalho]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/food/0/24432750|title=BBC Food - Curry: Where did it come from?|last=Taylor|first=Anna-Louise|date=11 October 2013|website=BBC Food|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141211232211/http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/0/24432750|archive-date=11 December 2014|url-status=dead|access-date=27 November 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.thetiffinbox.ca/2011/11/vindalho-de-galinha-chicken-vindaloo.html|title=Indian Classics - Vindalho de Galinha (Chicken Vindaloo)|website=www.thetiffinbox.ca|access-date=27 November 2018}}</ref> [[Xacuti]] and [[Sorpotel]] are cooked for major occasions among the Catholics. An exotic [[Goan]] vegetable stew, known as [[Khatkhate]], is a very popular dish during the celebrations of festivals, Hindu and Christian alike. Khatkhate contains at least five vegetables, fresh coconut, and special [[Goan]] spices that add to the aroma. A rich [[egg (food)|egg]]-based multi-layered sweet dish known as [[bebinca]] is a favourite at [[Christmas]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.mid-day.com/articles/goa-government-readies-to-brand-feni-as-heritage-brew/16890188|title=Goa government readies to brand Feni as heritage brew|date=23 January 2016|work=Mid-Day|access-date=27 November 2018|language=en}}</ref> Cashew feni is made from the fermentation of the fruit of the cashew tree, while coconut [[Goan Feni|feni]] is made from the sap of toddy palms.

==Architecture==
{{Main|Architecture of Goan Catholics}}
[[File:Panaji, nostra signora dell'immacolata concezione, esterno 03.jpg|thumb|[[Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church, Goa|Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church]] at [[Panaji|Panjim]].]]
The architecture of Goa shows a distinct [[Portugal|Portuguese]] influence. [[Fontainhas (quarter)|Fontainhas]] in Panaji has been declared a cultural quarter, showcasing the life, architecture and culture of Goa.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/travel/the-quiet-goa-fontainhas/article4105686.ece|title=The quiet Goa: Fontainhas|last=Datta|first=Sravasti|date=18 November 2012|work=The Hindu|access-date=27 November 2018|language=en-IN|issn=0971-751X}}</ref>

The [[Churches and convents of Goa|Churches and Convents of Goa]] are a group of six churches that are a [[World Heritage Site|UNESCO World Heritage Site]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/234/|title=Churches and Convents of Goa|website=UNESCO World Heritage Centre|language=en|access-date=6 December 2018}}</ref> The [[Basilica of Bom Jesus]] holds the mortal remains of [[St. Francis Xavier]], the [[patron saint]] of Goa.<ref>{{cite news
|url=https://m.tribuneindia.com/news/archive/nation/casket-housing-st-xavier-relics-in-goa-to-undergo-restoration-687837
|title=Casket housing St Xavier relics in Goa to undergo restoration
|date=23 November 2018
|work=[[The Tribune (Chandigarh)]]}}</ref> Once every ten years, the body is taken down for veneration and for public viewing. The last such event was conducted in 2024.<ref>{{cite news
|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/Exposition-of-St-Francis-Xaviers-relics-ends-on-January-4/articleshow/45730692.cms
|title=Exposition of St. Francis Xavier's relics ends on January 4
|first=Paul
|last=Fernandes
|date=2 January 2015
|work=[[Times of India]]}}</ref>

Influences from other eras ([[Kadambas of Goa]], [[Maratha Empire]]) are visible in some of Goa's temples, notably the [[Mahadev Temple, Tambdi Surla|Mahadev Temple]]<ref>[http://www.goa-india-tourism.com/goa-temples/mahadevatemple.html Mahadev Temple, Tambdi Surla] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090107105533/http://www.goa-india-tourism.com/goa-temples/mahadevatemple.html |date=7 January 2009 }}</ref> and [[Saptakoteshwar Temple]].<ref>{{cite book|
last1=Esteves|first1=Sarto |last2=de Sousa|first2=Vatsala
|title=This is Goa |year=1983
|pages=19}}</ref>

==Sports==
{{see also|Goans in sports}}
[[Association football|Football]] is the most popular sport in Goa along with [[Cricket]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://englishnews.thegoan.net/story.php?id=32509|title=Craze for football has doubled since ISL: Aaren|work=The Goan|access-date=27 November 2018}}</ref> [[Athletics (sport)|Athletics]], [[chess]], [[Field hockey|hockey]], [[human swimming|swimming]], [[table tennis]] and [[basketball]] are other popular sports in Goa. [[Fishing]] is also a popular recreational activity.

==Science==
{{see also|Goans in science and technology}}

==Arts==

===Music===
{{main|Music of Goa}}
Goan Catholics have been performing [[Western classical music]] since the 1500s, because it is an integral part of the [[Catholic liturgy]]. [[Mando (music)|Mando]], [[dekhnni]], [[dulpod]] and [[tiatr]] are traditional Goan musical forms in [[Konkani language|Konkani]] developed from Western Music.

Goan [[Hindu]]s are very fond of [[Natak]], [[Bhajan]] and [[Kirtan]]. Many famous [[Indian classical music|Indian Classical]] singers hail from Goa, such as, [[Kishori Amonkar]], [[Kesarbai Kerkar]], [[Jitendra Abhisheki]], [[Prabhakar Karekar]].

[[File:Fugdi Dancers from South Goa.jpg|thumb|Fugdi Dancers from South Goa]]

===Dance===
Some traditional Goan dance forms are [[dekhnni]], [[fugdi]], [[corridinho]] and [[Mando (music)|mando]]. [[Ballroom dancing|Western social dancing]] is a part of most celebrations.

===Theatre===
Goans are very fond of theatre and acting. ''Kalo'' and ''dashavatar'' were popular art forms. Marathi Nataks have been very popular among Hindus in Goa for the past two centuries. [[Tiatr]] is the major Goan form of theatre common amongst Catholics and is the most commercial offering as it has entertained Goans not only in [[Goa]] but also in [[Mumbai]] and [[Pune]] (which are major cities of [[India]] and have a sizeable Goan population) and in the ''Gulf'' regions of [[UAE]], [[Kuwait]] and so on.

===Cinema===
{{see also|Konkani cinema}}

===Literature===
{{main|Goan literature}}

==Language==
The majority of Goans speak Konkani as their first language, while the remaining speak other languages, like Hindi, Portuguese or Marathi as their primary language.{{cn|date=February 2025}} However, practically all Goans can speak and understand Konkani. Konkani is an important part of the Goan identity that binds together all Goans.

==Tourism ==
{{main|Tourism in Goa}}
Goa developed an international reputation in the 1960s as one of the prime stops on the legendary India-Nepal "[[hippie trail]]". In the mid-1960s, several Westerners, including "[[Eight Finger Eddie]]" walked over the hill to Calangute, and decided to create a community for Westerners. In the early years, Calangute and Baga were the center of this scene, but it grew over the years to include other nearby cities like Anjuna Beach, which became, and arguably still is, the center of the Western youth culture of Goa. By the mid-1980s, there were over 8000 Westerners living in Goa, mostly from Western Europe. The scene was marked by drug culture, trance music and free love. Goa remains today an international center of youth culture.

Starting in the late 1990s, Goa began to attract a more "upscale" audience, which in turn drove prices up, which in turn drove many in the "hippie" community to other less-expensive areas. Arambol the beach community furthest away from "civilization", like electricity and running water—became the center of a battle between those wanting to turn Goa into a more traditional upscale resort area, and those wanting Goa to retain its traditional rustic counterculture appeal.

==See also==
* [[Culture of Goan Catholics]]
* [[Goans in Hindi film music composition]]
* [[LGBTQ rights in Goa]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

== Further reading ==
* {{cite journal |last1=Davidson |first1=Sarah |first2=Eleanor |last2=Phelps |title=Folk Tales from New Goa, India |journal=The Journal of American Folklore |volume=50 |issue=195 |date=1937 |pages=1–51 |doi=10.2307/535980}}
* {{Cite book |title=Konkani Folk Tales |series=Folklore of India |editor=Olivinho Gomes |publisher=National Book Trust |date=2007 |isbn=9788123750835}}
* {{cite book |last=Rodrigues |first=Lucio |date=2020 |title=The Wise Fools of Moira... and Other Goan Folk Tales |location=Goa |publisher=Goa, 1556 |isbn=978-81-940107-7-7}}
* {{cite book |title=Whispers and Reflections: Folk Tales from Goa |editor=Sharmila Pais |date=2024 |publisher=Goa, 1556 |isbn=978-93-95795-56-2}}

==External links==
* [http://www.india-seminar.com/2004/543/543%20pandurang%20r.%20phaldesai.htm Goan culture article]

{{Goa topics}}

[[Category:Culture of Goa| ]]

Culture of Goa - Revision history

Aoufa at 19:26, 28 February 2026