Culture, they say, is the art of living – a collective of ideas, social behaviours, customs and traditions that define a society. Goa, despite being one of India’s smallest states, has a unique culture that stands apart from the rest of the country.
Konkani is the main spoken language of Goa. It is considered to be a part of the southern group of Indo Aryan languages. What makes Konkani a unique language is the sheer number of dialects it is spoken in within small geography. The Konkani of Goan Hindus and Goan Catholics are notably different. The Konkani spoken by Goan Catholics has a distinct Portuguese influence to it. As a result, several Portuguese words have found their way into the Catholic Konkani dialect. Within the Hindu Konkani there are several regional dialects like Bardeshkari, Sashtikari, Pednekari etc. A slightly different dialect of Konkani prevails in the surrounding areas of Goa – Uttar Kannada and Dakshin Kannada districts.
Most Goan people live in its multitude of small and quaint villages. These Goan villages are unlike other villages in our country. Most of them have good roads, elementary schooling, primary healthcare facilities, adequate power and water supply and are self-sufficient in most modern amenities required to lead a normal contemporary life. The Villas that dot these villages are also unique in their architecture. It is distinctly Goan but with a subtle blend of a few Portuguese elements. Goan architects have weaved in many elements that suit the local geography like the high plinths, the spacious Balcao’s or the sloping roofs. Bairro Alto luxury villas in North Goa incorporates the essence of traditional Goan architecture perfectly blended with modern luxury villas. Some villages like Aldona , Moira, Chorao and Divar are amongst the most beautiful villages you could ever imagine.
Most Goans are occupied with agriculture, fishing and tourism based jobs/businesses. The principal crop is paddy. In monsoons the local farmers toil through the day in lush green paddy fields. Many farmers are also engaged in cash crops like coconuts, cashews, arecanut, mangoes, pineapples, jackfruit and other tropical bounties that are abound in Goa. Many brew the famous Goan tipple Feni during the summers. Fishing is another major occupation in Goa. With a coastline of 66 kilometres and 11 inland rivers with forty two tributaries crisscrossing the state, fish constitute the lifeline of the state’s diet. Tourism has become one of the biggest contributors to the state’s economy of late. As a result, many Goans are employed in tourism-related jobs like tourist guides, taxi drivers, self-owned businesses around the tourism industry, etc. Baking is another Goan tradition which provides many Goans with an occupation. Traditional Goan bakeries making Pao, Polis and other Goan breads is a feature in every village.
Goan lifestyle has been predominantly influenced by the several invading dynasties like the Vijaynagar empire, Bijapuri Sultans and finally the Portuguese. Despite these attempts to interfere with the local culture, Goans have managed to retain their traditions. One unique aspect of the Goan culture is its ability to assimilate the more congenial aspects of other culture whilst strongly retaining its own strengths.
The people of Goa are considered to be amongst the most happy-go-lucky, laidback and funloving in our country. They choose to live life ‘king-size’ and avoid the frenzied lifestyle that chases materialistic goals. Hindus, Catholics, Muslims and people of other religious communities have a glorious past of peaceful co-existence throughout Goan history. Communal riots are unheard of in Goa. People of different religions make it a point to celebrate all the Goans festivals in harmony. Goa is also probably the most urbanised state in India. Settlers from all the across the country and abroad have made Goa their home. Many celebrities, sportspeople, artistes, writers and others have also chosen to make Goa their second home. Once you have experienced the culture of Goa you have to fall in love with it. The Konkani word – “Susegad” represents the essence of Goan culture. Derived from the Portuguese word “Sossegado” or quiet, it represents the relaxed laidback nature of its people. No wonder Goa is described variously as a “Pearl of the Orient”, “A backpacker’s paradise” and “An ideal second home destination”. Speaking of ideal second home destination, Bairro Alto luxury villas in Aldona, Goa offers 8 luxury homes where you can lead a peaceful Goan lifestyle amidst the most beautiful village in Goa.