Issue No: 30

Friday, June 20, 2014 | Vol. No. 2 | Issue 30 | Price Rs. 10 | www.goastreets.com | G-2/RNP/Weekly/Goa-05/2013-15

World Cup Mania | Rape in Goa | Marriott Fest

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Friday, June 20, 2014

A mighty

chemical reaction Upfront with India’s emerging Electronica talent who recently gigged in Goa. The Helium Project in a chit chat with Goa’s lifestyle and fashion writer, Ethel Da Costa on what makes them a talent to look out for in the country.

Helium: A chemical element. Colourless, odorless, tasteless, non-toxic with the lowest boiling and melting points among the elements and exists only as a gas, except in extreme conditions. The second lightest element in the universe, created by nuclear fusion of hydrogen in stars… Helium is also named for the Greek god of the Sun, Helios. Hmmm… and you wonder could this guy stay true to the illustrious predecessors of the name derived? For one, when I met Arijit Basu, aka Helium Project, one sultry weekday morning in Mumbai, he

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June 21

music & nightlife | 03 Helium Project: DJ with a twist

what's on | 6

Pre Sao Joao Bash With Dj Lasker, Ryan Nogar, Varun At Cafe Lilliput, Anjuna 7 pm onwards. +91 832 227 4648 Weekend Heroes Zombi Presented by Gossip Entertainment Featuring Ajit Pai, Jay Brainwash At Cafe Mambo, Baga 7 pm onwards. +91 9823186694

Events in Goa

June 22

food & drink | 07

Sao Joao Family Get- Together Band in Attendance “Sigmund & Sunshine Band” At O Coqueiro, Porvorim 11 am to 4 pm +91 832 2417806/ +91 7744838803

Marriott's Street Food Festival

cover story | 11 Celebrating São João in Goa

feature | 12 Rape in Goa

sports | 14 World Cup Mania

arts & entertainment | 16 The Stiletto Diaries

the corner | 18 Premium Whisky, Szechwan Fest at The HQ & Resort Rio Party

The Lowdown Welcome to the São João edition of Goa Streets!

This is a particularly joyous time of year, not just because of this wonderful feast, but because it takes place at one of the most beautiful times of year in this breathtaking state of ours. Isn’t it wonderful how everything comes alive during the Goan monsoons?

We’ve prepared a great edition for you this week, with feature stories on everything from music to fashion to food to football (we’ve devoted two full pages to our World Cup coverage!). We’d also like to draw your attention to our story this week on the incidence of rape in Goa, in the spirit of shedding light on this troubling issue and in hopes of effecting change for the better.

Each week at Goa Streets, we bring you comprehensive listings on everything there is to do, see and eat in the state, divided into four sections – Music & Nightlife, What’s On, Food & Drink and Arts & Entertainment. That’s in addition to our feature stories on a great variety of topics. Here’s wishing all our readers a wonder monsoon season and a very happy São João!

The Goa Streets Team

Sao Joao Party at North16 GOA The Splash Bash Sao Joao Party is on at North16 GOA Resort!

The Pool & Rain Dance Party starts at 12:30pm and grinds until 4:30 pm.

Package includes unlimited bar serving all house brands, street foods and a mini buffet. With a live DJ to help you get into the Sao Joao groove. Cost is Rs.999/At North 16 Goa, Calangute +91 832 6745555/ +91 8554984817 Bullfrog Grind 6.0 With Joel, Rinton, Navin, Ryan N, Jay, Usman. At SinQ, Candolim @ 2 pm onwards +91 8308000080 Sao Joao Bash With fun activities, live DJ, finger licking food, beverages @ 5 pm At Baywatch Resort, Colva +91 832 669 7777 Traditional Sao Joao Blast Featuring live music by Goa’s top bands, DJ’s along with Goan dancers and the best Koppel contest. Lots of entertainment, prizes and surprises.

At Colonia de Braganza resort, Calangute 10 am onwards +91 832 2277904/+91 9921877676 Viva Sao Joao With live music by the Goan band “Brothers In Arms”, Dj Ryan Nogar and Country Jude. Also Best Kopel competition and Best Sao Joao outfit competition.

At Alor Grande Holiday Resort, Candolim 9 am to 6 pm +91 9822588882

June 23 San Joao Grind 2014 Dj Line Up: Rinton, Jay, Ryan Britto.

Promises to be one of the better Sao Joao bashes in the state.

At Resort Rio, Arpora 3 pm to 10 pm +91 832 2267351

June 24 Sao Joao on Board Santa Monica Goa Tourism Dev. Corp. Ltd. celebrates Sao Joao traditionally on board Santa Monica. Enjoy with brass bands, one-man band, DJ, games, cultural entertainment, Sao Joao special buffet and lots more...

At Santa Monica, Jetty, Panjim +91 832 2224132

Sao Joao Bash 2014 Featuring Joel, Ryan, Navin, Jay,Tejas. If you’ve ever partied at the Park before, you know this is one not to be missed!

At The Park, Calangute 12 Noon Onwards +91 832 226 7600 Siolim Sao Joao This festival is organized with great pomp and tradition at Siolim (see cover story in this edition). Noted Konkani theatre artists enthrall the audience with Konkani Mandos and songs. Apart from this, a number of competitions are organized such as fancy dress, dance, singing, best Sao Joao Koppel contest, etc.

At Opp. St Anthony’s church, Siolim 2 pm onwards

June 29

Friday Funk With DJ Lasker and Akshay At Cape Town Cafe, Calangute 7 pm onwards +91 95 27612070 Wicked Friday A journey through deep tech house, minimal tech and progressive house At Waters Lounge, Ozran, Anjuna +91 9702025555

Every Saturday Silent Noise Party With DJs Husman, Sam & Azgar Find out which is true, the silence or the noise.

At Neptune Point, Palolem 8 pm to 4 am +91 9822584968

Post Sao Joao Bash With Amazing bands and live music and much more....

At Bay 15 resort, Dona Paula 11 am onwards +91 832 245 6231

Latin Night Live Music & Jazz. A party at Fiesta is like none other. Check it out!

At Fiesta, Baga 8.30 pm onwards +91 +91 832 227 9894

Baroque Jazz Melange Live Baroque-Jazz Melange (fusion with a difference) as performed by Prof.

Mathew Mendes (Piano) and Jason Quadros (Keyboard). Celestial Baroque Music is played juxtaposed with attractive Jazz idioms and innovative countermelodies bringing out the very best effect that the confluence of Baroque and Jazz affords.

At 76, Orchard, Mapusa +91 9423503412

Saturday Showtime With Ajit Pai & Jay Brainwash At Cafe Mambo, Baga 7 pm onwards +91 83 22279895, (+91) 83 22275028

Every Wednesday Rock is Alive With Charley and the Music Factory At Baywatch Resort, Colva @ 7.30 pm +91 832 2747744

Every Thursday Independent Music Bands At Cheenos, Baga 8 pm onwards +91 8806564991 Thursday Night Live With Smoking Chutney At Sofala, Nerul @ 8.30 pm +91 777400882 Sundown Karaoke With DJ Colett and… you, if you’re in the mood to help Colett with your voice and talent.

At Cocopazzo, Chapora 7 pm onwards. +91 9561212810 Silent Disco With DJ Mr. R & Flakey Spinning EDM. Nothing ‘silent’ about this disco (unless you’re wearing headphones, that is).

At Alpha Bar, Palolem 9 pm onwards +91 9890281505

Every Friday Reggae Friday

By Graeme Hamilton At Laguna, Anjuna @ 7.30 pm +91 832 227 4131

On-going Cavala Every Wednesday: Cavala Acoustic Latin Retro Every Friday: Tidal Wave Every Saturday: Piano played by Bosco At Cavala, Calangute - Baga Road, Baga 8.30 pm onwards +91 832 2276090 Park Hyatt Every Day Dinner with Music Thurs: Acaccio Live, Fri: Shalini, Sat: Savio, Sun: Edriya & Taniya At Park Hyatt, Cavellosim 7.30 pm to 11 pm +91 832 2721234 Cantare There’s live music on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, but the big draw is the jazz duo Steve Sequeira and his wife Kittu on Monday nights, often accompanied by Brazilian chef and harmonica player Guto. The place fills up with locals (not many tourists), and its non-beach location nestled amid the Portuguese-inspired architecture of Saligao adds to the great vibe.

At Cantare, Saligao 8 pm onwards +91 832 2409461 Hippies Ocean Cafe Live Music Every Wednesday, Friday & Sunday At Hippies, Anjuna @10 pm +91 7507486444 The Park, Calangute Every Thursday: Retro Night Every Friday: Karaoke Night with KDJ Tony Every Saturday: Ladies Night with DJ Sunil and Tania At The Park, Calangute 8 pm onwards +91 8805028194/ +91 832 2267600

Friday, June 20, 2014

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was anything but combustible. Down to earth, affable, and utterly engaging.

Down in Goa recently for a gig at a local hotspot, Helium Project excels in the genre of Techno and Progressive house.

The gigs are laced with fantastic largerthan-life visuals and Arijit handpicks the best produced tracks across the globe for his DJ sets, an experience to be cherished and a vice to be craved! Promoted by Viacom as one of their homegrown acts, it’s the incessant bass, screaming arpeggios and piercing percussions that truly define Helium Project. Paying homage to his first love, music, and particularly about an explosive electronic experience, “Electronica” could define the resulting product. But then, it isn’t only about neat packaging. It’s about pushing the envelope and fusing influences to create a distinctive brand of urban Indian dance music. Exactly what Helium Project does, going by their packed house performances in Mumbai and elsewhere in the country.

Excerpts of Helium Project’s interview with Ethel Da Costa.

ED: You work day-time, you gig at nights. How do you balance your corporate life with your DJ alter ego?

HP: I choose to work in a corporate format as I feel it provides an intrinsic connect to my alter ego, a.k.a. Helium Project. Personally, I feel that my work is closely linked with my DJ / music life, because at LIVE Viacom18, we curate and program some of the largest EDM festivals in the country like Vh1 Supersonic, Bollywood and EDM mix called Bollyland. Helium Project comes alive only on weekends, as most of the parties and gigs happen at that time.

ED: Define Helium Project and what makes it beat?

Being a chemistry honors student from St. Xavier’s College, Kolkata, helium gas always intrigued me. It is also the second element on the periodic table, which makes it the most stable gas. This fact, for me and to the world, signifies purity and stability. Helium project is here for the long run. While our music is contemporary, we will not get influenced by trends and become just a fad.

ED: Electronica and Goa. Is there a balance in this chemical equation? How different is Goa from all other venues you play at?

HP: Goa has a booming vibe which is in a way mystical and magical. Artists feel the musical draw and connect to the land.

It helps provide clarity and inspiration to create music that will stand out. For Helium Project, Goa adds character to the style and always brings the best out in our performances. As the premier location for dance music in the country, Goa, maintains its position of importance and is in a way irreplaceable.

ED: Ok. So, let’s talk about your music now…

Helium Project specializes in Dance Music, more specifically Techno, with layers of old school progressive house.

‘Progressive-Tech’ is how I like to call our style of music. Our typical live sets are inspired by the fresh global sounds which are harmoniously knit into our music, to create a spell binding and enthralling experience for the Indian audience.

ED: What’s the Indian electronica scene like? Which artistes define your peers? Is the scene evolving? Do you see fast changes for Indian clubbing artistes?

The electronic dance music scene in India is yet at a nascent stage, owning to the strong footing of Bollywood music.

However, there has been a change in recent times. Today’s youth are getting exposed to the global music scenario and subsequently learning about electronic dance music.

For any artist to be successful, the foundation of the band needs to be strong. In recent times, festival organisers and promoters are focusing on quality music and musicians with unique and contemporary sounds. The overall festival scene in the country has seen a boom in the recent years. There is also a large influx of International DJs performing in the country, which helps expose that music genre to the audience.

The last couple of years has seen Indian musicians performing overseas, which is extremely is encouraging to help the Indian music scene grow.  _____ To see a video of Helium Project, log onto www.goastreets.com, and click on the Music & Nightlife.

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Friday, June 20, 2014

June 21

Mon to Fri

Healthy Joints Awareness Camp The International Centre Goa (ICG), Dona Paula in association with Forte Wellness will conduct a “Healthy Joints Awareness Camp” At The International Centre Goa, Dona Paula 10.00am to 4.00pm +91 832 2452805

Champion’s Chess Academy This leading Chess Training Centre in Goa is full of professional Chess Activities for Quality Learning. Learn Right Chess, moves from Pawn to King Level and moves in innovative style.

Classes conducted at Ponda, Porvorim, Mapusa, Miramar, Dona Paula, & Margao.

At Champion’s Chess Academy, Ponda +91 9766109574/ +91 9764185747

June 22 Savari Waterfall Organised By Youth Hostels Association of India, Porvorim unit at Netravali A bus will leave from Housing Board Colony, Porvorim @ 7.30 am Opp. Ruchi Hotel Patto, Panjim @ 8 am and @ 8.50 am at Power House Circle, Margao +91 9423888820/ +91 9823758456 Trek to Maynapi waterfall Organised by Off trial Adventures Bus will leave from Panaji, below Mandovi Bridge, near Santa Monica cruises @ 7 am Then 8 am At Mabai Hotel at Margao +91 9960054428/ +91 9764239789/ +91 7385382025

June 1 to June 30 Vipassana Courses Meditation classes for men and women, with separate classes for kids.

At Vipassana Samiti, Alto Porvorim.

10 am to 4 pm +91 9422641206

June 7 to June 29 Yoga for Kids The classes interweave story, song, games and poses, allowing children to learn in a multi-sensory environment which explores visual, aural, interpersonal & intrapersonal learning.

The classes will be conducted by Savita Khemlani in French language.

At Alliance Francaise, Panjim 2 pm to 3 pm +91 832 2420049

Waterfalls in Goa Arvalam Waterfall With an altitude of 70 feet, it falls in a straight drop and is at its most glorious during the monsoons. The spectacle of the thunderous gush of water, with the mountainous terrain as background, is nothing short of stunning.

At Valpoi, North Goa Dudhsagar Waterfall Another amazing waterfall best seen in the monsoons. It’s Goa’s largest and highest waterfall, and well worth a visit.

At Mollem, South Goa Kesarval Waterfall Emerging from hard rocks and flanked by swaying betel palms, the spring is surrounded by fantastic tropical beauty. Also well worth visiting.

At Verna, South Goa Tamdi Surla Waterfall You have to make a quite a trek to get here, but once you do, you’ll be very happy. You pass through dense forest and a number of streams that make for a highly refreshing experience. Also in the area is the temple known as Tamdi Surla, made under the Kadamba style of architecture.

At Sanguem, South Goa

The Private Collection Features an eclectic collection of sophisticated women’s apparel, bespoke jewellery, colorful accessories, lifestyle, furniture, design pieces and more.

At Anavaddo, Candolim 10 am to 8 pm +91 832 2489033 Paper Boat Collective Specializes in ceramics, textile, furniture, clothes, children items and more.

At Bella Vista, Chogm Rd, Sangolda From 10.30 am to 8.30 pm +91 832 6521248 TukTuk From apparel to silver jewellery, bags to accessories and souvenirs to curios, everything at TukTuk is handpicked from across India.

At A 104, Pereira Plaza, 1st Floor, Opposite Hospicio, Margao 10:30 am – 1:30 pm & 2:30 pm – 7 pm +91 9049017182 Fabindia The shop is famous for Indian inspired ready-to-wear garments for men, women, teenagers and children.

At Dattawadi, Mapusa (also in Candolim and Panjim) 10 am to 8 pm +91 832 2253585 Artjuna An unusual boutique in an Old Portuguese villa showcasing, among other items, leather crafts. Also features a lovely outdoor café.

At Monteiro Vaddo, Anjuna 9 am to 6 pm +91 9822686640

Solberg A Scandinavian Designer in Goa At Pedro Martina Resorts, Gaura Vaddo, Candolim +91 9822364978 People Tree Its first outlet in Goa, creating and selling contemporary crafts and cool clothing. At Saunta Vaddo, Assagao 11 am to Midnight +91 832 2268091/ +91 9582018969 Bebel Boutique Designer fashion accessories Opp. St Anthony Chapel, Calangute +91 832 6451489

Great Goan Experiences Canopy Eco – Tours Offers a wide variety of experiences including nature-treks, butterfly tours, dragonfly and damselfly tours, plus boat safaris on the Zuari River as well as their original unique birding tour.

At Housing Board Colony, Margao +91 9764261711, +91 9764052225 Goa Butterfly Park & Conservatory A small park on a hill that’s a great place to spot stunningly beautiful butterflies.

Near Tropical Spice Plantation, Ponda +91 832 2985174, +91 9822125474 The Bushmasters Owner Rahul Alvares is one of our state’s most experienced snake rescuers. Snake Watch programmes costs Rs. 1600 per person inclusive of transport and breakfast.

At Almeida Vaddo, Parra 6.30 am to 9.30 am +91 9881961071

Museums Goa Chitra With a collection of over 4,000 artefacts, Goa Chitra is an ethnographic museum that focuses on Goa’s traditional agrarian lifestyle and technology.

At Mondo Waddo, Benaulim 9 am to 5 pm +91 832 6570877 Email: goachitra@gmail.com Museum Of Christian Art Open all days of the week At the Convent of Santa Monica. You may pray if you wish to, else just soak in the ambience of peace.

At Old Goa From 9:30 am – 5 pm +91 832 2285299 Goa State Museum Has some 8,000 artifacts on display including carvings, paintings, manuscripts, rare coins and stone sculptures.

A museum shop is planned soon with the aim of popularizing Goan culture through museum objects.

At EDC Complex, Patto, Panjim 9.30 am to 5.30 pm +91 832 2438006 / +91 832 2437306 Goa Science Centre The Centre has a science park with interactive exhibits, 3D shows, galleries on oceanic science, explaining mysteries of the underwater world.

Experience science through fun. There are some interesting exhibits explaining scientific principles.

At Miramar 10 am to 6 pm +91 832 2463426

Splashdown Waterpark At Calangute - Anjuna Main Road, Anjuna +91 832 2273008/ +91 9637424023/024 www.splashdowngoa.com

July 1 Onwards

Lifestyle & Fashion

Portuguese language courses There’s something deeply special about the Portuguese language, with many words having no true equivalent in any other language (for example, the word ‘saudade’ – pronounced Sah Oh Dah Jee – roughly means ‘longing’ or ‘nostalgia’, but in Portuguese, it’s laden with even more emotion).

At Chowgule College, Margao 6 pm to 8 pm +91 832 2759504

Cheshire Cat Jewellery Gallery This Gallery showcases jewellery, accessories and fashion, among other delights. At Bairo Alto, Assagao 10 am to 7 pm +91 9822580898 Maria Elena’s Wardrobe Elegant ladies party wear and accessories Behind Fidalgo, Panjim +91 9049079769/+91 7769043301

On everyone’s mind, of course, is St. John the Baptist

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Friday, June 20, 2014

Galouti Kabab

Chicken Satay

By Perin Ilavia

Y

ou can tell a lot about a place by its street food. Is it spicy or meaty or laden with veggies? Is it prepared in woks or pots or open flame grills? Street food around the globe is sold on the streets (surprise!) or in other public spaces such as markets or fairs, often from a portable food booth, cart or truck.

While some street foods are regional, many have spread beyond their region of origin. Most street foods are classified as both finger food and fast food, and cheaper on average than restaurant meals. If you’re in the mood for street food, but want to be sure it’s tasty and doesn’t come along with undesirable flora and fauna, then head to the Goa Marriott Resort & Spa, and check out the International Street Food Fest at the

Waterfront Terrace & Bar. The chefs have set out a menu which varies from day to day with food from around the world, and the various states of India.

The Indian counter is a daily feature, which could have among other offerings katti rolls form Kolkata, kuttu parathas form Chennai, chaats and pau bhaji

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from Delhi and Mumbai, interspersed with three counters of popular international street foods. There’s burgers and pizza, kebabs and wraps from the Middle East, crepe suzettes from France, maki rolls from Japan, satay from Indonesia, tacos from Mexico, among other dishes. The variety extended to discerning street food aficionados is quite impressive.

We settled down to assess the menu for the day, which started with khow suey - a coconut milk and peanut based soup from Burma, which was followed by tofu and satay - made with seasoned skewered grilled meats (some versions of this dish use skewers from the midrib of the coconut palm frond, sugarcane sticks, or bamboo). These are grilled or barbecued over a wood or charcoal fire, then served with various spicy seasonings, basically as a starter. Originated on the island of Java, it’s a national food of Indonesia, though it’s also popular in other Southeast Asian countries including Malaysia, Singapore, Philippines and Thailand. Chicken satay is served with a spicy peanut dip, mutton with kecap manis - a sweet soya sauce – and pork is served with a pineapple-based sauce.

The papri chaat from north India hit the spot just right, as did the chicken tikka, the paneer tikka, and the galouti kebab with a mint chutney. The crunchy fish fingers with tartar sauce from Britain, was also good.

Then came the Okonomiyaki (loosely translated as “grilled favorite”). This Japanesestyle pancake does not have sugar, and usually features a variety of ingredients and toppings, including dried seaweed powder, dried bonito flakes, pickled red ginger, cabbage, and thinly sliced pork or beef, depending on the region of Japan it’s made in.

The tacos were another treat to behold.

This traditional Mexican dish features corn or wheat tortillas (the Mexican version of a chapatti), served either ‘soft’ or ‘crunchy,’

folded or rolled around a filling of various meats or fish and seasoned with cumin, lime juice, radish, cilantro leaves and tomato.

It’s best eaten with traditional Mexican ‘salsa’, and a little sour cream makes a tasty addition.

Another highlight of the fest was a dessert called ‘Christina’ which is listed as a dish from the Middle East and is designed by the Marriott’s chefs. It’s a honey walnut biscuit based pudding, nutty and sweet, topped with rusgulla from Bengal.

The Street Fest is on till 22nd June (so hurry!), with the dinner buffet priced at Rs.1300/-, plus tax.

At the Goa Marriott Resort & Spa in Panjim.

Phone: +91 832 246 3333

Food & Drink 9

Friday, June 20, 2014

7th June to 22nd June The International Street Food Festival The Marriott’s Street food festival is this week’s Food & Drink story in this edition of Goa Streets. Check it out!

At Waterfront Terrace & Bar, Goa Marriott Resort & Spa, Miramar +91 832 246 3333

June 13 to July 8 FIFA Fever at North16 GOA A great place to watch the World Cup. If you wear your favourite team’s jersey, you get 2 drinks on the house!

Unlimited alcohol packages from 450+ taxes onwards.

At North16 Goa, Calangute 8:00pm-11:00pm & 11:30pm to 2:00am +91 8554984817

June 20 to July 31 Gourmet Breakfasts Soft muffins, warm croissants, eggs the way you like it, artisan brown breads and other breakfast food At Delicieux Cafe and Coffee Bar, Panjim 8 am to 9.30 pm +91 832 520521

April 3 Onwards High Tea @ North16 Goa One of North16’s more interesting offerings. A true English-style High Tea, served daily at Grab n Go at Rs. 350 ++ per person.

From 4 pm to 6 pm At North 16 Goa, Calangute +91 832 674 5555

Every Sunday Sunday Family Brunches Rejuvenating cocktails, soul warming gourmet cuisine from around the world and activities to keep the kids entertained.

At Latitude, Vivanta by Taj, Panjim 12:30 pm – 3:30 pm +91 832 6633636

Margao & Around Ruta’s World Café World Cuisine Located on a quiet side street near the City’s Latin Quarter, Ruta’s offers up some of the most tasty fare in Margao. Worth checking out. ( Bonus: They’ve opened up a new outlet in Mapusa, on the grounds of FabInidia) At Dr Miranda Rd, Behind Nanutel, Margao. From 9 am to 6 pm +91 832 2710757

Alcoves Goan, Indian, Chinese Good choices here are the Chinese Crispy Chicken, Cafreal, Veg Kolhapuri, Veg Crispy and Chicken Vindaloo.

Near Cine Vishant, Aquem, Margao 8.30 am to 11 pm +91 83 22735062, +91 832 2730536 Allegria Goan, Portuguese Fine-dining restaurant at the Taj Exotica serving up good food. On offer are all the classic Goan dishes like Chicken Cafreal, Pork Sorpotel and Kullanche Mass Kottnim, which is crab meat in a shell, plus your Fish Curry Rice.

At Taj Exotica, Calwaddo, Benaulim, Salcette.

7.30 pm to 10.45 pm +91 832 6683333 Café Tato Pure Vegetarian Check it out if you’re in the mood for a good Goan veg lunch. Try the puri bhaji.

At Apna Bazaar complex, Margao 7 am to 10 pm +91 832 2736014

Baga, Calangute & Around Aquamarine Bistro & Bar Indian, Goan, Continental Perhaps the top draw is the riverside location. Good place for golden fried prawns and a nice sunset view over the river.

7 am to 10.30 pm At Baga Land’s End, Baga +91 832 2276084/2275482 Bhatti Village Indian & Goan There is chicken cafreal, pork roast and beef roast, sorpotel, samaranchi kodi, feijoida, all the different varieties of chilli fry and fish Roe. At Bhattiwaddo, Nerul @ 7.30 pm to 11 pm +919822184103

Café de Goa Attractive Café with lots of fresh small bites and innovative offerings.

At The Red Tower, Calangute 10.30 am to 5.30 pm +91 832 2279961

Anjuna & Around Blue Tao Italian & Seafood Organic Food. Calling all hippies.

At Anjuna Beach Rd, Anjuna 9 am to 11 pm +918975061435 A Varanda Chinese, European, Goan, Italian, North Indian, Thai.

Check out the seafood platter, fish curry rice, chicken cafreal and beaf xacutti. 7 am to 11 pm At Resort Marinha Dourada, Arpora +91 832 2276780/ 84 Alcove Restaurant & Bar Chinese, Goan, Italian, North Indian & Seafood Dine on chilled Avocado and prawn salad, or get stuffed with the prawn stuffed calamari.

At Ozrant Beach, Anjuna 8 am onwards +918322274491/2273349 Avalon Sunset Bar & Restaurant Goan, Indian, Chinese, Seafood & European Some popular orders are paneer pasanda, fish masala, chicken vindaloo, seafood pasta, seafood sizzlers. At Anjuna Beach, Anjuna 8.30 am to midnight +91 9822586268 Baba au Rhum A coffee shop with a twist A favourite among the foreign crowd, this popular eatery offers lots of tasty choices. Especially check out their croissants, quiches and pizzas.

At Kudachwaddo, Arpora 8 am to 4 pm +919822078759

Amigos Indian, Goan, Seafood Hearty food in an attractive village Below Nerul Bridge, Nerul 12.30 pm to 4 pm & 7 pm to 10.30 pm +919822104920

Basilico Italian This alfresco restaurant serves pizzas, home-made pastas, salads and sinful desserts.

At D’mello Waddo, Anjuna 6.30 pm to 11 pm +918322273721/ +918323953744/ +919822599130

Britto’s Chinese, English, Goan, Seafood Tourists swear by it. Many locals don’t.

At Baga beach, Calangute 8.30 pm to midnight +91 832 2277331/ +91 832 2276291

Biryani Palace Goan, North Indian, seafood Now take a wild guess what this place specializes in? (Hint: there’s rice involved).

At Anjuna Beach Road, Anjuna 11 am to midnight +918323257586

Coba Indian, Grills, Seafood It’s in a five-star hotel. How wrong can you go?

At Double Tree by Hilton, Arpora 10 am to 11 pm +91 832 66556672 Frangipani Global Cuisine Start with the chicken satayskewered chicken supreme grilled in Chinese marinade.

At Sun Village, Fankwadi, Arpora 7.30 am to 10.30 pm +91 832 2279409/14

Candolim Addah Indian & Barbeque Enjoy the sea view deck on the beach and the soft music of a live two-piece band, with appealing cuisine.

7 pm to 10.30 pm At The O Hotel, Candolim +91 832 3047000/ 9/ +91 9890800073 Angaara Tandoori, Goan, North Indian & Seafood.

With decent Indian and Goan fare and a lot for vegetarians as well.

At Murrodwaddo, Candolim Beach Road, Candolim 9 am to 12.30 pm +91 832 6647601-4 Barbeque and Grill North Indian, seafood, grills and live entertainment Seafood Bazaar is on Monday and Wednesday At Fortune Select Regina, Candolim 7.30 pm to 11 pm +918323988444 Beach House Goan, Portuguese & Seafood A Goan specialty restaurant that was long the base of the renowned chef Rego.

At Vivanta Holiday Village, Sinquerim 7.30 pm to 10.30 pm +918326645858 Caravela Chinese, European, Goan, Italian, North Indian, Thai A long-time favourite haunt among Goans and visitors alike. Check out the party scene on Friday nights (and the appealing female/male ratio).

At Vivanta Holiday Village, Sinquerim 7.30 am to 10.30 pm +91 832 6645858

Bob’s Inn Goan Something of a Goan institution, this place offers up some fine curry rice and other satisfying fare.

At Calangute-Candolim Rd, Candolim 11.30 am to 3.30 pm, 7 pm to 11 pm +91 832 2489402

Panjim & Around Hotel Sanskruti Pure Veg. Filled with office workers at lunch time. Cheap and good.

At Porvorim. 7 am to 10 pm +91 832 - 2414400 A Lua Chinese, European, Goan, North Indian, Seafood Nothing to write home about, but solid fare overall. 3 locations around Goa. 11 am to 11 pm At, Bella vista, Sangolda +91 832 2416671/ 73 At Porie Bhatt, Verna Contact: +91 832 2782760/ +91 9881272080 At Bhueem Bhatt, St Cruz, Merces, Panjim, +91 832 2448172/ +91 2448757 A’tona Bar and Restaurant Goan, Portuguese Good choice for grilled dishes and highly competent Goan food.

Winner of the Goa Streets Readers’ Choice Award for Best Xacutti.

At Carina Desa, Betim 7 pm to 11 pm. +919823129239 A Pastelaria Bakery Good place for pastries, cakes, cookies and other sweet offerings 9 am to 9 pm At Hotel Mandovi, Panjim +91 832 2426270/ 73 Anandashram Hotel Chinese, Goan and Seafood This is one of the oldest eateries in Goa and is something of an institution for its affordable and delicious Goan Fare.

At 31st January Road, Panjim 1 pm to 10.30 pm +91 9823195245 Antonio D’silva Goan This one is strictly for the sausage lovers. At Goa Velha, Panjim 6 am to 9 pm +91 9822184433 Avanti Bar & Restaurant Indian, Goan & Seafood Serves up Goan specialties like rawa fried prawns, stuffed squid and gratinated stuffed crab masala Near Patto Bridge, Panjim 11 am to 3 .30 pm, 7 pm to 11.30 pm +91 832 2435884/ +91 832 2427179

10 Cover Story

By Dielle De Souza

A

ccording to Christian tradition, more than 2000 years ago, St John the Baptist gave a little leap for joy in his mother’s womb when she heard a greeting from Mary, who had just become pregnant with Jesus Christ. His mother Elizabeth would scarce imagine that a strange recreation of this event would become a major part of his birthday celebrations in a tiny state on the western coast of India.

Tourists might be mildly surprised to walk through villages across Goa on June 24 to the sound of raucous singing and young men jumping into wells. The Catholic feast of São João (or ‘St John’ in Portuguese) is one of the most awaited celebrations of the monsoon season. At no other event can one splash old aunties and uncles with cold water from the well, run amok on the village roads in the pouring rain singing famous Konkani songs and get away

with it.

Villages in north Goa put a little more vigour into the festivities compared to those in the south. Across Anjuna, Assagao, Calangute, Chapora and Siolim, preparations for local entertainment programmes get underway at least a week to 10 days before the feast.

What started as a local celebration has now spiralled into organised chaos, with nightclubs joining in the fun.

Throughout the month of June, pre São João events send cash registers ringing with one of the last big parties before Independence Day in August.

While some simply spruce up a regular party with the ‘São João’ – or corrupted SpanishPortuguese mix ‘San João’ – tag, others open up their swimming pools and throw in some foam to get with the spirit of the celebration. Whichever one you show up at, generally married with suffixes like ‘bash’ or ‘shuffle’, you’re bound to have a good time.

But despite the high society revelry, the real festivities are the ones you see in villages – where boys and men wear headgear called ‘copels’ made of fresh leaves and seasonal flowers, knock back a drink or two,

Cover Story 11

Friday, June 20, 2014

and distribute juicy fruit and traditional sweets to all who visit.

Carlton Carvalho recalled the celebrations being much the same as they were when he was a child 20 years ago. “I used to go with the entourage through Fatorda, all of them without shirts, wearing copels woven at home. At each house they visited, they would jump in the well, and the residents would give them a drink. It was fun watching them jump into the well and then climb out of it.”

Residents keep their wells at the ready, removing meshes or covers and laying out a thick rope to help revellers out of the dank darkness. Heritage lover Sanjeev V Sardessai suggests that many of these traditions have very useful beginnings.

“The custom of jumping into wells would ensure that the people’s main sources of water remained clean. No one would jump into a dirty well. Back in the day, it was their way of protecting the resources,” he said.

Not long after the prayer at the local cross or chapel, a motley group of men, young and old, make the rounds of homes in the village, playing local traditional instruments like the ghumot (an earthen vessel with one of two openings covered with the skin of a monitor lizard) and the kansallem (cymbals).

To join in the fun, you can sing along to local Konkani songs, many made popular by Goan singers over the years.

Tradition dictates that ‘Viva San João’, a composition by Siolim tiatrist C Alvares, be sung with much gusto as it invites revellers to have a drink as they might not get any the next day.

It appears many take the strain “Choll-re, pie-re, tum illo ghe-re. Falean kain mevonam” pretty seriously. And all too often tragedy strikes. Not a year goes by without at least one case of drowning or near fatality. Emergency services, including ambulance teams, fire brigades and the police, are

generally on hand to avert such situations, while priests sound warnings against excessive drinking and misbehaviour.

It’s hard to stay away from the fun though. Some villages, such as Candolim and Loutolim, organise a boat parade or ‘sangodd’ in which beautifully decorated boats are sailed down the nearest river to the sound of a brass band and folk songs.

Villagers come out in support wearing vibrant costumes and chanting “Viva San João, viva San João”.

In Siolim, the celebrations are taken to new heights with the Traditional Boat Festival.

A custom followed over hundreds of years involved residents of Chapora, Anjuna, Vagator and other nearby villages sailing their canoes up the creek, garlanding the cross with a whispered prayer and returning. It soon developed into a parade of colourful floats, following which just over two decades ago, a cultural committee got things a little more organised.

“We host the parade and give out prizes for the best decorated boat. Later in the evening we hold an entertainment programme with cultural songs, tiatrs, folk dances and even fireworks at the end of the show,” said Sylvester Fernandes, president of the San João Traditional Boat Festival Committee.

Thousands of people throng the banks of the creek, spilling onto the roads, to watch the line up of innovatively decorated boats – from mermaids and crocodiles to wells and swans. Coveted cash prizes for the boat parade winners, spot prizes and famous entertainers including Francis de Tuem, Laurie and Luis Bachchan keep the

visitors coming back year after year, including some from the south.

In some villages, the uninitiated might notice a bunch of revellers smacking thick hard stems of coconut palms on the ground. This symbolises an aversion for Judas, who betrayed Christ for 30 pieces of silver. Often, a stuffed effigy of Judas, not unlike Old Father Time, is carried about before being set on fire.

The feast of São João is also an important time for newlyweds. Known as ‘javoiache fest’ or feast of the sons-inlaw, it’s a time for families to show off the men their daughters have married.

“According to this tradition, a recently married man visits his wife’s village. He is adorned with a copel of fresh leaves and flowers and joins in the celebration of jumping into the village wells,” explained historian Maria Lourdes Bravo da Costa.

At each home in which a wedding was celebrated in the last year, the daughters offer ‘dalis’ or a platter of seasonal fruit such as mangoes, pineapples and jackfruit fresh off the trees while the sons-in-law hand out that most favoured Goan beverage – a shot of feni – to keep the spirits up and the cold away.

Sardessai, who promotes the forum Hands-On Historians, believes that this tradition was connected with procreation. “Seasonal fruit provide vitamins and minerals that we might lack during that time of the year.

Sons-in-law were given local fruit so they remain healthy and were able to provide a grandchild to the family. It’s a celebration of life!”

Many youngsters are now either too busy to follow traditions or find them too time consuming. It is heartening to watch those who continue to follow them, for as much as the nightclubs might call, it is the joyous manifestation of faith, the comfort of culture and joie de vivre typical to Goa that is bound to keep the São João tradition alive. 

12 Feature

The grim truth about sexual violence in India’s tropical paradise

By Aparna Raut Desai

U

nderneath the tropical veneer of paradise simmer dark tales of horror and abuse. Women and children face daily ordeals of victimization, molestation and rape.

Outsiders – mostly labourers from states like Bihar, Karnataka and UP are responsible for many of the rapes reported in the state. But an eerie silence bordering on complicity often envelopes any case that implicates a son of the soil.

With Goa projected as being among India’s more forward thinking and modern states, one would expect to see more rape and molestation victims come forth and file FIRs, more perpetrators named and shamed, and finally brought to justice.

Unfortunately, the statistics tell a much different story. Eight years ago, 21 rapes were reported in Goa, according to official figures. Last year, the number reached 46 (that’s in addition to 117 reported cases of ‘molestation’ and 49 reported cases of the unfortunately named ‘eve teasing’.) And those are only the ones we know about. No one doubts that most rapes go unreported.

Meanwhile, the conviction rate for rape in Goa remains among the lowest in the country, at 8.3 percent in 2012, according to the National Crimes Records Bureau. (The national average for that year was 24.2 percent).

Goa Streets interviewed a selection of the victims, aged between 10 and 39. All names have been changed.

“It’s my uncle,” says Nisha, 17. “He molested me for years before he finally raped me. Through the years, he made sure I told no one by threatening to expose me as a liar. I used to fantasize about one day telling my father, and that my father would, at least, have him arrested.”

Nisha never summoned the courage to tell her parents, but broke down one day, inexplicably to all around her, in school. Her teachers were sympathetic and listened, then called her parents.

And the truth came out. The parents’ response was shock and depression.

They never reported the uncle, nor confronted him in any way.

“At least he doesn’t come to the house anymore,” says Nisha of her ‘consolation’ prize. “My parents never even spoke to me about it. I think they are afraid ‘my name will get spoilt’ and no one will want to marry me.”

When six-year-old Katty was invited to look at photos of film stars at her neighbour’s home, she went willingly. Javed, her molestor led her into a room and touched her inappropriately.

Katty told her parents about the incident the same day.

Javed has vacated his home,

and Katty is no longer allowed to speak with anyone outside the family.

Arlene summoned the courage to tell her parents about being molested, but their reaction was one of shame. “What will the neighbors say?” Arlene says her mother asked her.

“They will say you wear short skirts and deserved it.” Arlene now wonders whether she did deserve it.

When the notorious Nirbhaya case took the country by storm,

reverberations were felt in Goa, too.

Students from various colleges and schools joined a protest march in Miramar, initiated by students from the Salgaoncar College of Law. A businesswoman who joined had a speech prepared. Taking the mike, she said, “We need to stop this rape culture.

We need to teach our children how to dress. How these girls go out now. They need to cover themselves. How much can the police do?”

The police who were present nodded their heads in full agreement with this stunningly unenlightened view (that girls “invite” rape through their wardrobe choices). Horrified, convenors of the protest requested the young people to take the mike and they did.

School-going children discussed the need for deep-rooted changes within the society. Boys spoke about the need to respect women, and one girl pronounced aggressively that no matter where the rapist hid, “we will find you and we will destroy you.”

Views on rape traverse the spectrum of attitudes and beliefs in Goa. “The inspector asked me why I live alone,” explains Harpreet. “He asked why I am thirty and unmarried.”

The police are still more circumspect about registering an FIR if the alleged rapist happens to be a Goan. In the wake of the Vasco rape case where an intruder is alleged to have raped a sixyear-old child in the bathroom of her school, the case seemed open and shut until it was shut to remain forever open.

“That case was never meant to be solved, and that is why it was never solved,” explains a prominent resident of Chicalim. “If you have the right connections [politicians], you can get away with murder, what is rape?”

A few citizen activists raised the ante on Facebook and other forums looking for justice for the Vasco rape child. Yet in the background, a sinister silence played. A silence of netizens that simply never engaged, demanded answers or pursued justice for a child.

Goa’s not all about sea, sand and fun. There are tormented souls looking out through haunted eyes in every corner, every district of the state. If sexual crime in Goa is to be tackled seriously, our leaders and society will have to start from the very homes of Goans, and start changing attitudes. 

14 Sports

Thomas Muller hitting the Penalty in Germany Vs Portugal match

By Gary Azavedo

World Cup 2014 has proven to be a real entertainment saga of thrills, upsets and plenty of goals

S

creams of “Goaaal!” can be heard in homes throughout Goa, interspersed with a fair share of ‘boos!’ as well, especially against referees. Expect the exclamations to only get louder now as World Cup 2014, being played in five time champions Brazil, reaches its climax on July 13, 2014.

Ushered in by a dazzling opening ceremony held at the Sao Paulo stadium on Thursday, June 12, 2014, football crazy fans keenly watched the inaugural match played between hosts Brazil and emerging football power house Croatia that was won by the former defeating the latter 3-1. It was especially nice to see Brazil wonder boy Neymar adding his name to the score sheet.

Notably, most of the top billed teams in the tournament, including Brazil, Spain, Argentina, Portugal, France and England, have failed to convince those watching of their ability to win the tournament, despite their victories in the opening matches. The 2014 World

Cup is emerging as one of the highest scoring tournaments in history. Hopefully things will only get better!

Golden Boot aspirants

Although players such as Lionel Messi of Argentina and Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal along with Neymar of Brazil are being tipped to be the highest goal scorers of this World Cup winning the Golden Boot, last World Cup 2010 Golden Boot winner Thomas Muller of Germany presently leads the goal scorers with his hat-trick of three goals scored against Portugal. Will he win the Golden Boot again?

While Portugal’s Ronaldo has failed to live up to the high expectations, both Neymar and Messi have just one goal to their respective names as of this writing.

But two of the Netherland’s players – Robin Van Persie and Arjen Robben along with France’s Karim Benzema are in the second spot as they closely follow Muller with two goals each to their names.

Shockers & disappointments

Meanwhile, there have been major upsets and shocking results at Brazil’s

Salvador stadium, beginning with defending champions Spain trounced by last year’s runners-up Netherlands 5-1 followed by three times World Cup champions Germany defeating Portugal (the heartthrob of some Goans) 4-0!

Other surprises are the USA-Ghana encounter that led to a 2-1 result in the favour of the Americans, thanks to USA’s Clint Dempsey, who astounded everyone with his quick 30-seconds goal against the African soccer giants, Ghana. Thus, entering the record books for the fifth

fastest goal in world cup history! Besides, Costa Rica defeating two time champions Uruguay 3-1 was another interesting twist in this ongoing World Cup saga of thrills, upsets and plenty of goals.

As of June 19, there were only three draws, including two goalless draws between Iran and Nigeria and the other between Brazil and Mexico. Russia and Korea Republic tied their match a goal a piece.

But the major shocker is that both defending champions Spain along with

Sports 15

Friday, June 20, 2014

Dias termed Brazil’s Neymar as “the most stunning player as he tried to shoot many in the net and has good coordination and excellent command of the ball.”

While Gomes was quite impressed by the ‘stunning saves’ made by the Italian goal keeper Gianluigi Buffon, Dias still swore by Spain’s Iker Casillas ‘although he failed badly in stopping a goal but still saved many goals.’

But Gonsalves remarked, “The players that easily come to focus in this edition of the World Cup are Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar. Neymar has already impressed with his impeccable performance against Croatia. Brazil’s performance was a good one, considering they conceded an early goal. To come from behind is not a mean achievement and that, too, when the pressure is heavy.

Only when you are well-drilled, you

Cameroon and Australia are now out of the tournament with their second consecutive defeat!

Most impressive match and players

However, striking a different footballing touch was Irineu Gonsalves, a sports lover from Verna, who commented, “The Spain v/s Netherlands

(As on Thursday, July, 19, 2014)

Brazil – Croatia

3-1

Chile-Australia

3-1

Mexico-Cameroon

Netherlands-Spain Colombia-Greece

Costa Rica-Uruguay Italy-England

Cote D’ivoire-Japan

Switzerland-Ecuador France-Honduras

Argentina-Bosnia & Herzegovina Germany-Portugal Iran-Nigeria Usa-Ghana

Belgium-Algeria Brazil-Mexico

Goans take on World Cup 2014

When asked about their most impressive match, most Goans were still discussing the Spain v/s Netherlands match.

Goa’s prominent footballer now turned artist Yolanda de Souza Kammermeier remarks, “I was backing the Dutch. They outplayed the defending champs totally. The Dutch always had the players but not the luck. This time it worked perfect! I also think it is better when Robben plays more central as it is easier for him to shift to his preferred foot and strike. It was a great game with plenty of excitement and I think we just discovered serious contenders for the title!”

Agreeing with her are both Elvis Gomes, the vice chairman of the Goa Football Development Council (GFDC) and Stephen Dias, a 69-year-old former NIO scientist residing at Dona Paula, Panjim.

Gomes adds, “Nobody had expected such a drubbing of the champions by the runners-up team. Of course, Netherlands was the most impressive team of those I have witnessed (till Sunday, June 15, 2014). Since on the backdrop of their last World Cup loss in the finals, they came up with a plan and executed it to perfection.”

Dias says, “Netherlands or Holland initially failed to impress us as they played a rough game and soon after they picked it up and continued quite well till the end, completely dominating their rivals Spain which none of us in the Panjim crowd expected. It was a clean game after 15 minutes and the speed was at top level which none of the teams in the previous World Cups have displayed.

Also, the accuracy was excellent which Brazil failed to achieve.”

WORLD CUP MATCH RESULTS

Russia-Korea Republic Netherlands-Australia Chile-Spain

Croatia-Cameroon

match was a damp squib compared to last World Cup final between the two European giants. Spain impressed the world with their tika taka style of playing football. In fact, no other European nation plays that type of football – a Brazilian photocopy football.”

“Spain ruled from 2008 to 2012 winning three consecutive big tournaments with this style of play. But they failed in the very first game of the World Cup. Spain has been criticised for their lackluster performance. The way Spain started the campaign it looked like they are going to repeat their feat.

In the first 40 minutes, they did what the world expected from them. But what went wrong? The Spanish team has been aging. The Spanish defence just could not handle the fast counter attacks. Netherlands’ speed was the decisive factor. Sergio Ramos and Gerard Pique were outfoxed and outpaced

by Van Persie and Arjen Robben. The Netherlands’ strategy worked very well.

They came well prepared to avenge their World Cup final defeat. It will be sad to see Spain failing to qualify to the Round of 16,” says Gonsalves.

Speaking about the players who have impressed, for Gomes, it was the flying goal by Netherlands’ Van Persie whereas

become resilient. And that is what Brazil demonstrated. The penalty was dubious.

If this was a penalty then this World Cup will see a flood of penalties, if they go by the Japanese referee Yuichi Nishima’s interpretation. FIFA’s refusal to embrace simple technology is most curious.

Having a quick look at a TV replay is no more time consuming than spraying shaving foam on the pitch to mark out 10 yards. It’s a dereliction of duty considering FIFA introduced goal line technology which was long overdue. FIFA should seriously consider introducing two referees on the pitch as the game is becoming faster and faster. There are counter moves galore and that, too, with precision long passes. It becomes difficult for a referee to be at the right spot at the right time. In hockey, they have two referees because of this reason.”

Portugal v/s Germany

A staunch Portugal supporter, Dias also commented about the Portugal v/s Germany match, saying “Portugal is really a better team than Germany.

The way they have started shows their calibre but they soon got disappointed after the undeserving penalty kick from the referee who was biased towards Germany. The red card to Pepe could

1-0 5-1 3-0 3-1 2-1 2-1 2-1 3-0 2-1 4-0 0-0 2-1 2-1 0-0 1-1 3-2 2-0 4-0

have been avoided and instead he could have been given a yellow card since it wasn’t a major foul. But I blame Pepe because when he was already having possession of the ball, he had no need to turn back and head butt. This was improper on his part, so he deserved it.

These two moves demoralised Portugal completely as they could not achieve the desired result with a 10-men team.

The biggest failure of the team was their goalkeeper who failed miserably and the coach should have substituted him in the first half. Cristiano Ronaldo was in fine form but could not play without receiving any cooperation from his teammates.

Also, Coentrao needs to be benched as he must have been having the groin injury earlier to the health check-up and was not noticed during the selections. The score could have been far worse than 4-0 since Portugal players were already tired and demoralised with just 10 players on the field. I feel if not for the penalty and red card, Portugal would have taken the lead as a good start is important for any team which Portugal achieved for just few minutes of the first half.

But the bad penalty and a player sent off, demoralised them resulting in their failure.”

Dias, a former footballer who played during the Portuguese era for teams such as Academica, Vasco da Gama, Lar de Estudantes and Clube Desportive of Portais, underscores the following matches as ones not to be missed by avid football lovers: Brazil v/s Mexico; Australia v/s Netherlands; Uruguay v/s England and Argentina v/s Germany.

As the World Cup 2014 fever is getting more and more contagious, one only hopes that the present football tourney will surpass all its predecessors in breaking more and more records. Will it?

16

Friday, June 20, 2014

The Stiletto Diaries

Anyone for rubber? Not for my Zara, says Goa’s Fashion and Lifestyle writer Ethel Da Costa who believes the more women speak up for themselves, the better it is for the country – and for keeping the male libido in check. It is the monsoons, after all…

By Ethel Da Costa Dance, come on, let me see you move… my Zara pumps are all lined up for a torrid brush down. Rigorous, I mean business hence shut-up-and-bear-me stroking of suede against flesh in rhythm to Michael Jackson’s ecstatic high pitch falsetto straining my eardrums through the soft lining of my headphones. Dance, Come On softly urges Michael, as I sway to the music of the rain. So what if my high heels are sullied by mud? Contrary to common sense and sage advice that heels are not monsoon friendly, I would

rather be dead than wear plastic or rubber on my feet. Not for this girl, no sir.

So, Zara will suffer the torturous puddles and potholes I take back home on my treacherous walk from work, braving the sidewalks I silently pray an ode to save me the hairline slip. My pumps will seek deviant ways to embarrass me, of course, at the traffic crossings daring to burst open at the seams and spill my toes onto tar. You know, when they are all checking you out and your shoe goes phat! The price fashion makes you pay with your sole!

So between the last fashion fad and

the new flavor of the season, the Modi wave has turned all but our catwalks to saffron. I’m also loving the sensex’ new position and thankfully it’s not missionary (wink wink). The up-swing has also interestingly got many a woman I know to suddenly speak up for herself, free of all sugar coating, going straight for the jugular and for the balls (oops, sorry… I meant to say ‘beard’, wink wink).

And that’s how I believe poor Ness got his nest in a sticky spot with the feisty Zinta. Atta Preity girl. Good for her. When a male buddy attempted a sly put-herdown big-boy play for the something-

is-fishy Wadia, I had to big-mama-style remind him that this country made a huge song and dance about women’s rights this elections, so let’s not give Ness too much benefit of the doubt. Though I can’t for Pete’s sake fathom what the ditty television actress now turned politician, Smriti Irani would do for the country’s women population brandishing the HRD portfolio... Banish the casting couch, perhaps? Ooops, was that another faux pas? Giggle, giggle…

In all the years that I have been watching India’s iron lady Sonia make a Gandhi out of the reluctant son, I’ve never caught her feet in heels. Zilch, nada and I can Google till kingdom come. Can’t say the same of UK’s former iron lady Maggie, who in lipstick and thatched suits (ooh I love these puns) brought the men of her country to their feet and lasted in power for many years booting them in place (hee hee). Is that why dear Rahul silly grinned himself for the cameras when they lost everything but the undergarments to a humiliating dress down at the vote bank? I like him, winner or not. Hopefully he enjoys a single malt as passionately as he posed for the press ads crossed armed even as he failed to appeal to the women of this country looking for a role model Prime Minister. I mean, come on now. As a woman who likes politics as much as an 18-year-old cured malt straight neat, I couldn’t understand why a handsome man like Rahul would adopt that sorry girl mum’s-theword stance, when appealing for our votes. Which hot blooded girl likes a crossed armed man who will not engage in conversation, huh?

You can’t take him home, you can’t rumble the stable either. Boring…

Cut us hard working single girls some slack, please.

No wonder Preity decided to take Ness to the laundry. After all, for years men have been doing the dirty linen with talk of their exploits, real or imaginary.

If more women stand up for their own space of mind and thoughts, it would perhaps ensure in the years to come that we’d have a woman to lead this country towards its lofty destiny. We are so tired being the wind beneath someone else’s wings. We girls can hope. Yes? Like Carla Bruni, the former supermodel, then Mick Jagger’s girlfriend, the rock and roll groupie who finally sashayed her way into the presidential boudoir of the French and made no bones about cutting

Arts & Entertainment 17

Friday, June 20, 2014

Galleries of Note San Thome Museum Go back in time and visit a real jewel in Goa’s treasure chest.

Free entry.

At Varca 9 am to 8 pm +91 9822363917/ +91 832 2745017 Yahel Chirinian Interesting mosaic mirror sculptures by an exceptionally creative artist.

Free entry.

At Monsoon Heritage Studio, Arpora 9 am to 6 pm. +91 9822122771 Gallery Gitanjali An elegant art gallery in Panjim’s Latin Quarter; worth popping in when you’re in the area.

At Fontainhas, Panjim 9 am to 9 pm. +91 9823572035 Panjim Art Gallery Get a dose of local culture: figurative, individual work by Goan artists.

Near Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church, Panjim 9 am – 8 pm. +91 9822168703 Cheshire Cat Jewellery Gallery Fashionable wearables. It’s all about style ladies. Jewellery and accessories.

At Bairo Alto, Assagao 10 am to 7 pm. +91 9822580898 Gallery Attic More local talent on display: paintings

by Goan Artists.

Opposite Don Bosco, Panjim 9 am to 1 pm and 2 pm to 7 pm +91 832 2420929/+91 2257931 Sunaparanta- Goa Centre for the Arts The centre houses several exhibition galleries, a large multi-functional space for workshops and lectures, an inhouse film club, sketch club, studios, open air amphitheatre, pottery studio and an open courtyard that houses the al fresco café, Bodega. Open to the public, and the food at the café is recommended. Brunch on Sundays.

10 am to 6 pm At Altinho, Panjim +91 832 2421311 Mario Art Gallery Original paintings and other memorabilia of the great Goan artist/ cartoonist Mario Miranda.

Buy “The Life of Mario”, as well as prints, mounted prints, frames, tiles, mugs, card sets and other books.

At ‘Houses of Goa’, Salvador-doMundo, Porvorim area 9 am to 5.30 pm +91 832 2410711 Arte Douro Art Gallery Even if you aren’t into serious art, check out these paintings on canvas originals and prints, international and local. At Porba Vaddo, Calangute 9 am to 9 pm +91 832 22882266/ +91 9822147148 Surya Art Gallery Contemporary art works - Goan canvas paintings & artifacts.

At Bandawalwada, Pernem +919404149764

Art Chamber - Galleria de Belas Artes Featuring works by Goan artist Yolanda D’Souza and others. Whilst you’re there, check out their programme of musical performances.

At Gauravaddo, Calangute 10 am to 1 pm & 4 pm to 8 pm +91 832 2277144/ +91 9823217435 Big Foot Art Gallery Display of works by various artists from India and abroad.

At Loutolim 9 am to 6 pm. +91 832 2777034 Moksa Art Gallery Salvador’s paintings. Salvadore Fernandes, that is, and others.

At Naikawaddo, Calangute 9.30 am to 8.30 pm +91 832 2281121/ +91 9326717386 Casa Araujo Alvares A 250-year-old mansion showcases our heritage in Goa’s first automated sound & light museum.

Entry Fees Charged Rs.50 At Big Foot, Loutolim 9 am – 6 pm +91 832 2777034 Email: bigfoottrust@gmail.com Gallery Esperance Go back in time: Retrospective of art in Oils, Watercolors, Crayons Portraits, Landscape and Still Life Photographs.

Near the Our Lady of Merces Church, Merces 9 am to 6 pm +91 9545536437 Carpe Diem An extremely active art and learning centre that hosts a number of exhibitions and performances. Also look out for the workshops there.

At Majorda 10 am to 6 pm. +91 8888862462 Fundação Oriente Art Gallery Permanent exhibition of paintings by Antonio Xavier Trindade (1870-1935) – a well-known Goan painter of the time.

At Fontainhas, Panjim 10 am to 1 pm & 2 pm to 5 pm +91 832 2230728/ +91 2436108 Garden Central Gallery Permanent exhibits, paintings and sketches by artist Derek Monteiro.

Near municipal garden, Panjim From 10 am to 5 pm +91 9921372036 Kerkar Art Gallery This gallery exhibits installations and sculptures by local artists such as Subodh Kerkar and selected works by contemporary artists from all over India.

At Gauravaddo, Calangute 10 am to 7 pm. +91 832 2276017 Ancestral Goa A mock village depicting the culture & traditions of Goa from a century ago and perhaps even earlier. Great for history lovers.

Entry Fees Charged Rs. 50 At Loutolim 9 am to 6 pm +91 832 2777034

a music album, thank you very much. The girl has sass. She got the French President, like hello!! Who, good man, stood by her and learnt to handle the bold brunette and all her not-so-subtle nuances? Not many men can handle a woman with her own mind, let alone let her be mad, bad and lovable. Not many famous surname wives I know who dare to step out of their husband’s shadows, grit their teeth and take it in their stride making their own personalities.

As I flow from Michael to the soul searing voice of Sia singing `Chandelier’ into the wee hours of the night, my headphones hold court, my ears are completely numb, I’ve all but sung a lullaby to my crew of steady, strong, sure footed designer labels who I can count on to hold my frame tall, come rain or heartbreak. Who needs a man, when you have your loyal Louboutin.

Invest in them, nurture them, watch them come to your rescue especially when the urge to fling them to get across a point presents itself to you.

Opportunity, as they say, does not come twice. Get it?! Rejuvenate your spirit this monsoon. And kiss some frogs. Darn, the prince is long dead. Why wait. The sooner we come to terms, the better for our credit card limits. It is a bitch-eatbitch world. Cheerio darlings… `Shoes are just a pedestal. What interests me is the power of the woman who wears them.”

Christian Louboutin. 

Ethel Da Costa is a Goa-based, award-winning Fashion, Lifestyle, Music writer-journalist, Radio Head, Creative Entrepreneur, Media and PR Consultant, Fashion Stylist, commentator and columnist of all things political and socially incorrect. She’s worked with Femina, The Times of India, Radio Mirchi 98.3FM, the International Film Festival of India, OHerald Publications among others, and is the founder of Think Geek Media Entertainment. She is the author of Eve’s Revenge: Stories of Nemesis (2008), with a second sequel in the making Eve’s Light: Stories of Passion (2014).

She can be reached at etheldacosta@gmail. com Website: http://about.me/etheldacosta Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/in/ etheldacosta

Invincible Vodka Unveils Whisky exclusively for Consumers: Master’s Imperial Premium

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he widely popular Indian-made brand Invincible Vodka today announced a pioneering new superWhisky – Master’s Imperial Premium – available exclusively for consumers.

Mr. Basab Paul, MD of Invincible Vodka said: Master’s Imperial Premium

Whisky is blended with imported scotch malts. The alcoholic strength of this whisky is 42.8%v/v.Aunique handle type bottle is great attraction for the masses. Our master blenders have created a very unique blend with the smoky aroma. It competes with brands like Blenders Pride, Signature, and Antiquity.

Master’s Imperial Premium whisky made up from premium grain and blended with Scotch whisky.

Smooth and lingering on the palette, vanilla nuances. An attractive reusable bottle with swing cap makes the brand stand head over shoulder amongst competition. Family shaped bottle carries prestige of brand across packs. Pilfer- proof and adulteration resistant caps and

sleeves.An ideal brand for the elite and the masses.

Recommended retail price Rs.385/for 750ml.

About Invincible Vodka: Inevitably Invincible Vodka, has bagged a Gold SIP Award for the Invincible Bottle Design and Silver SIP Award for its taste; which is a great accomplishment for the brand and the company which always aims to unveil products without compromising on quality. Such laurels pitchfork the company into an unenviable position in the market and distinguish and empower the brand as a preferred spirit among consumers.

Szechwan Food Festival at The HQ T

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our wish to dance and get wet in the rain will now be a reality on 23rd June 2014 as we present ‘The San Joao Grind 2014’, celebrate by all ages captivating the spirit of merriment, color and tradition of any other Goan Feast.

Here at Resort Rio, Goa the event boasts a lineup of the most exciting DJ’s such as Ryan Nogar, Rinton, Jay, Brandon, Ryan Britto and Lester Isaac who will blast out all the latest mix as you get wet and freaky on the dance floor or in the pool.

Jumping and splashing around you will find yourself absorbed by that ultimate fun house vibe which adds to the magic of clubbing abroad.

From grown lads wearing arms bands, sexy girls in bikinis and colorful outfits akin to the Carnival in few ways, this is definitely a must.

Blessed with breath taking natural surroundings only adds to the fun, frolic and a wet-carnival atmosphere with loads of surprises, spot prizes, booze and entertainment galore.

This is surely an unmissable party for San Joao 2014. So to make sure you don’t miss out, Buy your tickets today!

DOOR OPENS at 3:00PM

he perfect weather for some spicy and all things hot is what the Szechwan Food Festival is all about at The HQ, Vasco’s 4 star hotel. Ori the signature Pan Asian Cuisine restaurant will be transforming into a spicy gourmet paradise in the weeks to come.

Szechwan cuisine is decidedly devoted to the hot and spicy and is reputed to be the spicier variety of various Chinese cooking styles compared to the Hunan or Cantonese with pepper and chilly figuring prominently on the menu.

What makes Szechuan cuisine so special? “Hot, humid climates found in the Szechuan province in China calls for food that is both hot and highly spiced. The combination also works great in India with similar climate united with the keen devotion to chili and spicy food in India”, says Corporate Chef Raj. A sneak peek into the menu reveals styles that feature is decidedly devoted to the ‘hot’ stuff. The Vegetable Clear Soup with Hot Chili Oil or the Hot Chili Prawn Soup are certain to set the meal off with a ‘bang’.

Vegetarian and non-vegetarian appetizers like Vegetable Golden Bags or Chilli Garlic Dumplings and Garlic Pepper Prawns are certain to induce curiosity and tempt you to try leave some room for the rest of what’s on offer.

The main course is the one that will have you reaching for your chopsticks or fork.

Crispy Tofu, Four Vegetable Treasure or Stir Fried Vegetables with Cashew all prepared in

tangy and pungent combinations of sauces set the table on fire. The Sautéed Crab in Spicy Szechwan Sauce or the Tamarind Chili Fish are bowls full of spicy delight and an assured mouthing watering experience.

Accompaniments like Cashew and Chili Fried Rice or Pan Fried Szechwan Noodles pair well with any choice.

The menu variety has something for everyone and do let your host know the level of spice you would like to try.

The Chef’s would be pleased to help you try the ‘let’s go all hot’ option for your meal.

To round off the perfect meal and to help cool off a bit; delightful Coconut Dumplings with Spiced Honey or Sticky Date Pudding with Ice Cream is certain to leave your taste buds tingling with the delightful combinations the team has prepared.

“At Ori our specialty food festivals are very popular and food like Szechwan food is the biggest hit with our customers”, says F&B Manager Francis Olmick D’ Souza. The carefully prepared combinations on the menu have been crafted to ensure that you get the best of the cuisine and have an enjoyable meal with the cool and balmy monsoon outdoors, the food is sure to warm you from the inside.

For reservations: 7709003237.