VIVA CARNIVAL

Carnival is one of Goa's famous and popular festivals celebrated in the month of February.It is celebrated just before the 40 days of Lent.The festival is celebrated for one week in many cities of goa like PanjimVasco etc. Lakhs of tourists visit Goa for new year celebration,and they stay here for a month or two.As a result they get to witness one of the best carnival celebrations.The carnival festival is a major attraction for tourists visiting Goa.Carnival is one of the most waited events for Goans.The streets come to life with  Music,color,dances,floats and processions. during this period and the rule of king Momo begins and his message to the people is to party and to enjoy their life .In goa carnival is also known as 'INTRUZ'.

carnival dates back to the portuguese rule in Goa.It was introduced by portuguese during their rule in goa.It was celebrated on a large scale during the olden days.The Festival was revived after the liberation on Goa.The carnival festival is organized by the tourism department with help of Corporation of city of Panjim (CCP).This festival is gaining more and more popularity among international as well as domestic tourists as it is not celebrated in any other part of the country,they get to witness this cheerful festival only in Goa.
So if you are visiting Goa for new year celebration,do wait for some time and watch the craziest festival of Goa.
some pics of carnival in Goa:

more pics of Goa carnival can be seen on flickr,shared by some goans.click the below link to see more carnival pics.
Goa carnival pics on FLICKR
Goa carnival in india

St Francis of Assisi, Old Goa--a famous church in old goa

As i said before,Goa is famous for its beaches,temples and churches.There are many churches in Goa.Tourists visiting Goa often visit these churches.Most of these churches were built during the Portuguese time.These churches in Goa has their own beauty and magnificent architecture,.they have unique design.among the famous churches of Goa the churches of Old Goa definitely stands first.There are many churches in Old Goa.the city of Old Goa has historic importance.It was the capital during the Portuguese rule.this city is Old Goa is declared as UNESCO world heritage site.some of the famous churches of Old Goa include Se cathedral,Basilica of  Bom Jesus,church of st.peter etc.

The  St Francis of Assisi church and convent is located to the west of Se Cathedral.The  Archiepiscopal palace

which is 230 feet in length and 180 feet in breadth joins the Se cathedral to the convent.The church and convent was create by Franciscan friars.This was supposed to be a chapel when it was built but was later on modified into a church.The convent was built by the Friars as their residence.In 1835 the convent was closed by then Portuguese Government.The convent houses the Museum of Archaeological survey of India since 1964.The Museum has many old painting, sculptures etc from the 18Th century.

st Francis of assisi

The church was demolished in the year 1661 and rebuilt.The interior of the church exhibits the mosaic- Corinthian style.So if u are visiting Goa don't forget to visit this church and other churches of old Goa.

GANESH CHATURTHI in Goa

Hello everyone.Today i am going to share some pics of Ganesh Chaturthi in Goa.Chaturthi is celebrated in Goa mostly during September-October.This festival is celebrated at a large scale in all parts of the state.This festival is celebrated mainly in Goa and  Maharashtra.The devotees of lord Ganesha and all people wait eagerly for this festival.Ganesh chaturthi is called as 'chavath' in Goa
Ganesh Chaturthi is the birthday of Lord Ganesh.According to Hindu calender Ganesh Chaturthi comes in the month of bhadrapada.The 4th day in the month of bhadrapad is celebrated as Ganesh Chaturthi.Ganesh chaturthi is one ofthe most important festival in Goa.This festival is celebrated by people with great joy.During this time they forget all their worries and celebrate this festival.During Ganesh Chaturthi  families which are spread in different parts of reunite at their native place to celebrate the festival.people celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi mostly for 1.5 days or 5 days.But this period can extend to 7,9,11 or even 21 days.people bring home clay idols of lord Ganesh and worship these idols.variety of dishes are made during this time which is the best part of the festival ;) ."Nevri" and "Modak" are common items in the daily menu.Modak is Lord ganesha's favorite sweet.It is my personal favorite also :).

MODAK

NEVRI

 After the Chaturthi is over the idols are immersed in nearby lake or sea,this is called 'visarjan'.this marks the end of the most loved festival of Goans. during the visarjan people shout "ganapati bappa morya".every year i wait for Ganesh Chaturthi because its my favorite festival among all.
Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav is also common in Goa. many sarvajanik Ganesh idols are worshipped at public places like B,police stations,community halls etc.places like Mapusa,Marcela etc are famous for
sarvajanik Ganeshotsav.
This was about the Ganesh chaturthi festival in Goa.Here i am sharing many photos of Ganesh idols :
Photos from the year 2010:

Ganesh Chaturthi photos 2011:

NARKASUR photos in Goa

Hi everyone.welcome back to my blog.Today i would like to share some pics of Narkasur in Goa.I mentioned in my last post about Diwali a festival celebrated in Goa.During these festival small children,and youths make giant idols of narkasur.according to mythology Narkasur was an evil king who terrorized people.Lord Krishna killed Narkasur this freeing the people from this demon.Thus people started to celebrate Dipawali(Diwali)  which signifies the win of good over evil.

Now Diwali is celebrated all over the country.But in Goa along with the usual religious activities the Goan people are known to celebrate it in a bit different way.Few weeks before Diwali the youths,small Children from every village of Goa start making idols of Narkasur,small or big.They put lot of efforts in making these huge idols.

Children try to make them as good as possible.these idols are later burnt early morning on diwali day.In recent  years many Narkasur competitions are organized all over Goa in which many youth clubs take part.The huge Narkasur idols they make depicts the creativity of these youths.Many clubs participate in these competitions.The winners are awarded with case prices.The narkasur competition is a great attraction for tourists visiting Goa during this time.They  don't miss the awesome view at the competition spot.Narkasurs  competitions are common only in Goa and not found in any other part of the country.

Here are some pics of narkasurs(2010):

UPDATE: narakasur photos 2012
making the narakasur 2012