admin – Goa Roots

Atmaram Naik, Passionate taxi driver – 93 years old

December 15, 2018February 7, 2019 admin

Many must have heard stories about driving Passionist, racing drivers or off-roading drivers but meet this legend who has carried his passion to his earning. Atamaram Naik, from Arabo-Pernem drives vehicle at the present age of 93 years. Atamaram Naik, born in village of Arabo in 1926 did his schooling in Portuguese medium. He has gone through various phases in his life and it is very uniquely interesting to know about this personality who at his early age of around 15 became post man, his 1 st job which he…

MOG – Museum of Goa

October 15, 2018October 15, 2018 admin

The words “Raaj aangan” brings in a feeling of nostalgia and the long gone moments spent in these courtyards or raaj aangan’s. An integral part of many Goan Hindu and Portuguese houses, the courtyards are centrally located and its history can be traced back to the Harappan Civilization. A quadrilateral building plan sees an open centre and thus allowing nature into the house. Courtyards were also incorporated into the architecture for environment, culture and social reasons. Centrally located, it provides ventilation to innermost rooms even on the ground floor. As…

The Raaj Angaan of Hindu Homes

May 2, 2017 admin

‘Mhalo’ or ‘The Local Barber’ | Traditional Occupation in Goa

April 20, 2016February 7, 2019 admin

“Mhalo” the traditional name used for Goa’s barber, would probably bring memories to most Goan’s. Today with more professional approaches to the business, this traditional name has been replaced as hair stylist. Here is the story of one such “Mhalo” of Arabo (A village in Pernem taluka), Mahadev Bala Navelkar from the traditional occupation of ‘Mhalepon’ who has been in this profession for close to 60 years. Mahadev Bala Navelkar Recalling his first day at work, 84 years Mahadev says “I got together my barber kit and sat down under a…

Gulalotsav | A Traditional Bridge in Margao and Zambaulim

April 5, 2016April 5, 2016 admin

It is best described by the colour pink which is the colour in vogue at Zambaulim, a picturesque village on the banks of the river kushavati about 21 km from Margao which comes alive today by extending Goa’s version of Holi to mark a centuries old tradition of Gulalutsav during the festival of Shigmo in Goa There are no records of when the festival began, but it is said that during the Portuguese regime, some temples were destroyed including the temple of Shri Damodar in Margao. The devotees tried their best…

Pejechem Fest | A Tradition Kept Alive, Siridaò

March 30, 2016February 7, 2019 admin

The Village of Siridaò Village and its History Siridaò is a small hamlet surrounded by Curca and Bambolim village separated by a branch of the Zuari river. A major portion of the Catholic community living here, are fisher folks and toddy tappers. The village had a main Church built in 1603, dedicated to Santa Maria Magdalena, which collapsed in 1869 and then Parish was shifted to Goa Velha Church. In 1877 at the same place, Chapel dedicated to Holy Souls (Santa Almas) and Our Lady Of Rosary was built and it was elevated to…

Procession of Capas Magnas | World Famous Procession of Capes in Goa

March 21, 2016March 21, 2016 admin

Image Source: Daijiworld.com A Lenten ritual whose origins are steeped in time is the “Procession of Tails” led by Goa´s archbishop as part of Good Friday services lasting four hours in the Se Cathedral.The archbishop and Canons of the Chapter of the Cathedral wear black cowled robes with tails that trail two meters behind them in what is officially called the “Procissaum das Capas Magnas” (Procession of the Great Capes). As the robes sweep the floor, a 16-century coffin with a life-size statue of Jesus laying in it is carried…

Tree House Stays, Aldona | The Hippie House

March 14, 2016March 29, 2016 admin

About this Property This second story living area is perfect for bird watchers and animal lovers alike. There is a good size bedroom, with it’s own tiled, light and airy bathroom and pool area. It has a double bed and surround windows to view monkeys in the trees. Just think about it, getting away from the world, just you and your special someone, letting go of all your anxieties and burdens and let nature take the wheel for a bit, with a cozy bed and a sit out lounge, not to…

Procession of Saints, Goa Velha | Unique Procession to Mend Ways

March 14, 2016March 15, 2016 admin

Image Source: daijiworld.com “The Franciscan priests, who resided on Pilar hillock, decided on this procession of saints so that the faithful could mend their ways, as the saints are leaders who should be an inspiration to all”. Goa is the only other place besides Rome that such a procession is held since centuries. The two unique processions that continue to the day are the procession of ‘Capas Magnas’ at the Se Cathedral, commonly known as ‘Xeppedeochea Pursanv’, on Good Friday and the Procession of ‘Ordem Terceira’, known as ‘Santachem Pursanv’, at Goa…

Island Portuguese Villa, Corjuem | The Hippie House

March 9, 2016March 29, 2016 admin

About this Property Corjuem is a beautiful island village situated two kilometers from the village of Aldona. Famously known for the Corjuem Fort, which was a military fortress for the Portuguese in India. The Portuguese Villa fits in the surrounding village environment with a stunning landscape, alive with birdsong, morning peacocks, crickets chirping, thick clusters of palms and a distant river that washes away all the traces of a hectic modern world. The Space Accommodates: 4 Bed type: Double Beds Bedrooms: 2 Beds: 2 Cupboards: 2 Property type: Portuguese Heritage Stay Amenities Kitchen…