Jun 10, 2006 04:01 PM
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I visited Goa last year, and yes, it was the best trip till date. Christmas is so much fun here that you would feel that you are at the North Pole, the mythological birthplace of Santa Claus.
I had blast! The place appeared like heaven to me. I was very fortunate to get six gifts from Santa Claus. Come evening, and it is party time in Goa, with youngsters gleefully stepping into their dancing shoes. It is the time for merry making, exchanging gifts and savoring delicious cakes and pudding of Goa.
Ranging from fruitcake made of dry fruit and wine, the delicacies include a host of local sweet like neureous, dodol, doce, which looks like the north Indian burfi, and coconut nest. The sweet are traditionally made at home and are sent in decorative baskets to relatives and friends, a week in advance. All members of family gather at the house of senior most members Christmas Eve for a traditional dinner to strengthen family bonds. It consists of turkey or chicken, pork Sorpotel and pulao.
I dare you to eat Sorpotel, Goa's prized dish, made of diced pieces of liver, heart and kidney, served in thick gravy. Goans sop up this gravy with sanaas, steamed coconut and rice pucks that have an intoxicating hit of toddy.
Fish and Feni are an integral part of Goan culture. The garmented juice of cashew apples is distilled for the strong and potent brew, kaju Feni, Coconut or palm Feni is made from the sap of the coconut palm. Wherever there is fun and frolic, there is Feni.
Christmas Day at Goa is relatively quit, as everyone is at the church Mass. Gifts for everyone, irrespective of their religion, resemble the Christmas sprit. The festivity continues even after Christmas.
Goa is dotted with churches, which are monuments in stone and reveal its rich religious heritage. Goa has a timeless charm in retaining its inherent soul, while creating a delicate synthesis of various cultures. It is rightly named "the pearl of the Orient" by the Portuguese.
Goa owes its dominant Christian influence to the Portuguese arrival in 1510, their control and ensuing influence, produced an exotic blend of East and West.
During Christmas and New Year, different churches organize special masses and carols, which are enjoyed thoroughly with equally delicious cakes. In typical Goan style you can participate in the Missa de Galo, or the midnight mass, at the Chapel of St Xavier, which is held every year.
The nativity of Jesus Christ I celebrated with traditional joy and gaiety here. Houses and churches at this time of the year wear an elegant look, with colorful lights and stars. Christmas further add to the Christmas spirit.
Market places too are embellishes with tinsel and lights, and the whole atmosphere is one of fun and frolic.
