Margao
Margao is the second largest city by population, and the commercial and cultural capital of the Goa. Margao also happens to be the administrative headquarters of Salcete sub-district and South Goa district.
In the pre-Portuguese times it was a temple town and was an important settlement in Salcete and was known as Matha Grama (the village of Mathas). Its replacement in 1579 was destroyed by raiders along with the seminary that had been built alongside it.
The initial settlement of Margão grew from the site of the ancient Damodar Temple. The original temple was demolished and the temple tank was filled up to be replaced by the Holy Spirit church and church grounds. The deity Damodar (a form of Lord Shiva) was carried across the Zuari Agranashini river to the Novas Conquistas in which the Sonde rulers resided.
While the western side of the Holy Spirit Church developed as a market place, the settlement grew on the eastern side, that is, the Borda region, with the Holy Spirit Church, Margao at its core and extended outwards.
The Holy Spirit Church Main Square is defined on one side by the church with its baroque architecture and the parochial house, and on the other side by the palatial mansions of affluent elite Catholics, positioned in a row. The Associação das Communidades(Communities Association) building and the school being the odd exceptions which add to its character and sense of scale.
The church feast is celebrated before the monsoons, it is a time when many residents make pre-monsoon purchases to stock up for a prolonged rainy season.
Margão’s importance as an administrative and commercial area grew with the increasing dependence of the surrounding towns and villages; leading to the administrative center with the town hall at its center being built in the south.
In 1961, Goa was invaded by India and incorporated into the Indian Union, and Margão was declared as the administrative center of the district of South Goa.
This town is also claimed to be the cultural capital of the island state Goa. A cultural center named ‘Ravindra Bhavan’ was inaugurated by the then Chief Minister of Goa, in 2008 at Fatorda.
People from all over Goa congregate at the special market to buy spices and dried fish to be used during the oncoming rainy season.
The famous cuisines of Goa are widely found in Margao and are imported in Portugal and other parts of the world.
This cultural hub and the commercial capital of Goa lie at the banks of River Sal and is one of the oldest settlements in Goa. Before the invasion of the Portuguese, Margao was a Matha gram, a land with nine monastic endowments of the Hindus. The first site of colonization in Margao was around the ancient temple of Shiva in the form of Lord Damodar. The temple was then demolished and now a church stands on the very site of the temple. The urbanization of the city took place because of the dependence of the nearby villages and towns and hence the current market came into existence. The town hence derives its name by the locals calling it Maud-gao or the market city of Goa.
Fatorda Stadium
The Fatorda Stadium, officially known as the Jawarharlal Nehru Stadium, is a multi-purpose stadium situated in Margao. The venue has been used to host both international football as well as cricket matches. It happensto be Goa’s only international stadium and has a seating capacity of 19,000 people. The venue was established in 1989 and is owned and operated by the Sports Authority of Goa. It is the currently the home to football teams FC Goa and the Churchill Brothers.
Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Fatorda was built in a record 6 months span of time. It was opened in 1989 as a football only stadium but in less than a year was redeveloped to include cricket.
Goa is one of the most important places in India which has contributed a lot for football. In the national level there are four clubs, Dempo S.C., Churchill Brothers S.C., Salgaokar S.C., and the Sporting Clube de Goa while there are numerous other small clubs. All the four big clubs have Fatorda Stadium as their home ground. In 2014 Indian Super League club FC Goa announced it as their home ground.
This venue has long been a mainstay of Indian football, having played host to many international games, including India’s qualifiers for both the FIFA World Cup and AFC Asian Cup. The Stadium was renovated for the 2014 Lusofonia Games which were conducted in Goa.
The top four places to visit in Margao are as follows.
1.Church Of Holy Spirit
This happens to be the largest church of Margao. Constructed in 1564 on the ruins of a Hindu temple, the church is flocked by vistors. Though the church was a prey to fire outbreak, it was re-constructed in 1589.
The main alter of the church is dedicated to Virgin Mary while the entire edifice is a magnificent work of art.
2. Colva Beach
This white sand beach stretching over 2.4kms makes it a famous beach for tourists in South Goa. Overlooking the Arabian Sea, the entire shoreline is lined with coconut trees.
The beach however is fully commercialized as it is filled with restaurants, bar and pubs.
One can experience a beautiful sunset with the endless sea drifting to the horizon.
3. Sri Damodar Temple
Considered as one of the sacred places for the Hindus residing in the town, the temple lies on the banks of the river Khushawati. The river is rumoured to have special healing powers an as a result is visited by both Hindus and Christians. The idol of the deity is Lord Damodar who is believed to be one of the forms of Lord Shiva.
4. Benaulim Beach
Situated within 2kms of the Colva beach, lies the Benaulim Beach. One of the most calm, tranquil and serene beaches is famous for its fishing activities. Though it is not highly commercialized it still gets crowded on weekends.
Wining and dining are significant parts of Goan lifestyle, so one simply miss out on some great Goan food favourites during a holiday in Goa. The most popular local drinks, besides beer, are Port wine and spirits like Urrac and Feni. Goa may be a place for meat-lovers with an endless selection of non-veg favourites like Chicken Cafreal, Mutton Xacuti and Pork Vindaloo on offer. Order pao bread, local poi or steamed sanna is a must for the meals.
1. Joe’s River Cove
Situated along the banks of the river Sal, the restaurant boasts of a multi-cuisine menu but sticks to Goan starters. For starters the Chicken Chilli fry, Stuffed Mushrooms, Prawn and Vegetable papad rolls and Butter Garlic squid are special the delicasies While for the main course, one simply has to try the Masala fried Modso or Kingfish or for a vegetarian option the Vegetable Caldinha with local bread is a special delight.
2. Peppers Gourmet Cuisine
Located in the suburbs of the the Margao, the hotel serves some of the best cuisines of the city. Without having an inch of doubt one can order the Cheese and Spinach stuffed mushrooms and Squid Chilly fry for starters while any of the Goan dishes on offer or fresh seafood for mains. The sizzlers and steaks are pretty good too. They even have a rare diet menu of succulent meat and fish preparations, grilled or steamed to perfection, with olive oil as an added option and served with tasty vegetables.
3. Britto’s
Eastablised in 1961 Britto’s is reputed for using fresh, excellent quality ingredients Tourists and celebrities alike flock to eat sumptuously at this restaurant. Vindaloo or the Crab curry, are pretty famous here. The seafood platter, which includes fresh crab, mussels and shrimp, is a specialty here and one must surely that the dish out. The restaurant has live entertainment, karaoke nights and BBQ evenings. The restaurants location on a beach adds to a special attraction.
4. Viva Panjim
This little Indo-Portuguese restaurant is decked with nostalgic items like vintage mirrors and antique Portuguese furniture and there’s a small clutch of tables set out in the balcony. One must surely try out the Prawn Curry and rice because these joint ladles up a mouth-watering curry concoction.
5. Zeebop
Specialised in seafood this elegant beach-side structure is like a large shack by the sea but with plenty of shade and open enough to let the sea breeze blow past.
One will have to try out the crab, prawns, lobster, oysters, mussels and other seasonal shellfish. The chicken steaks are juicy, tender and wonderfully prepared. A variety of desserts can be found here including the layered coconut dessert Bebinca and Creme caramel, two Goan favourites.
6. Mum’s Kitchen
This is the definitive place in Panjim for food fresh from a Goan kitchen. The place serves delicacies from both the Hindu and Christian kitchens, blended with Portuguese style items. Vegetarians will enjoy sampling local vegetarian cuisine – the Tambde bhaji (red spinach) or Bimbli Udamethi made with roasted coconut and spices. The non-veg and seafood options are fantastic too. For something really rich and special one can try the Lobster Recheiado which is lobster stuffed with hot, red local masala ground with tamarind and vinegar.