Panjim is a place particularly known for its vivacious and westernized holiday spot in India. Dominated mostly by Christian community; Christmas as a festival, is widely celebrated with grandeur and props in Goa. I have been to Panjim during last December holidays to explore this alluring destination and meet some of my old friends. It is said that December is the best time to travel down to Goa and I began my journey with a mindset to experience a lifestyle different from the usual routine life of Mumbai.
From Dabolim to Hotel
The moment I Stepped out of Dabolim Airport I noticed the huge number of ‘Firangs’ making their way out of the Airport clearly identifiable from the distinct locals. We had a booking near a beach side resort named Estrela Do Mar. The hotel service also included transport from airport, so we were transferred by car to the hotel by a kind Goan localite who also briefed me about the famous hotspots. It took 1 hour to reach our hotel.
We planned our each day so that no single day is a wastage. We decided to stay at Estrela Do Mar near Calungute beach for three days and then Pearl Oceanique hotel near Colvo beach for two days. During our 5 days trip we visited famous spots like Coco beach, Calungut beach, Colvo beach, Mondovi river, Miramar to name some water bodies. Apart from this we also visited St.peters Church, Bastillica church and museum, the famous Dona Paula, etc. Each and every place had its own unique historical or traditional ethnicity. Dona paula, Calungut beach are famous for the shopping experience but shopping at an affordable price was possible only at Panjim. The cruise ride at Panjim and dancing with the local Goan on the cruise was the icing on the cake. Each and every street of Panjim city was lighted and the atmosphere of the Christmas day charged everyone. The December Carnival of the Panjim city colored the streets with the most vibrant color. Localites, dressed as the clone of Santa Claus. People all decked up to attend the midnight masses. Goan Catholic flocks attend midnight mass service traditionally called ‘Missa de Galo’ or ‘cock crow’ as they go on till the early hours of the morning. The same day I met my old friends and maternal relatives who resided on the old streets of Panjim also known as Panaji. Christmas as a festival is marked with family gatherings and feasting. The famous non-vegetarian ambience named Xacuti and Cafferi with mouth watering sweet Goan platter made my stay delicious and pleasant. I have also learned few words of their local language ‘Konkani’ which sounded similar to Marathi language but the difference was they more stress on the nasal voice.
I was glad to visit Panaji during the best time of the year i.e December. Though, it was more crowded than any time of the year. The beautiful cold weather coupled with picturesque spots especially the cruise ride is one of an experience. Carnival is always pleasure to watch and watching it live with traditional as well as modern Goan Music and Dance was a treat to my eyeballs. The happy moments shared with my family during my visit to Panjim will be always cherished. Once is definitely not enough so I decided to visit this place as many times I will get the opportunity to do so but may be some other time of the year, some other festival season. Till that time the explorer in me is searching for another place……well, Jaipur city in the State of Rajasthan?
Why Not! It will be another exotic experience.
