tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-168964742024-03-16T06:39:54.380+05:30NOSTALGIC MOMENTSPrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01023126998314268275noreply@blogger.comBlogger817125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16896474.post-53231245930743994892023-05-18T17:41:00.005+05:302023-05-18T17:43:32.858+05:30The museum of almosts <p>In the heart of a bustling city, hidden amidst the hustle and bustle, there stood a peculiar building known as "The Museum of Almosts." </p><p><br /></p><p>Its walls held stories of dreams that were almost realized, hopes that were almost fulfilled, and paths that were almost taken. </p><p>People often visited the museum to reflect upon the roads they didn't traverse, dream about the choices they could not make. And then a part of them would always stayed behind, turning into yet another artifact for the others who visited to witness and behold. </p><p>Such was the museum of almosts. It was always almost there, and sometimes it wasn’t. </p><p><br /></p><p>Nobody had told Aanya about the museum. She was on her way to work when she spotted it one day. </p><p>“Strange,” she thought. “I take this route every day but I don’t remember seeing this here.” </p><p><br /></p><p>As if magically, she found her feet drawn by an inexplicable force towards the building. She gazed up at its grand facade, its windows sparkling with the sunlight, as if inviting her to step inside and confront her own "almosts." </p><p><br /></p><p>She hesitated, unsure of what she might find within those walls. Was the summer heat causing her to have hallucinations, or was it the whispers of her own heart that had led her here? </p><p><br /></p><p>Aanya had always been pragmatic, never allowing herself the luxury of regrets. Life had forced her to make tough decisions, and she had forged ahead with determination. But lately, a sense of emptiness had seeped into her being. It gnawed at her, challenging the certainty of her chosen paths. She wondered if the relentless pursuit of her goals had left her with a void, a sense of longing for the roads not taken.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR8Xb48mFlk0Qewi2XX4zt3-bSvE456HmmIEzSIioZHtP6UkexEQvd28NFg2IlSw3_oCryu09VNtEJgo8aLgZr3Y4olApXvliyJZuMW6s5u8KzzMfQ6eTPan1Oty9IvpGN6HB44bzXAeuk5PL4FsEnUeqDjsOt6ou9BiWCUBqTaLXpoHlr1Sc/s462/FB_IMG_1684411540481.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="260" data-original-width="462" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR8Xb48mFlk0Qewi2XX4zt3-bSvE456HmmIEzSIioZHtP6UkexEQvd28NFg2IlSw3_oCryu09VNtEJgo8aLgZr3Y4olApXvliyJZuMW6s5u8KzzMfQ6eTPan1Oty9IvpGN6HB44bzXAeuk5PL4FsEnUeqDjsOt6ou9BiWCUBqTaLXpoHlr1Sc/w400-h225/FB_IMG_1684411540481.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>Growing up, Aanya had been a meticulous planner. Each year, she would fill her personal diary with carefully crafted to-do lists. From graduating in engineering by 23 to landing a job at a multinational company, her ambitions were neatly mapped out. Marriage, children, and even becoming the CEO of her own startup were all part of her grand plan.</p><p><br /></p><p>She had almost achieved everything on her list, but now, a strange wistfulness washed over her. The goals she had pursued suddenly felt incomplete, mere "almosts" on her journey. </p><p><br /></p><p>Standing before the museum, Aanya wondered if there was more to life than just ticking off boxes. Summoning her courage, she stepped inside. </p><p><br /></p><p>The museum was a labyrinth of rooms, each filled with artifacts symbolizing the moments of almosts. It welcomed her with soft lighting and hushed murmurs. As she wandered through the exhibits, she noticed artifacts that spoke of unfulfilled aspirations and missed opportunities. </p><p><br /></p><p>Each display held a story, a tale of an almost that had remained just out of reach. Each spoke of the wisdom gained from near-misses, the lessons taught by the paths not taken. In one room, she saw a painting with brushstrokes that fell just short of perfection. In another, a collection of manuscripts waiting to be published.</p><p><br /></p><p>As she explored, Aanya encountered others who, like her, were grappling with their own "almosts." Their stories echoed through the halls, mingling with a shared longing and a search for fulfillment.</p><p><br /></p><p>However, amidst the poignant displays, she discovered a glimmer of hope. She realized that life was not about reaching a predefined destination or achieving all the goals on a list. It was, she understood, more about finding entirety and contentment in each of her "almosts."</p><p><br /></p><p>Aanya stepped out of the museum with a newfound perspective. She would embrace the beauty of the unfinished, the magic of the journey itself. Instead of dwelling on what could have been, she would savor each step she had taken and every choice she had made.</p><p><br /></p><p>On her way home, Aanya looked out of her car window. This time, the weather and the susurration of trees no longer carried nostalgia or regret. They whispered possibilities, reminding her to embrace the wonders of the present. They urged her to find joy in the journey of her own beautifully imperfect, ever-evolving life. </p><p><br /></p><p>Her happiness would no longer be defined by the checkboxes on her to-do list, she decided. She would find fulfillment in the entirety of her almosts, while leaving room for the spontaneity of the unknown. She would cherish the beauty of the journey. </p><p><br /></p><p>As she turned to catch a final glimpse of the museum through the speeding car window, she saw it fading away in the sunlight. </p><p>Its purpose had been served for now. </p><p><br /></p><p>©️ Priyanka Naik</p>Prihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01023126998314268275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16896474.post-47362093265830338582022-11-06T23:40:00.003+05:302022-11-07T00:07:34.771+05:30Book review: ‘Ladies Tailor’ by Priya Hajela <p>First and foremost, I must apologise to the author and to Blogchatter for this excruciatingly late review. </p><p>There is a backstory to this delay, which includes the book changing hands and travelling across continents ( from my home without my knowledge). But more on that later. Let’s skip to the more fascinating story, the one by Priya Hajela. </p><p><br /></p><p><b><u>Title:</u></b> Ladies Tailor </p><p><b><u>Author: </u></b>Priya Hajela</p><p><b><u>Publisher:</u></b> HarperCollins India</p><p><b><u>Pages:</u></b> 304 pages </p><p><b><u>Price: </u></b>Rs 300 (paperback), Rs 223 (kindle edition) </p><p><br /></p><p>‘Ladies Tailor’ is a story about a man on a mission, traveling across enemy lines amidst the tumultuous aftermath of partition. Gurdev Singh (the protagonist) takes on the risky task of traveling to Pakistan in search of two embroidery artists who are needed to kick start his small joint-business of stitching ladies clothing with two of his refugee friends, Nirmal and Sangat Singh. </p><p><br /></p><p>The interesting motley of characters at the refuge camps and their individual stories reveal the dismal condition of those who were forced to travel east, the brutality of the ensuing riots, and other hard hitting facts that occurred post-partition; this with no obvious bias towards any particular religion or community. </p><p><br /></p><p>The author’s attention to detail stands out in the way the author has described impressive details of the times and the Sikh community, like the starched vs. unstarched turbans, how turbans were tied, how different people wore their beards, the neatly combed netted version vs. the bobby pin version, vs. the unkempt, loose version—-the language and imagery employed paint a picture that transport one into the story and makes it befitting for a motion picture. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBoln9BdQcuYaC2xRm0D56Bse1S_Pk3Czp7iAd_1wdYqnhEuf5BVeSbYpbTeVDmzJTG95NgzxIcYzwaWAepbh7VPXoRnf0yIEQErnvmE0B0B2b9U1ujaLIIQ55ARYVB7OmW4NT8_PRQ0htmfA_VSyaOsuUs7RmoqAC9FBg7Xu5TadxWdMz7qc/s500/51+i9dELf8L._AC_SY580_FMwebp_.webp" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="326" height="344" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBoln9BdQcuYaC2xRm0D56Bse1S_Pk3Czp7iAd_1wdYqnhEuf5BVeSbYpbTeVDmzJTG95NgzxIcYzwaWAepbh7VPXoRnf0yIEQErnvmE0B0B2b9U1ujaLIIQ55ARYVB7OmW4NT8_PRQ0htmfA_VSyaOsuUs7RmoqAC9FBg7Xu5TadxWdMz7qc/w224-h344/51+i9dELf8L._AC_SY580_FMwebp_.webp" width="224" /></a></div><p>The pages are peppered with lump-in-the-throat moments like when Gurdev sees his parents houses burning, and later, when he and his wife and children walk to the very front of the kafila and woke up at sunrise to begin walking, when his wife, Simran, struggles in silence, in sickness, without uttering a single word to a preoccupied Gurdev, about the dismal condition in the rescue camps with a lack of adequate toilet facilities. However, ‘Ladies Tailor’ is not just about that. It is an adventurous cross border rescue mission story. It is a story about friendship and gratitude. About love against societal stereotypes. About truth, gender equality, sacrifice. </p><p><br /></p><p>As the story progresses, different facets of Gurdev’s personality are brought to light, which make you hate and love him in equal measure. You despise him for being indifferent towards his wife, but you also feel sorry for the state of mind he is in. You are mad at him for not being evocative and expressive, but then you love him for his stoic nature, and never-say-die attitude, his gentlemanly silence to betrayal, heartbreak, and temptation. His mature reformation when Simran leaves him, kids in tow is admirable. Instead of being shattered or jaded by the shock of betrayal, Gurdev seeks to improve himself and gradually changes into a man who is more sensitive to the emotional needs of a woman. </p><p><br /></p><p>While Gurdev struggles with his internal demons alone, he is also kept company by the friendships he forges along the way. Especially heartwarming among these is the friendship between him and Nirmal and Sangat, and his chemistry with Noor, a war widow who manages to steal his heart with her forthright and audacious nature. </p><p>His camaraderie with the refugees, the subtle romance with Noor, the ribbing, and friendly teasing; all these provide a warm vibe to the story. Gurdev’s life gets interwoven with theirs and embarks on the rescue-mission, for business, for friendship. Which eventually helps him make peace with his own demons and have a second chance at life and love. </p><p>The high and low moments of adventure and emotions qualified for a well spun narrative inspiring in the reader the hope of starting over, of overcoming loss; both personal and professional, of breaking to pieces and still gathering the courage to come together once again. </p><p><br /></p><p>The only regret I had was a sudden surprise of an ending. I hadn't seen it coming for the next 5-10 pages and bam! It was there. A little too abrupt for a neatky tied wrap with no definitive ending for the personal stories of the motley of characters that were fleshed out so well in the beginning and middle that I'd expected at least a mention at the end. But it got me wondering whether the author was planning on a sequel. </p><p>If there is one, it would be something to look out for. </p><p><br /></p><p><b><u>Personal rating:</u></b> 4 out of 5 </p><p><b><u>Shopping link: </u></b>Check it out <a href="https://www.amazon.in/Ladies-Tailor-Priya-Hajela/dp/9356290571/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?crid=2Z4XKACZ713D8&keywords=ladies+tailor&qid=1667756770&qu=eyJxc2MiOiIwLjQ0IiwicXNhIjoiMC4wOSIsInFzcCI6IjAuMDAifQ%3D%3D&sprefix=ladies+tailor%2Caps%2C304&sr=8-1" target="_blank">here</a>. </p><p><br /></p><p><b>---------------------------</b></p><p><b><i><a href="https://www.theblogchatter.com/book-review-program-from-blogchatter" target="_blank">This post is powered by Blogchatter Book Review Program.</a> The views in this review are solely mine. </i></b></p>Prihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01023126998314268275noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16896474.post-58147314635538714262022-07-17T08:01:00.006+05:302022-07-17T09:06:16.823+05:30#BlogchatterBlogHop: 'An impossible dilemma' (a poem)<p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: x-large;">If I were told to choose just one</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: x-large;">A sheer case of 'all or none'</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: x-large;">Between to read a book or to write</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: x-large;">It would have been a terrible fight</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: x-large;">How do you choose between body and soul</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: x-large;">Between breath and air, dream and goal</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: x-large;">Between passion and love, food and drink</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: x-large;">Between how to feel and how to think</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: x-large;">Both are linked in every way</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: x-large;"><i>'Yin and yang' </i>as Jung would say</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: x-large;">Read to write and write to read;</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: x-large;">Books devoured, and stories freed</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: x-large;">But still a choice if asked to make</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: x-large;">For reading intent, for writing sake</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: x-large;">An equal balance let there be;</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: x-large;">an erudite writer's identity!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>*********</b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1teMwA2WTezWpknSStQbokisXsS4MKq9ZWXxDLkTqlHexdA1iUPgtEHYfafQyX96JvichRyK0MiYE6FsDn7hi5_UTM-H3toJBFZXFCun438oRkFHvmD677uXxu7Mp7hPC-VnFTq6SASNP5w3IqAXCl4j3KKPaOaajkcJhatwbK_G7ehecZVk/s3508/2B5761F3-160B-4EB3-8A5E-1921C3E5030A.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3508" data-original-width="2480" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1teMwA2WTezWpknSStQbokisXsS4MKq9ZWXxDLkTqlHexdA1iUPgtEHYfafQyX96JvichRyK0MiYE6FsDn7hi5_UTM-H3toJBFZXFCun438oRkFHvmD677uXxu7Mp7hPC-VnFTq6SASNP5w3IqAXCl4j3KKPaOaajkcJhatwbK_G7ehecZVk/w453-h640/2B5761F3-160B-4EB3-8A5E-1921C3E5030A.jpeg" width="453" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: x-large;">The above comic strip is a humorous attempt by yours truly to depict the ‘read or write’ dilemma by revisiting an ancient Greek myth. </span><p></p><p><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">----------------------</span></b></p><p><b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">This post is a part of <a href="https://www.theblogchatter.com/" target="_blank">Blogchatter</a> Blog Hop Blog 3.</span></b></p>Prihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01023126998314268275noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16896474.post-48559683371056356002022-07-11T13:47:00.006+05:302022-07-11T13:51:13.130+05:30#BlogchatterBlogHop: 'The traveller' - a short story. <p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">The last
thing I remember was gazing into the abyss when I lost control and slipped. By the time I regained consciousness,
I found myself spiraling down a dark vertiginous tunnel, clueless of where I was heading.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">When the
vertigo finally stopped, I realised I had arrived at the end of the passage. It
was marked by a door. On it was engraved the name, ‘<b>Hawkins Research Institute</b>’.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">I couldn’t
believe my eyes. I had reached the much rumoured about<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>research facility based in our town. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Located underground, the lab promised utmost
confidentiality and was said to conduct brealthrough experiments of an undisclosed nature.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The
adrenaline rush I felt was unimaginable. A big fat adventure lay waiting in
front of me. Unraveling the mystery could change my life---I could become the
hero of my town. All I had to do to do was choose a quiet opportune moment and
sneak in.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Moments
later, I was inside the facility. Under the dim light of a solitary bulb, I
made my way to what seemed like the basement area.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">In the
centre of the space was a huge glass chamber, equipped with a single seat and a
panel board with multiple levers and buttons. I went closer to have a better
look. But before I could do that, I heard footsteps approaching. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Startled, I
slouched behind an old and rusty file cabinet.
My heart was beating at the speed of a stallion. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The
footsteps stopped. The door opened. As
the lights flew on, I noticed a middle-aged man in a white lab coat walk in. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">He was
bespectacled, had frazzled hair, and appeared preoccupied. I concluded he was
one of the scientists working at the centre. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Without
wasting any time, he made his way to the glass chamber. Quickly strapping
himself to the seat, he proceeded to punch a few buttons and pull a few levers.
The machine lit up, making a noise like an engine, but within seconds the sound
and the lights both died down. The man sighed. A look of exasperation crossed
his face, the tell tale signs of a failed experiment. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Just then,
a tiny squeak fell on my ears. I looked in the direction of the source and my
mouth let out a loud yelp almost involuntarily. A dirty black rat with fuzzy
hair was nibbling on my toes.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Startled by
my yelp, the astonished rodent scurried away, leaving me to face the co sequences
of my folly. I was already thinking of excuses to give the scientist when I looked
up to see him already pressing an alarm to inform security.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">With the
alarm buzzing continuously, and the mad scientist staring me down, I felt
cornered. The security personnel would be here any minute. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Without
thinking, I jumped into the chamber-machine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The man had pulled the red lever, then the blue, or was it the green? I
tried to recollect what I’d seen.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Just then,
five burly uniformed guards entered the
room. They were carrying arms. The scientist gestured towards me and they seemed to
understand what to do. Aiming their rifle towards me, they asked me to
surrender.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">It was
almost a threat. Possibilities of punishment in a science lab wreaked havoc in
my mind. Exhumation, extermination, genetic mutation, a lifetime in coma…these
people could turn me into a guinea pig if they wanted.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The door
creaked. The panic in me surged. My hands trembled. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">I pulled the
first lever that came in hand. Red. Nothing happened. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">I pulled
the blue. Still nothing. The guards sniggered. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Panic
stricken, my hands were dancing all over
the machine panel. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Orange,
purple, green; I pulled all the levers together. I punched multiple random buttons. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Finally,
the machine came to life.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The scientist’s
mouth flew open. The guards did not know how to react. Neither did I.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Since then,
I have been having strange experiences. I have witnessed events no mortal would
ever have imagined. .<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">I have seen
centuries old empires crumbling, witnessed the terrors of fascism, the drawbacks
of capitalism. I have traveled a long way from the freedom struggle to dirty
politics, from <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>communism to communalism,
from the suffragette movement to the Me too movement. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">I have cursed
myself for being a helpless <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>spectator of
acts of apartheid, untouchability, racism, classism, love jihad, jingoism, and
bigotry. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">I have witnessed
genocides, space missile launches, breakthroughs in medicine, military warfare,
nuclear explosions, and miraculous recoveries.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">I guess this
has become my way of life now, my identity. I’m a <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>time traveler with no idea where he will land
up, or what he will experience next.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Unintentionally
though, I eventually ended up being a lab rat for Hawkins afterall. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wonder if there are more like me. I guess we
will never know.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Time-traveling
has <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>ruined me forever, but it has also
made me believe…in endless possibilities, in hope. The universe, I have
realised, is not easy to comprehend. It works in mysterious ways. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The only
regret is that I cannot stay too long at one place to pass on this message. My
time is brief and yet inexhaustibly infinite. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBqmli0wxnzRgVSGQw1RcpnLgPoYQuNBstu9eznYNH8lfgagu_a92n64DmZs8M902jKWwmOuPj7LEenOlqGf2ouqg2zowNyc8BYpaNmXBerOkf4Oju6VNvtKAlKVRhPM6sFGbotyVIp8bs0F2POVfN1GgP7CWJS6uWxbLNTYhTWgIlQ7vQs2A/s678/images%20(2)%20(26).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="452" data-original-width="678" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBqmli0wxnzRgVSGQw1RcpnLgPoYQuNBstu9eznYNH8lfgagu_a92n64DmZs8M902jKWwmOuPj7LEenOlqGf2ouqg2zowNyc8BYpaNmXBerOkf4Oju6VNvtKAlKVRhPM6sFGbotyVIp8bs0F2POVfN1GgP7CWJS6uWxbLNTYhTWgIlQ7vQs2A/w400-h266/images%20(2)%20(26).jpeg" width="400" /></span></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">I am
ageless.</span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> I am the universe. </span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">I am the God particle. <o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br /></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><b>----------------------------</b></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">This post is a part of <a href="https://www.theblogchatter.com/" target="_blank">Blogchatter</a> Blog Hop.</span></b></p>
<!--EndFragment-->Prihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01023126998314268275noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16896474.post-68298621983202251592022-07-04T02:50:00.006+05:302022-07-04T07:14:12.911+05:30#BlogchatterBlogHop: Message in a bottle (a short story) <p><span style="font-size: x-large;">Roxanne was strolling languidly on the beach when she noticed something glinting. At first she assumed it was flotsam. But curiosity drew her closer.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">She scooped out the half-buried object from the golden yellow sands. It was a bottle. Inside it was a tiny roll of writing paper. Her mind began to race. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">Being an avid reader, her imagination quickly transported her to all those books she had read…about pirates and treasures; maybe this was a map. Or perhaps some lovelorn sailor had written to his beloved a confession before meeting his end jn the stormy water; a dismal end to a silent romance.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">Roxanne unscrewed the cork of the bottle and recovered the paper. It was a note.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><i><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large;">Dear reader,</span></i></p><p><i><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large;">This could have been a ticking bomb. Thank your stars It is not.</span></i></p><p><i><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large;">(Let this be a reminder never to touch something that has drifted from the sea, which I’m sure is where you imagined this to be coming. But hah! Tough luck!)</span></i></p><p><i><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large;">We are a bunch of environmentalists on a mission; Project - ‘Message in a bottle’ (MIAB); an awareness project for reckless fools and romantic idiots.</span></i></p><p><i><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large;">You were going to throw this bottle back into the seaside, weren’t you? Maybe add a few lines of your own on the note it was carrying and set it asail for some dreamy eyed dingbat to find again? Six degrees of separation coming closer in such a glorious way binding strangers from different</span><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: x-large;"> </span><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large;">corners of the globe, right?</span></i></p><p><i><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large;">WRONG!</span></i></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large;"><i>What is more likely to happen is this; the sea turtles and fish in the sea will choke on the cork or shards</i> <i>of the bottle broken from the current. And one tiny senseless act will become responsible for polluting our shores, destroying our aquatic life, and eventually damaging the entire ecosystem.</i></span></p><p><i><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large;">Sorry to burst your bubble, my friend. But life is no ‘Nicholas Spark’ novel. It is more of a Douglas Adams trilogy, where absurd things keep happening out of the blue and we need to constantly be on our feet in order to keep our planet from demolition.</span></i></p><p><i><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">So here is a friendly reminder. Stop polluting the earth with non-biodegradables. Go natural instead. Conserve energy. Our forests and natural reservoirs need to be</span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> preserved.</span></span></i></p><p><i><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large;">And for heaven’s sake, please step out of your little Caribbean island pirate fantasy and stop flinging bottles into the sea, with or without notes in them.</span></i></p><p><i><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large;">Reduce, recycle, reuse (you know the drill). Now is the time to act.</span></i></p><p><i><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large;">Regards,</span></i></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large;">MIAB</span></p><p><i><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large;">(trying to save our planet, one step at a time)</span></i></p><p><i><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large;">P.S: Please insert the note in the bottle and place in found position. </span></i></p><p><i><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large;">Project ‘MIAB’ is a supervised project. Your response will be noted, and rest assured, the bottle will be duly disposed in a way that doesn’t </span><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large;">harm our aquatic friends.</span></i></p><p><i><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></i></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">With nervous trepidation, Roxanne restored the note as directed. She knew what she had to do.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">“Thank you, MIAB,” she whispered. “You have opened my eyes. I’m leaving the bottle behind, but will take your message forward.”</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJxMMNytOi3NhWoUGELJImwQwOFeKjfHR_0r1lDLjVk2HJPCqPYr8ImCkrx6gjJgvVGJMriksSboHNp3s2pQcC8IRZvqKNjUUKj4znFpfcshfeGuUqMBN_zupdj3ADC_UqmGT_3Ijx5EYmiHasgCaCtaVjRVCpp5s83RtldjvK5WTT3vYoWBo/s1200/image-20160422-17378-spleho.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJxMMNytOi3NhWoUGELJImwQwOFeKjfHR_0r1lDLjVk2HJPCqPYr8ImCkrx6gjJgvVGJMriksSboHNp3s2pQcC8IRZvqKNjUUKj4znFpfcshfeGuUqMBN_zupdj3ADC_UqmGT_3Ijx5EYmiHasgCaCtaVjRVCpp5s83RtldjvK5WTT3vYoWBo/w400-h300/image-20160422-17378-spleho.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><p><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">----------------------</span></b></p><p><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">This post is a part of <a href="https://www.theblogchatter.com/" target="_blank">Blogchatter</a> Blog Hop.</span></b></p>
<!--EndFragment-->Prihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01023126998314268275noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16896474.post-19882934847160964612022-06-30T12:57:00.001+05:302022-06-30T12:59:26.463+05:30#CauseAChatter: 'Cobalt Blue' - a movie on gender identity and some afterthoughts. <p><span style="font-family: inherit;">The month of June is commemorated as Pride Month, a month that is celebrated world wide, with LGBTQ+ friendly cities sporting rainbow parades and gay marches to ahow their solidarity towards an inclusive environment. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">On a similar sentiment, I got about watching ‘Cobalt Blue’ on Netflix. Having read the novel a while ago, the onscreen adaptation had piqued my curiosity. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6hNFoldTk9-HcT1tm7rwf5fkWp9wWhylQoDTsSYW1I1H6cv25BhYParyEFt4ymREWNED-ow5kZyavD1Bm2g4J8t36qN_GMDhpwKJlnxwOhhleR6KvUU5fHaHy_6GrSS-kI_AJSzMN-VxX8O69KQMUtbUnpFEDwpAiVGqaCTFi05f5qIQG2YQ/s678/20220630_085908.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="678" data-original-width="452" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6hNFoldTk9-HcT1tm7rwf5fkWp9wWhylQoDTsSYW1I1H6cv25BhYParyEFt4ymREWNED-ow5kZyavD1Bm2g4J8t36qN_GMDhpwKJlnxwOhhleR6KvUU5fHaHy_6GrSS-kI_AJSzMN-VxX8O69KQMUtbUnpFEDwpAiVGqaCTFi05f5qIQG2YQ/w266-h400/20220630_085908.jpg" width="266" /></span></a></div><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">For the uninitiated, ‘Cobalt blue’ is a movie adapted from the eponymous novel written by Sachin Kundalkar.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">The movie is directed by the author himself, and was released on Netflix only in April this year. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">Starring Neelay Mehendale, Prateik Babbar, Anjali Sivaraman, Cobalt blue is a Bildungsroman story about Tanay and his tomboy sister Anuja, falling in love with the same man, their paying guest.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">From the very outset, the film deals with the topics of gender identity, infatuation and heart break, ealt with in an utterly sensitive and poignant fashion.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">There are instances when the chemistry between Tanay and his love interest remind you of ‘Call me by your name’, another famous book-to-film adaptation on the same topic. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">Interspersed with heart-tugging poetry penned by Tanay, the film offers a window into the minds of the LGBTQ+ community, that often goes ignored in a society like ours.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">Prateik has played the role of a philandering artist to the T. Being a vagabond of sorts, betrayal seems expected. However, the film is more about the aftermath, the response, rather than the heart break. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">Both siblings are fighting an internal battle of their own. However, Tanay’s struggle seems more painful, his grief more intense, since he, unlike Anuja, does not have the same privilege of expressing his feelings, even when in love. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">And that got me pondering on the hypocrisy of the society we live in, how it deems anyone who isn’t like the majority as a deviant. How it is inconsiderate towards the LGBTQ community, treating them as outcasts.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">We often mistake gender to be binary, often ignoring or overlooking those who are gender fluid or gender nonconforming, not realizing what turmoil we may be causing them. All this for no fault of theirs. They who are created by the same God, they who are as much a part of society as us. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">Cis and trans are two sides of the same coin, called human. Then why the bias! </span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">Honestly speaking, no matter how unbiased I claim to be, some scenes of the movie made me uncomfortable. When Tanay and exchanged tender kisses, oil massages, and warm hugs, which made me ask myself if I would be squirming as much if it was a man and woman playing a love scene on screen. Then why was I uncomfortable watching two consenting adult men do the same? </span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">When I got that mind block out of the way, I could watch the movie for what it was…a love story. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">As compared to the West, India still has a long way to go when it comes to inclusiveness. This bitter fact is brought out beautifully in the scene where a senior professor (played by Rajkumar Rao) breaks down and confesses that being gay feels criminal in this country. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">Truth be told, we may have managed to scrap off section 377 from the IPC, but we still need to scrap it off from our minds. Only then we will be able to hope for an inclusive environment. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLWtko-_mRWvXgDfsgV9QN2dwnq8Xv289JfPRRl43XkklrQ3qvSYezwVfNhSwy5ud77CzDjgLev5eiqAAWbTmeXmNesMtOlorrNY7tsaByF1NzXbRQnMLnP-D6niPpjxkSLSGyLYp0IG2yMeqCvb6WPq0P5vbbFLUfsiicw2Qo4DhAOtCND2w/s632/gender-pronouns01.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="632" data-original-width="632" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLWtko-_mRWvXgDfsgV9QN2dwnq8Xv289JfPRRl43XkklrQ3qvSYezwVfNhSwy5ud77CzDjgLev5eiqAAWbTmeXmNesMtOlorrNY7tsaByF1NzXbRQnMLnP-D6niPpjxkSLSGyLYp0IG2yMeqCvb6WPq0P5vbbFLUfsiicw2Qo4DhAOtCND2w/w400-h400/gender-pronouns01.png" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;">Talking on gender identity should be encouraged and not be treated as taboo. Public and private establishments, cafes, restaurants, transport, etc should be as welcoming to trans folks as they are to cis individuals. </span><p style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">“Tum hi batao, tay kar lo, tum raasta ho ya ho manzil...” </span></i></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">These lines reflect the trepidation, the insecurity, the inhibition, not just when it comes to love but also about loving in a society that does not make one feel safe and welcome. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">The definition of love changes as the protagonists mature with age and experience, from<i> ‘love is a habit’</i> to<i> ‘love makes you stronger’.</i> </span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">The fact that the professor’s advances are declined by Tanay is evident of the fact that gay love is no different from hetero-love and that one cannot share the same chemistry with everyone. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">Another poignant moment in the film that stayed with Mr long after it had passed was when Anuja asks her friend how long a relationship should survive for the world to consider it a ‘good’ relationship’. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">The delicate way in which the two siblings handle the heart break, the maturity that Tanay shows despite loving unconditionally, and the growing up that happens in the process, all send across a clear message...we may not always understand people and their choices, but that does not mean we cannot respect them. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">If a movie can show so much maturity, why can’t we? </span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p><b>----------------------</b></p><p><b><i><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span face=""Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #555555; text-size-adjust: auto;">This post is part of <a href="http://sur.ly/o/theblogchatter.com/AA044639" style="color: #2288bb; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Blogchatter</a>’s </span><a href="https://sur.ly/o/theblogchatter.com/what-causeachatter-looks-like-in-2022/AA044639" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #004dda; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; text-size-adjust: auto; transition: all 0.3s ease-in-out 0s;">CauseAChatter</a>.</span></i></b></p>Prihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01023126998314268275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16896474.post-10863848131609453462022-06-29T11:00:00.007+05:302022-07-01T09:30:50.385+05:30#CauseAChatter: 'Slamming patriarchy' - a poem on women empowerment <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL5OOgX0UcJ2fN4Fh1p6AXvUGhE8ODJbMC83twdyarjLfqL0e-LGVU9-ILSPWC8GYhgTYKmH2LafHFTO9J6CSHy7Voai1-Y7WPFXQfbB7HL2rcyyH17T2ReAA0k0Qi_a4h7QL3buQ1APLqIk5gqw9ip29ybq3mlHRKu8Jy5sG26Yr4LIAGGAo/s1060/woman-blue-denim-jacket-raising-her-fist-as-symbol-girl-power-international-woman-s-day-flat-design_185694-507.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1060" data-original-width="1060" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL5OOgX0UcJ2fN4Fh1p6AXvUGhE8ODJbMC83twdyarjLfqL0e-LGVU9-ILSPWC8GYhgTYKmH2LafHFTO9J6CSHy7Voai1-Y7WPFXQfbB7HL2rcyyH17T2ReAA0k0Qi_a4h7QL3buQ1APLqIk5gqw9ip29ybq3mlHRKu8Jy5sG26Yr4LIAGGAo/w640-h640/woman-blue-denim-jacket-raising-her-fist-as-symbol-girl-power-international-woman-s-day-flat-design_185694-507.webp" width="640" /></a></div><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; min-height: 56.2px; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">I was seven the first time I asked my family astrologer </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; min-height: 56.2px; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; min-height: 56.2px; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><span>to read my palm, </span><span>and my grandma laughed a tired laugh </span></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; min-height: 56.2px; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><span><br /></span></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; min-height: 56.2px; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">‘Run along,’ she said, ‘go play with your dolls‘</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; min-height: 56.2px; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; min-height: 56.2px; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">But it was the stars that had intrigued me</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; min-height: 56.2px; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; min-height: 56.2px; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">And I wondered what lay for me in store</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; min-height: 56.2px; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; min-height: 56.2px; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">So when I was fifteen, I asked once more</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; min-height: 56.2px; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; min-height: 56.2px; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Only to be dismissed by Grandma </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; min-height: 56.2px; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; min-height: 56.2px; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">My future, she said, did not lie in the stars</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; min-height: 56.2px; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; min-height: 56.2px; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">It lay in the curve of my breasts</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; min-height: 56.2px; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; min-height: 56.2px; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">The sway of my hips</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; min-height: 56.2px; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; min-height: 56.2px; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">The kohl in my eyes</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; min-height: 56.2px; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; min-height: 56.2px; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">The colour on my lips</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; min-height: 56.2px; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; min-height: 56.2px; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">And I wondered if only the men in the house</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; min-height: 56.2px; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; min-height: 56.2px; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">had lines on their palms</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; min-height: 56.2px; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; min-height: 56.2px; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Lines that could be read</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; min-height: 56.2px; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; min-height: 56.2px; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Charts that could be spread</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; min-height: 56.2px; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; min-height: 56.2px; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">In accordance with the sun, and the moon</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; min-height: 56.2px; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; min-height: 56.2px; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">and the planets, and the stars</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; min-height: 56.2px; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; min-height: 56.2px; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">And I wondered what lay for me in store</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; min-height: 56.2px; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; min-height: 56.2px; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Was it wrong to wish for something more?</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; min-height: 56.2px; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; min-height: 56.2px; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">To wish a world where I could rule</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; min-height: 56.2px; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; min-height: 56.2px; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">To prove that I was nobody's fool</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; min-height: 56.2px; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; min-height: 56.2px; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">But Grandma laughed a tired laugh</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; min-height: 56.2px; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; min-height: 56.2px; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Women, she said, had no right to dream</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; min-height: 56.2px; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; min-height: 56.2px; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">No matter how smarter than men they'd seem</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; min-height: 56.2px; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; min-height: 56.2px; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">They have no choice but to tame it down</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; min-height: 56.2px; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; min-height: 56.2px; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Like the dolls whom we married to stuffed toy clowns </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; min-height: 56.2px; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; min-height: 56.2px; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">In the play-pretend weddings we would organize</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; min-height: 56.2px; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; min-height: 56.2px; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Never realizing or stopping to think twice</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; min-height: 56.2px; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; min-height: 56.2px; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">How close to life we played</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; min-height: 56.2px; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; min-height: 56.2px; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">But days and weeks and months passed by</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; min-height: 56.2px; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; min-height: 56.2px; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">And resolutes just got stronger</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; min-height: 56.2px; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; min-height: 56.2px; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">So the next time the family astrologer came visiting</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; min-height: 56.2px; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; min-height: 56.2px; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">I did not put forward my palm to be read</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; min-height: 56.2px; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; min-height: 56.2px; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">But instead displayed the medals I had won</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; min-height: 56.2px; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; min-height: 56.2px; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">The trophies I had bagged</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; min-height: 56.2px; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; min-height: 56.2px; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Academics and sports, elocution and debates</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; min-height: 56.2px; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; min-height: 56.2px; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">There wasn't a single field I lagged</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; min-height: 56.2px; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; min-height: 56.2px; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Proudly sauntering my way ahead</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; min-height: 56.2px; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; min-height: 56.2px; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">I'd carved fate lines for myself </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; min-height: 56.2px; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; min-height: 56.2px; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">This time Grandma smiled, her eyes were gleaming </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; min-height: 56.2px; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; min-height: 56.2px; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">She'd said girls shouldn't dream, but there I was, dreaming</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; min-height: 56.2px; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; min-height: 56.2px; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">She held my hands in hers now and softly cried</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; min-height: 56.2px; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; min-height: 56.2px; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">And I was only too happy that I had tried </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; min-height: 56.2px; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; min-height: 56.2px; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">To break the stereotype that society had set</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; min-height: 56.2px; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; min-height: 56.2px; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">for girls, women, dreamers like me</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; min-height: 56.2px; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; min-height: 56.2px; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Who had once wished for their palms to be read</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; min-height: 56.2px; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; min-height: 56.2px; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">And were now hoping for minds to be free</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; min-height: 56.2px; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; min-height: 56.2px; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Of prejudiced ideas, and gender inequality</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; min-height: 56.2px; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; min-height: 56.2px; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">That had been plaguing the world for an eternity</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; min-height: 56.2px; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; min-height: 56.2px; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">It took time for her to understand </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; min-height: 56.2px; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; min-height: 56.2px; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">But then Grandma took matters in her hand</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; min-height: 56.2px; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; min-height: 56.2px; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">and showed that astrologer the door</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; min-height: 56.2px; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; min-height: 56.2px; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">And that day what I realized, I say to you once more;</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; min-height: 56.2px; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; min-height: 56.2px; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><span>The stars can burn all they want</span></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; min-height: 56.2px; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><span><br /></span></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; min-height: 56.2px; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><span>but they cannot stop you from trying</span></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; min-height: 56.2px; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><span><br /></span></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; min-height: 56.2px; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><span>The planets, the sun, the moon aligned </span></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; min-height: 56.2px; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><span><br /></span></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; min-height: 56.2px; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span>c</span></span><span style="font-family: verdana;">annot dictate what you can do</span></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; min-height: 56.2px; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; min-height: 56.2px; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">The lines on your palm do not chart the course of your life</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; min-height: 56.2px; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; min-height: 56.2px; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">So draw your own lines instead and don’t allow them to limit you </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; min-height: 56.2px; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; min-height: 56.2px; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><span>From trying, </span><span>even when someone says </span></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; min-height: 56.2px; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><span><br /></span></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; min-height: 56.2px; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">you can’t, reach out for your dream </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; min-height: 56.2px; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; min-height: 56.2px; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">For no matter how distant it may seem</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; min-height: 56.2px; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; min-height: 56.2px; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">There is thunder in your wings, darling</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; min-height: 56.2px; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; min-height: 56.2px; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">You are meant to kiss the sky</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; min-height: 56.2px; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 28.7px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 34.2px; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: auto;"><b>--------------------------</b></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 34.2px; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: auto;"><b><i><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span face=""Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #555555; text-size-adjust: auto;">This post is part of <a href="http://sur.ly/o/theblogchatter.com/AA044639" style="color: #2288bb; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Blogchatter</a>’s </span><a href="https://sur.ly/o/theblogchatter.com/what-causeachatter-looks-like-in-2022/AA044639" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #004dda; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; text-size-adjust: auto; transition: all 0.3s ease-in-out 0s;">CauseAChatter</a>.<span class="s2"></span></span></i></b></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 34.2px; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: auto;"><b><i><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">For more of my poetry, you can check out my solo anthologies of poems <a href="https://www.amazon.in/ADRIFT-poetic-musings-untethered-soul-ebook/dp/B09RQ73PGG/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1NZQ0BEZS4VQO&keywords=adrift+priyanka+naik&qid=1656479441&sprefix=adrift+priyanka+naik%2Caps%2C386&sr=8-1" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="https://www.amazon.in/Potpourri-fragrant-collection-hundred-poems-ebook/dp/B07MVLZ36C/ref=sr_1_1?crid=13FOG7ZAA3BG8&keywords=potpourri+priyanka+naik&qid=1656479525&sprefix=potpourri+priyanka+naik%2Caps%2C308&sr=8-1" target="_blank">here</a>. </span></i></b></p></div><p></p>Prihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01023126998314268275noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16896474.post-53598722989441890442022-06-26T10:20:00.017+05:302022-06-26T10:50:58.736+05:30#CauseaChatter: Learn to say 'No' <p>In life we are often faced with situations when yes seems to be the only answer. Sometimes it feels like we have no other choice than to say yes to something or someone. Either out of choice or out of circumstance we are forced to say yes despite our will. </p><p><br /></p><p>Maybe we are left to believe that saying no will hurt the other person involved or will make seem rude or petulant, harm our image in the eyes of others, and that is something that we do not want.</p><p><br /></p><p>Times like these, we need to remind ourselves that it is not wrong to prioritize oneself , that self-preservation is of utmost importance, and that in order to help others, we must first become capable of helping our own self.</p><p>And for that we need to learn one very important thing; when to say ‘No’.</p><p><br /></p><p>Just like ‘Yes’, the word ‘No’ also has a deeper psychological impact on our psyche. Saying 'No' can be responsible for some of the best (when uttered sensibly and judiciously) and worst (when left unsaid out of compulsion/obligation) decisions. </p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><b><u>Challenges of saying No :</u></b></h3><p>For most of us, saying ‘No’ isn’t easy. There are may be different reasons binding us down, reasons that are best known only to the self. I won't attempt getting into specifics as each person is different and so is their psyche. </p><p>But broadly speaking, here is a list of reasons why we generally find saying ‘No’ difficult and how to overcome them. </p><p>1)<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>As children, being considerate towards others is often so ingrained into us that keeping ourselves first feels like a selfish thing to do. The fear of being deemed rude or impolite often stops us from saying what we feel. There is no denying that being compassionate is a good thing, but there also needs to be a healthy balance between our own needs and those of others. </p><p><br /></p><p>2)<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>In today’s fast paced life, it is quite common to experience FOMO, because if which we often tend to bite more than we can chew, take up more commitments than we can handle. Until one day, it takes a toll on our physical and mental health. Experiencing burn out, physical exhaustion, frustration, and mood swings then becomes a common occurrence. Knowing when to say ‘no’ is an important social skill we all need to practice. We need to realize that we cannot do everything in a day. Instead of FOMO, we must learn to embrace JOMO (Joy Of Missing Out), learn to stop and smell the flowers. Only then we will be able to appreciate the journey. </p><p><br /></p><p>3)<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Saying No is a way to preserve our self-respect and self-worth. Would you rather be acknowledged as someone who leaves everything half finished than someone who takes up a only few things but reaches them to fruition? Think about it. </p><p>Having said that, saying no is never going to be easy. However, a little tact and social courtesy can go a long way.</p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><u>A</u><b><u> few things one ought to remember while saying ‘No’: </u></b></h3><p>1)<span style="white-space: pre;"> Your i</span>ntention should be understood. </p><p>Providing a little context always helps cushion the hurt. But you do not need to justify your decision, especially if you feel someone is taking advantage of you.</p><p><br /></p><p>2)<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Over explaining may lead to lengthy pointless conversations which you are better off avoiding. So provide just enough context for the person not to feel offended. And keep in mind that not everyone can handle a rejection well (no matter how nicely you frame it), and it’s okay. </p><p><br /></p><p>3)<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Consider all possibilities before arriving at a decision. Take your time to think things through. </p><p><br /></p><p>4)<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Be assertive while expressing your decision. Stick to your priorities and do so with confidence. If you yourself are wishy-washy about what you want, you can well be taken for a ride. </p><p><br /></p><p>5)<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Being considerate is important. But so is being straightforward . Be direct in your approach.</p><p><br /></p><p>6)<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Be respectful but do not bend. Set your own limits and do not allow anyone to cross them.</p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><b><u>How to know when to say ‘No’:</u></b></h3><p>Saying no is usually instinctual. One should listen to their conscience…that tiny inner voice which keeps us in check. If things ‘feel’ wrong they probably are.</p><p>However, there is need to politely decline an offer even when it feels right..eg: when you are swamped with pending work and are offered another lucrative project.</p><p>In such cases, it is best to complete the task at hand before taking on another task. </p><p><i><b>But how do we know when to stop?</b></i></p><p>One effective method is this:</p><p>Work out your availability time , if the time you have available in a day. Then, half it. Now, prepare that with what you ‘need’ to get done. </p><p>If you still have time left after this, you can consider taking up another task. </p><p>The rule of thumb to maintain a healthy balance is to start small. And leave sufficient time to rest. </p><p>Because as the popular saying goes; “All work and no play…”</p><p><br /></p><p>Despite implementing all these measures, you still experience a serious problem saying no, there is no shame in doing a practice run with a friend or a therapist. Saying ‘no’ is often underrated. But one should never forget that the right choice is the one that works best in your interest. You cannot please everyone, not at the cost of feeling resentful or stressed out. If you ever have to choose between your peace of mind and anything else in the world, you know what to do; choose the former. </p><p>I wish you well, with my favorite words of the serenity prayer.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRa8Bn9itNwyLRR63Uu_mhmoAlXC_4FVaU5oFw7oNfSTXkPhPRh-kvirYrxgo91hKy1V8AxefGctzG3T_b9UoPkPXwT9gZfAmlYhIEAecrd5SoLtymENxzp2OP6PcA_YTopLuJS0SP4RNU0OYBoQsFdiMPPb-W72QlDSif0RwaRKio_XCrqI8/s900/serenity-prayer-sehaz-artworks-original-imaey5zmh2cty4zh.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="685" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRa8Bn9itNwyLRR63Uu_mhmoAlXC_4FVaU5oFw7oNfSTXkPhPRh-kvirYrxgo91hKy1V8AxefGctzG3T_b9UoPkPXwT9gZfAmlYhIEAecrd5SoLtymENxzp2OP6PcA_YTopLuJS0SP4RNU0OYBoQsFdiMPPb-W72QlDSif0RwaRKio_XCrqI8/w305-h400/serenity-prayer-sehaz-artworks-original-imaey5zmh2cty4zh.jpeg" width="305" /></a></div><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b>-------------------------</b></p><p><span face=""Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #555555; text-size-adjust: auto;">This post is part of <a href="http://sur.ly/o/theblogchatter.com/AA044639" style="color: #2288bb; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Blogchatter</a>’s </span><a href="https://sur.ly/o/theblogchatter.com/what-causeachatter-looks-like-in-2022/AA044639" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #004dda; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; text-size-adjust: auto; transition: all 0.3s ease-in-out 0s;">CauseAChatter</a>.</p>Prihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01023126998314268275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16896474.post-82929921730460301052022-04-30T09:33:00.006+05:302022-10-29T08:38:25.006+05:30#BlogchatterA2Z: Z for ‘Zooming in on Goa’ - an overview. .<p><span style="font-size: x-large;">Today is the day my ‘Obrigado, Goa!’ series takes its final bow. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">Welcome to the finale special of my A to Z series. I'm feeling a tad bit emotional while writing this. And a journey like this deserves some reminiscing. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXl2O9XKgDUtacLLhC_5qXePoG5de9nfXZX6bN8oxKAqK6wbW3Jfzq2UpE3w6xspdYj9OeIFE91H2OQsFySl2v4Eg-Lsinc6H6GmuTw0_fmFVTEaWrEvhd30wDXHJzY49vkKjhy5fcVZ8rl8UpaX2qLgr_vZlEqPaJi_cpWrQ_y2zGqB96ECs/s2245/png_20220430_015211_0000.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2245" data-original-width="1587" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXl2O9XKgDUtacLLhC_5qXePoG5de9nfXZX6bN8oxKAqK6wbW3Jfzq2UpE3w6xspdYj9OeIFE91H2OQsFySl2v4Eg-Lsinc6H6GmuTw0_fmFVTEaWrEvhd30wDXHJzY49vkKjhy5fcVZ8rl8UpaX2qLgr_vZlEqPaJi_cpWrQ_y2zGqB96ECs/w283-h400/png_20220430_015211_0000.png" width="283" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: x-large;">'Obrigado, Goa!', hitherto, has been a beautiful journey of 26 posts spread over the last 30 days. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">I still recall the day I signed up for the challenge. It was my first time and I was feeling antsy about it. Also, being someone who doesn't believe in making plans beforehand, signing up for a 30 days campaign was no mean feat. I had no post planned and that would mean committed writing everyday of the month.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">However, the energy of other Blogchatter members was infectious and the enthusiasm soon caught on. I decided to enroll myself. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">Choosing a topic to write on was the easy part though. Being majorly right-brained, I decided to write on a topic that was close to my heart. A topic I had long wished to write on. A topic that is close to home. And so I chose exactly that. I chose a topic that <b>is</b> home...Goa.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">All through the month, I blogged about various aspects of my lovely state...some intriguing, some adorable, some interesting. But all in all, each amazing. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">As days went by, writing the series turned into a roller coaster ride of emotions. Being Goan by birth and by choice, I share an intimate relationship with the place, the language, the people. And so I found myself in a better position to write on this topic.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">However, a thorough research into each individual topic revealed that there was so much that I still wasn't aware of in all its entirity. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">I have lived in Goa all my life and yet it has never ceased to fascinate me. As I delved deeper into each individual topic, I was pleasantly surprised to find a treasure trove of knowledge on a place I already knew so much about. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">Information came from all corners. Research meant asking around, discussing with family and friends, searching googling, and travelling down the annexe of history. At one point, I was so spoilt for choice that I felt the compelling urge to work in multiple themes in a single post. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">I tried my level best to keep it crisp. But an occassional long-winding post was inevitable. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">Having said that, lets zoom in on all that has happened over the month of April. If you haven't been reading me regularly, here is a good chance to catch up on the series.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">You can click on any of the Alphabets below and it will take you to the corresponding post.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://www.drpriyankanaik.com/2022/04/blogchattera2z-for-azulejos-where-art.html" target="_blank"><b>A</b></a> - speaks on the fading connection of Azulejos and Goa. A sneak peek into Goa’s cultural identity.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><a href="https://www.drpriyankanaik.com/2022/04/blogchattera2z-b-for-big-foot-goas-open.html" target="_blank">B</a></b> - speaks on the Big Foot, Goa’s first open air heritage museum. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><a href="https://www.drpriyankanaik.com/2022/04/blogchattera2z-c-for-cuisine-lot-to.html" target="_blank">C</a></b> - speaks on Cuisine, because well, there is lots to love on the Goan plate. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><a href="https://www.drpriyankanaik.com/2022/04/blogchattera2z-d-for-desserts-for-goan.html" target="_blank">D</a></b> - speaks on delectable Goan Desserts, that are bound to leave your sweet tooth wanting more.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><a href="https://www.drpriyankanaik.com/2022/04/blogchattera2z-e-for-events-in-goa-to.html" target="_blank">E</a></b> - speaks on five most popular Events that add to the glamour and celebration in my state. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><a href="https://www.drpriyankanaik.com/2022/04/blogchattera2z-f-for-fulancho-khuris.html" target="_blank">F</a></b> - speaks on Fulancho khuris, and the Goan faith in miracles.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><a href="https://www.drpriyankanaik.com/2022/04/blogchattera2z-g-for-goan-ghost-stories.html" target="_blank">G</a></b> - speaks on Goan Ghost stories, based on the legends associated with some haunted spots. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><a href="https://www.drpriyankanaik.com/2022/04/blogchattera2z-h-for-haggling-in-goa.html" target="_blank">H</a></b> - speaks on Haggling in Goa and provides you easy shopping tips for a worthwhile shopping experience.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><a href="https://www.drpriyankanaik.com/2022/04/blogchattera2z-i-for-iffi-for-love-of.html" target="_blank">I</a></b> - speaks on IFFI, the International Film Festival of India held annually in Goa and attended by throngs of cinema aficionado.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><a href="https://www.drpriyankanaik.com/2022/04/blogchattera2z-j-for-jackfruit-in-goa-5.html" target="_blank">J</a></b> - speaks on some humble Jackfruit delicacies specific to Goa. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><a href="https://www.drpriyankanaik.com/2022/04/blogchattera2z-k-for-kunbi-sarees-goan.html" target="_blank">K</a></b> - speaks on Kunbi sarees, a heritage-saree that is the hallmark attire of women belonging to Goa’s oldest tribe.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><a href="https://www.drpriyankanaik.com/2022/04/blogchattera2z-l-for-language.html" target="_blank">L</a></b> - speaks on Goan Language and linguistics, the local and the adopted.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><a href="https://www.drpriyankanaik.com/2022/04/blogchattera2z-m-for-mankurad-goas-not.html" target="_blank">M</a></b> - speaks on <i>Mankurad</i>, Goa’s prized mango that has an identity of its own. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://www.drpriyankanaik.com/2022/04/blogchattera2z-n-for-nostalgia-goa-then.html" target="_blank"><b>N</b></a> - speaks on Nostalgia, on the Goa of yesteryears. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><a href="https://www.drpriyankanaik.com/2022/04/blogchattera2z-o-for-old-goa-of-feast.html" target="_blank">O</a></b> - speaks on Old Goa, the Church, the Frast, and the Exposition. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://www.drpriyankanaik.com/2022/04/blogchattera2z-p-for-poee-pao-poder.html" target="_blank"><b>P</b></a> - speaks on Pao, Poee, and Poder, words you will commonly hear every morning in Goa. Ubiquitous and quintessential, they are responsible for Goa’s breakfast habit. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><a href="https://www.drpriyankanaik.com/2022/04/blogchattera2z-q-for-questions-never-to.html" target="_blank">Q</a></b> - speaks on Questions you should never ask a Goan. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><a href="https://www.drpriyankanaik.com/2022/04/blogchattera2z-r-for-romantic-goa-5.html" target="_blank">R</a></b> - speaks on Romancing with Goa and some charming tips to spark up your love life while here. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><a href="https://www.drpriyankanaik.com/2022/04/blogchattera2z-s-for-sea-sun-sand-5.html" target="_blank">S</a></b> - speaks on Sea, Sun, and Sand; a trip down South-Goa’s spectacular beaches. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><a href="https://www.drpriyankanaik.com/2022/04/blogchattera2z-t-for-tiracol-fort.html" target="_blank">T</a></b> - speaks on Tiracol fort, the jewel in Goa’s cultural-heritage crown. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><a href="https://www.drpriyankanaik.com/2022/04/blogchattera2z-u-for-urrak-spirit-of-goa.html" target="_blank">U</a></b> - speaks on Urrak, Goa’s summer spirit. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><a href="https://www.drpriyankanaik.com/2022/04/blogchattera2z-viva-goa-you-know-you.html" target="_blank">V</a></b> - speaks on Viva Goa, a cry for victory, a cheer, a vibe. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><a href="https://www.drpriyankanaik.com/2022/04/blogchattera2z-w-for-worship-places-for.html" target="_blank">W</a></b> - speaks on worship places for the devout Goan.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><a href="https://www.drpriyankanaik.com/2022/04/blogchattera2z-xmas-in-goa-its-season.html" target="_blank">X</a></b> - speaks on X-mas celebration in Goa, because that’s the season to be jolly. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><a href="https://www.drpriyankanaik.com/2022/04/blogchattera2z-y-for-yoga-institute.html" target="_blank">Y</a></b> - speaks on the Yoga institute, Goa’s holistic approach to yoga and meditation, a side lesser known. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">And last but not the least, tone post that you are reading:</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><a href="https://www.drpriyankanaik.com/2022/04/blogchattera2z-z-for-zooming-in-on-goa.html" target="_blank">Z</a></b> - speaks on zooming in on Goa, an overview. A recap of my ‘Obrigado, Goa’ series.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">Maybe I will never talk of Goa in the same elaborate manner on the blog again, or maybe I will. Maybe I will never brag about the place, the culture, the people or flaunt its multidimensional features here. Then again, maybe I will. Perhaps this series will reach you in some other format. Perhaps it will greet you in some other form. I still have to work that out.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">After all, Goa is always full of possibilities.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">For inspiring me to dream and work towards making our dreams come true, today, for the final time on this blog series, I express a sentiment that is always in my heart and say, ‘<i>Obrigado, Goa!’</i></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">Wishing you a lot of <i>sushegaad</i> times…</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">Mog sadach aasu di. </span></p><p><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">(Let there always be love!) </span></i></p><p><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></i></p><p><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">-----------------</span></b></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://theblogchatter.com" target="_blank">I'm participating in #BlogchatterA2Z.</a> </i></span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: x-large;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 43.2px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i style="font-family: arial;">My theme for the challenge is ‘<b>Obrigado, Goa!</b>’, under which I’ll be writing 26 posts on Goa (April 1-30th, excluding Sundays), each post corresponding to the letters of the English alphabet. You can read more about it in my <a href="https://www.drpriyankanaik.com/2022/03/blogchattera2z-theme-reveal-obrigado-goa.html" target="_blank">theme reveal post</a>.</i></span></p><p><br /></p>Prihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01023126998314268275noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16896474.post-20345609787233602712022-04-29T10:32:00.005+05:302022-04-29T10:36:12.106+05:30#BlogchatterA2Z: Y for ‘The Yoga Institute - Goa’s holistic approach. <p><span style="font-size: x-large;">I've always believed Goa is less of a place and more of a vibe. Until now, my posts spoke about Goa as a tourist destination, an exotic holiday, a place steeped in cultural history and heritage gems, gastronomic delights, and the <i>sushegaad </i>lifestyle. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">However, there is yet another reason people come to Goa. A reason not publicized as much as the other Goan attractions. I’m talking about the spiritual aspect. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">Believe it or not, Goa is one of the best places one can go to for a quiet rendezvous of self discovery and self improvement. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">It is true what they, Goa is indeed a <i>'state of mind'.</i></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">Introducing the Yoga Institute of Goa, a rendezvous with deep introspection and self-discovery. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLGlvAIG_tylVGHh-1DKhlZ9iILaXPRFjsL-Nq8o5rKP0afmXXr1GFC_RJjd3bA8TQKvfy02-t1jKZEd7D5DxGBV9KkLukURi4AumJo6TcJMwZIttwWjHXhAZFyg_Oum6WL1BRb75ZhVxHDYNO0S7THPuedQVrP6w3IfdcLPMB_f3_qkeSM6w/s2245/png_20220429_082921_0000.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2245" data-original-width="1587" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLGlvAIG_tylVGHh-1DKhlZ9iILaXPRFjsL-Nq8o5rKP0afmXXr1GFC_RJjd3bA8TQKvfy02-t1jKZEd7D5DxGBV9KkLukURi4AumJo6TcJMwZIttwWjHXhAZFyg_Oum6WL1BRb75ZhVxHDYNO0S7THPuedQVrP6w3IfdcLPMB_f3_qkeSM6w/w283-h400/png_20220429_082921_0000.png" width="283" /></span></a></div><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">Ensconced on the banks of the river Mandovi, just 5 kms away from Panjim, lies the serene island of Chorao. An island surrounded by nature, serenaded by the early morning chirping of birds flying across mango trees that populate the region. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">Now isn’t this an ideal site for a date with nature and your inner self? </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">Well, dream no more. Because what you are wishing is already a reality. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">A date right in nature’s lap, surrounded by lush greenery and winding rivers, the Yoga Institure is a spiritual paradise for those who want to explore their inner being. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">We are all aware of the benefits that yoga on the human system. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">Yoga helps to maintain that delicate balance of physical and mental health. It is known for its healing powers and has a therapeutic effect in the mind and body. It helps to alleviate pain, suffering, lethargy, and exhaustion. In fact, a regular practice of Yoga keeps the body, mind, and soul coordinated and in harmony, thus ensuring optimal functioning.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">And so the aim of the Institute is to spread as much awareness and knowledge of Yoga as possible. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">The Yoga Institute believes in adopting Yoga as not just a mere practice, but a way of life. The Institute offers a knowledge of varied yogic philosophies and also encourages the student to accept yoga as a culture of consciousness and science of awareness.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">Set in picturesque surrounding, the institute has Goan style residential quarters equipped with the latest facilities, an infinity pool and training sessions offering a holistic approach to yoga. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">There are early morning classes with meditation and yoga exercises. Since Yoga works in conjunction with healthy eating habits and mindfulness, the institute also takes care of leisure activities and meals in a engaging and nourishing manner, making your stay here a wholesome experience. A fixed number of ‘Satvik’ meals are provided as these have long term benefits on health. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">The Institute also ensures that the sessions are conducted in a manner and at a time as per your convenience. You can unwind and relax both physically as well as mentally, with a yoga session chosen at a time best suited for you. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">When you aren’t in session, you can indulge in the pleasures of nature by setting your work space at a site overlooking the garden or sit by the pool. When you love what you see and how it makes you feel, work productivity rises exponentially. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">So next time you are craving for a quite getaway from the touristy life in Goa, next time when you want to break away for some inner peace and quiet, do consider staying at the Yoga Institute and awaken your spiritual self.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">And before you head back to where you’re coming from, with feelings of equanimity, mindfulness, and an enriched experience in your backpack, don’t forget to think of my series and say, ‘<i>Obrigaado, Goa!</i>’</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">Tomorrow’s post is going to be the final post of my series. So if you have been reading me all throughout, (and even if you haven’t but are reading this) then don’t you miss it.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">Until then,</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">Mog aasu di.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">(Let there be love!) </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">-----------------</span></b></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://theblogchatter.com" target="_blank">I'm participating in #BlogchatterA2Z.</a> </i></span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: x-large;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 43.2px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i style="font-family: arial;">My theme for the challenge is ‘<b>Obrigado, Goa!</b>’, under which I’ll be writing 26 posts on Goa (April 1-30th, excluding Sundays), each post corresponding to the letters of the English alphabet. You can read more about it in my <a href="https://www.drpriyankanaik.com/2022/03/blogchattera2z-theme-reveal-obrigado-goa.html" target="_blank">theme reveal post</a>.</i></span></p>Prihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01023126998314268275noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16896474.post-710608778467384152022-04-28T07:19:00.004+05:302022-04-28T07:23:56.763+05:30#BlogchatterA2Z: Xmas in Goa - it’s the season to be jolly. <p><span style="font-size: x-large;">If you ask Goans what the best time to visit Goa is, you will get one unanimous answer. ‘December’.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">December to us Goans is easily the best time of the year, with everyone in a laidback holiday spirit, welcoming relatives and friends into their home and heart. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">This is the time of the year when most Goans settled abroad make a trip back home. Nostalgia reigns supreme. And this adds to the general bonhomie and joie de vivre in the family. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">Needless to say, the biggest highlight of the season is that it’s Christmas time. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghFaOi6kSPCKPLGjwy6yt0HCMUl67mLfOc4o9qS3fO1TGKhTusD6QTda56tGK-ava9N4YpZoXAq4DvEGlb3_MTsWsJrFknqcShHorSgUrOjyAHsF-6bPkcukLA-jIBbcfCwMuHU0sSBn82hMIe-NZo09vh0BHOAPOuthdAkAMnW_6gpOvSvDU/s2245/png_20220427_105650_0000.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2245" data-original-width="1587" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghFaOi6kSPCKPLGjwy6yt0HCMUl67mLfOc4o9qS3fO1TGKhTusD6QTda56tGK-ava9N4YpZoXAq4DvEGlb3_MTsWsJrFknqcShHorSgUrOjyAHsF-6bPkcukLA-jIBbcfCwMuHU0sSBn82hMIe-NZo09vh0BHOAPOuthdAkAMnW_6gpOvSvDU/w283-h400/png_20220427_105650_0000.png" width="283" /></span></a></div><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">The Xmas season possesses its own special charm for us Goans. The sound of Church bells and Christmas carols playing across streets, brightly illuminated star-lanterns hanging outside homes and shops, men and women in their best attire setting out for midnight mass, these are some of the common sights you’d see in Goa this time of the year. Christmas is family time, a time to bond with long lost relatives and friends. Christmas is a time when both the young age old come together and make merry. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">One spectacular feature of a Goan Xmas is the nativity scene. You have to witness it to know it. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpWgmdIe-IY40X-4LraSJp44fC8a9hse9o_A0ssOkH4mPsKGg6XdvDvTntHFmCz58H2-et43Ge4xpOIROg8YYeYtCtp9G2pokI0Osz6C6AfOeyvuVuf-JAYYJoN2u9tDbe2qgpxyUeAF4lDOYWa3h6XByzYqp6s02OqePHcuydEFNov4KjCS0/s4608/20181228_184839.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpWgmdIe-IY40X-4LraSJp44fC8a9hse9o_A0ssOkH4mPsKGg6XdvDvTntHFmCz58H2-et43Ge4xpOIROg8YYeYtCtp9G2pokI0Osz6C6AfOeyvuVuf-JAYYJoN2u9tDbe2qgpxyUeAF4lDOYWa3h6XByzYqp6s02OqePHcuydEFNov4KjCS0/w400-h300/20181228_184839.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: x-large;">Preparations for setting up the nativity scene commences days in advance. The village youth, irrespective of religion, indulge in constructing and setting up. The nativity is an essential element of a Goan Christmas.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">The traditional nativity scene includes the manger depicting the birth of baby Jesus and the arrival of the three kings. Some contemporary versions of the nativity scene have modern elements of splendour and celebration. Nowadays, new technology is employed to create an electronic, musical setup that is not just a treat to the eyes but brings alive the spirit of the festival.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">However, the main feature of this scene is the crib and that is not a glaring but always a spectacular effort. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">The verdant landscapes Green adorning the crib is usually created by germinating seedlings of millet around a couple of weeks before Xmas so that by December 24 at the achieve the desired height. This is a feature particular to Christmas cribs only in Goa. Sand clay, stone, and other materials are used to make the crib with little figurines of baby Jesus, Mother Mary, the Three Kings, shepherds, and animals for representation. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">The youngsters create new and innovative themes for their cribs every year. They also make decorative items for the Xmas tree, the star and the crib. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">Arrangements start a couple of weeks before Xmas. The Christmas tree is selected, the box of yearly ornaments taken down from the attic, and electrical circuits are checked in preparation. The house is soon to be spruced up for Christmas, with strings of fairy lights adorning its walls and the decked tree strategically placed for all to see and appreciate.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">The womenfolk prepare an assortment of Christmas sweets and other delicacies which are to be sent to near and dear ones as ‘<i><a href="https://www.drpriyankanaik.com/2022/04/blogchattera2z-d-for-desserts-for-goan.html" target="_blank">Kuswar</a></i>’ (or ‘Consoada’). This includes most loved delicacies like <i>Kulkuls</i> (curly fried pastry strips dipped in sugar treacle), <i>Guliyo</i> (chewy Rice marbles which are hard to bite), <i>Neuriyos</i>, rose cookies, <i>Bibinca</i>, <i>Doce</i>, <i>Bolinhas</i> <i>Dodol</i>, <i>plum cake</i>, among other things. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">With most of these available in the market, Kuswar nowadays remains a mere formality. That said, nothing beats the taste of good old traditionally prepared Christmas sweets, made and offered with love.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">In the good old days, Christmas meant going Carol singing around the neighbourhood, with one of the kids (usually the most rotund) dressed up as Santa. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">Today, the world has become a far more private place with fears of all sorts lurking in the heart (and for good reason). Also, technology has created quite the boom. And so, out goes the carol singing, and in comes the play station. Out goes the intimate time spent with family bonding over preparation of Christmas sweets. In comes elaborate cake mixing ceremonies in 5 star hotels where you click pictures (for Instagram) with strangers. This too has its upside though. You get to know more people and make new friends, which again, is the essence of Christmas. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">But it is always a pleasure witnessing Christmas celebrations in Goan villages that still maintain tradition and celebrate Xmas the old fashioned way. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">Afterall, extravagance and splendour can never replace simplicity and affection. Love and true Christmas spirit can never go out of fashion, can it? </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">So here’s to loving and living the festive spirit not just in December but all year round. Here’s to preserving the old and embracing the new, to keeping us connected with each other and with a higher God. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">To all this, we raise a cheer and say, ‘<i>Obrigado, Goa!</i>’</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">Come back tomorrow for the penultimate feature of my series. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">Until then,</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">Mog aasu di. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">(Let there be love!) </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">-----------------</span></b></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://theblogchatter.com" target="_blank">I'm participating in #BlogchatterA2Z.</a> </i></span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: x-large;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 43.2px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i style="font-family: arial;">My theme for the challenge is ‘<b>Obrigado, Goa!</b>’, under which I’ll be writing 26 posts on Goa (April 1-30th, excluding Sundays), each post corresponding to the letters of the English alphabet. You can read more about it in my <a href="https://www.drpriyankanaik.com/2022/03/blogchattera2z-theme-reveal-obrigado-goa.html" target="_blank">theme reveal post</a>.</i></span></p><p><br /></p>Prihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01023126998314268275noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16896474.post-80485988446720805562022-04-27T08:51:00.000+05:302022-04-27T08:51:15.163+05:30#BlogchatterA2Z: W for Worship places - for the devout Goan. <p><span style="font-size: x-large;">My post for the letter ‘W’ of my A-Z series, today, is a topic very close to the heart…<b>Worship</b>.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOei8xdfAdI5YSB_bjyD4puZ_10e50azKCzYvW3PbnnTXfvoZZwINeM8YJ3sCCH6A2kPrbaJcKEHqqEjJoOW5TQHz6pD7r0-f9ShCCpyt7VQRrl47DtxslwGSOTad7GE-BfvxPxjH-oBUpYKPi-COjvagOngbE2I-Hq9I-CNJ4ACWDUGpswjc/s2245/png_20220427_082803_0000.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2245" data-original-width="1587" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOei8xdfAdI5YSB_bjyD4puZ_10e50azKCzYvW3PbnnTXfvoZZwINeM8YJ3sCCH6A2kPrbaJcKEHqqEjJoOW5TQHz6pD7r0-f9ShCCpyt7VQRrl47DtxslwGSOTad7GE-BfvxPxjH-oBUpYKPi-COjvagOngbE2I-Hq9I-CNJ4ACWDUGpswjc/w283-h400/png_20220427_082803_0000.png" width="283" /></span></a></div><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">Worship, to me, has always been sacrosanct. It is a way of connecting with a higher subconscience, my faith in a greater God. And that does not need me to visit any temple, mosque, or church. In fact, I think it is more of an intimate relationship rather than a public affair. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">Having said that, I’m aware that a lot of people think otherwise. The ambience of a temple calms their mind. The magnificence of a church soothes their spirit. Temple bells, the Church alter, the comforting presence of other devotees, gives most people a sense of solidarity and community prayer, and probably that is why they prefer to pray at temples than worship their God in their own homes. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">In my life, I have been to a lot of temples before reaching the conclusion that I just cannot pray with my whole mind and soul there. Jostled by people waiting for a darshan, on either sides, I’m either concentrating on safeguarding my purse or myself, and this leaves me with only half the attention on my prayer. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">India is blessed with a large number of worship places. Each state has its own unique places of worship. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">And my Goa, albeit the smallest state, is no different.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">So today, I thought why not make a list of all the glorious places of worship my Goa is blessed with. If you, like me, find it impossible to pray in the crowded premises of a temple or church, then maybe you can pay them a visit for their sheer architectural wonder, the magnitude of their brilliance, an exploration of their history. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">In previous posts of my series, I have spoken about some famous Christian places of worship; famous Goan Churches and shrines. You can read about them <a href="https://www.drpriyankanaik.com/2022/04/blogchattera2z-o-for-old-goa-of-feast.html" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="https://www.drpriyankanaik.com/2022/04/blogchattera2z-f-for-fulancho-khuris.html" target="_blank">here</a>. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">My post today is an extension along the same lines (of devotion). I’m going to talk about Hindu worship places in Goa. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">So further ado, here is a list of temples to visit during your next Goa trip: </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">1) <b>Shantadurga temple at Kavlem:</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">This temple is located in Kavlem village in the Ponda taluka and is dedicated to Goddess ShantaDurga or ‘Santeri’. In the temple, the Goddess is shown as holding two serpents, one in each hand, representing Vishnu and Shiva. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">As the legend goes, Lord Bramha called upon Goddess Parvati to make peace between Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu who were fighting a fierce battle. The Goddess placed Vishnu on one hand and Shiva on the other and resolved the fight. The original temple was located at Quelossim in the Salcete taluka. But it was destroyed in the 16th century by the Portuguese, after which the idol of the a goddess was shifted to Kavlem. Initially a small laterite mud shrine was built and the idol was installed. Later, in 1730, the foundation stone for the temple was laid. It took eight years to complete the construction. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">The temple has a huge tank, a Deepastambha and agrashalas (guest houses).</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">2) <b>Shri Shantadurga Temple at Quepem, in South Goa. </b> </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">With people of all religious faiths coming here to offer their prayers, this temple is a true reflection of peace and communal harmony. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">3) <b>Mangeshi temple </b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">A perfect combination of modern and traditional architecture, this temple located in Ponda, is bound to take your breath away. Especially when you see it in the evenings when the Deep Stambh is illuminated with a host of glittering diyas.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">4) <b>Mahalasa Narayani temple at Mardol</b> </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">The temple complex has smaller temples of Goddess Shanta Durga and Lord Vishnu. They are worshipped daily with Mahalasa. The temple is famous for its huge brass Divli/Samai and a huge brass bell that does not have a ringer. Back in the day it was believed that the Goddess Mahalasa would punish any person who lied by ringing the bell with death within three days. Owing to this belief, a testimony in this temple was considered acceptable in the Portuguese court of law. Visit during Navratri to witness this temple in its full splendour. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">5) <b>Mahalakshmi temple in Ponda</b> </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">During the 15th century, the original idol of the Goddess was made of black granite. But after this got destroyed during the Portuguese rule, a beautiful Panchloha idol replaced it. Panchloha is a mixture of five metals mixed together, namely, iron, silver, gold, copper, and lead. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">6) No list of temples can ever be complete without mention of a Ganesh temple. I cannot end without mentioning the <b>Maha Ganapati temple in Ponda</b>, which is one of the oldest in the state. Originally located at Divar during Portuguese rule, this temple was moved to Khadepar, Narve, and finally to Khandala (Ponda) where it is located today. One of the major celebrations happening here is on Sankashti Chaturthi…a good time for a visit to pay your obeisance to the Vignaharta.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">I could go on and on. <b>Saptakoteshwar</b>, <b>Mahadev temple at Tambdi Surla</b>, Brahma<b> temple at Carambolim</b>, <b>Damodar Sal in Margao,</b> <b>Maruti temple at Altinho</b>, <b>Ganesh temple at Rawanfond</b>, the list is long. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">The temples in Goa are small but beautifully designed with a rich blend of modern and ancient architecture. They are way less crowded than other places, creating an environment of tranquility for devotees visiting from all over the world. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">But at the end of the day, rephrasing the popular saying, I will say, <i>‘Mid temples and churches though we may roam. When it comes to worship, there is no place like home.’ </i></span></p><p><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></i></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">For the devotion that Goa inspires in its people, for the faith it keeps strong, and for the rich cultural heritage it has preserved over the ages, we say, ‘<i>Obrigado, Goa!</i>’</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">Come back tomorrow for another riveting feature of my amazing state. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">Until then,</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">Mog aasu di.</span></p><p><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">(Let there be love!)</span></i></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><b>——————</b></i></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://theblogchatter.com" target="_blank">I'm participating in #BlogchatterA2Z.</a> </i></span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: x-large;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 43.2px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i style="font-family: arial;">My theme for the challenge is ‘<b>Obrigado, Goa!</b>’, under which I’ll be writing 26 posts on Goa (April 1-30th, excluding Sundays), each post corresponding to the letters of the English alphabet. You can read more about it in my <a href="https://www.drpriyankanaik.com/2022/03/blogchattera2z-theme-reveal-obrigado-goa.html" target="_blank">theme reveal post</a>.</i></span></p>Prihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01023126998314268275noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16896474.post-29941024534123968742022-04-26T15:50:00.005+05:302022-04-26T16:16:07.825+05:30#BlogchatterA2Z: V for ‘Viva Goa’ - you know you are in Goa when…<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzJKdBnBlCosAbLtsQ3tcOXJkD_iscMN2QNCuQIIDWkYYEoUSUtzq6g1KMfKI62SGrMLlOVgXAYUuxqUZP9r5DpZwDbs_Q85RqpgBLGHuc4ibkCEQit6uSHpab3YWv0JSEnamUywQiAv5BnMVaABM1tDTp8QsTajwxmwR8LCNYPR6jJ5WlUPk/s2245/png_20220426_154147_0000.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2245" data-original-width="1587" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzJKdBnBlCosAbLtsQ3tcOXJkD_iscMN2QNCuQIIDWkYYEoUSUtzq6g1KMfKI62SGrMLlOVgXAYUuxqUZP9r5DpZwDbs_Q85RqpgBLGHuc4ibkCEQit6uSHpab3YWv0JSEnamUywQiAv5BnMVaABM1tDTp8QsTajwxmwR8LCNYPR6jJ5WlUPk/w283-h400/png_20220426_154147_0000.png" width="283" /></span></a></div><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">1) When instead of your daily alarm, you wake up to the sound of the local <a href="https://www.drpriyankanaik.com/2022/04/blogchattera2z-p-for-poee-pao-poder.html" target="_blank">poder</a>. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">2) When breakfast means eating pao/poli with mixed bhaaji from Tato or Cafe Bhosle. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">3) When the locals speak a <a href="https://www.drpriyankanaik.com/2022/04/blogchattera2z-l-for-language.html" target="_blank">Konkani</a> interlaced with a lot of Portuguese words which they have made their own. Igorz (derivative of Igreja), Recepcao (from Recepção), Mezz (from Mesa), Kadern (from Caderno), sacrament (from Sacramento), Confessiao (from Confissão), Adogad (from Advogado), Dotor (from Doutor), Susegad (from Sossegado), and many more.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">4) When your regular fisherwoman always throws in an extra fish, saying ‘tuna mhanun’ just because you talk nicely to her.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">5) When your local shopkeepers, no matter who is waiting, will open shop late and close early, with a prolonged afternoon siesta in between. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">6) When xiit, hooman, and nuste is a staple in almost every non-vegetarian diet. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">7) When Christmas is celebrated with equal enthusiasm as Chavath (Ganesh Chaturthi) by everyone, irrespective of religion, caste, and financial status. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">8) When Shanta Durga and Saibaba are revered with equal devotion as Mary and <a href="https://www.drpriyankanaik.com/2022/04/blogchattera2z-o-for-old-goa-of-feast.html" target="_blank">St Francis Xavier</a>. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">9) When you see <a href="https://www.drpriyankanaik.com/2022/04/blogchattera2z-r-for-romantic-goa-5.html" target="_blank">romantic</a> happy go lucky people who take joy in the mundane and comfort in the familiar. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">10) When you see the same locals grumbling about tourists littering and polluting <i>‘amche goi’</i>.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">11) When you can get a conversation going for hours on cutlet pao, <a href="https://www.drpriyankanaik.com/2022/04/blogchattera2z-u-for-urrak-spirit-of-goa.html" target="_blank">urrak</a>, ros omelette and the best places they are available.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">12) When a walk in the lane beside the river Mandovi feels no less than a stroll down the Seine. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">13) When you find people who will watch a tiatra with the same interest as they will attend a jazz concert. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">14) When you start seeing everything as a celebratory event…from something as small as the arrival of the <a href="https://www.drpriyankanaik.com/2022/04/blogchattera2z-m-for-mankurad-goas-not.html" target="_blank">Mankurad</a> and <a href="https://www.drpriyankanaik.com/2022/04/blogchattera2z-j-for-jackfruit-in-goa-5.html" target="_blank">Panas</a> to as large as <a href="https://www.drpriyankanaik.com/2022/04/blogchattera2z-i-for-iffi-for-love-of.html" target="_blank">IFFI</a> and the <a href="https://www.drpriyankanaik.com/2022/04/blogchattera2z-e-for-events-in-goa-to.html" target="_blank">Goan Carnival</a>. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">In the last six decades, ever since it’s liberation, Goa has carved for itself an identity of its own. Good food, music, dance, & great people—Goa is content in itself. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">Perhaps it’s this ‘Viva Goa’ vibe that makes it so attractive to people the world over. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">And it is for this very undying enthusiasm, bonhomie, and cheer, we say, ‘<i>Obrigado, Goa!’</i></span></p><p><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></i></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">Stick around for tomorrow’s topic, featuring a brilliant aspect of my lovely state. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">Until then,</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">Mog aasu di.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">(<i>Let there be love!) </i></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">--------------------</span></b></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://theblogchatter.com" target="_blank">I'm participating in #BlogchatterA2Z.</a> </i></span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: x-large;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 43.2px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i style="font-family: arial;">My theme for the challenge is ‘<b>Obrigado, Goa!</b>’, under which I’ll be writing 26 posts on Goa (April 1-30th, excluding Sundays), each post corresponding to the letters of the English alphabet. You can read more about it in my <a href="https://www.drpriyankanaik.com/2022/03/blogchattera2z-theme-reveal-obrigado-goa.html" target="_blank">theme reveal post</a>.</i></span></p>Prihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01023126998314268275noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16896474.post-24958902360293969342022-04-25T05:50:00.003+05:302022-04-25T07:34:56.060+05:30#BlogchatterA2Z: U for Urrak - the ‘spirit’ of Goa. <p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">For most people visiting Goa for the first time my topic today is going to be a revelation of sorts. </span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">So read the post till the end. You can thank me later. </span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">With just 5 more days of the A-Z series, I am feeling a sense of wistfulness and nostalgia flood me. It has been an exciting journey writing about Goa, heady with its own set of apprehensions (to meet deadlines) and euphoria (when they were met). And so for ‘U’ (you) today, I chose a topic that resonates with that feeling which literally encapsulates the ‘spirit’ of Goa. </span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">If you somehow managed to skip the title to my post and are guessing this is about Feni, then you are in for a surprise. Your guess is wrong (but not entirely). </span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">My topic today is Goa’s refreshing summer beverage, a heady alcoholic drink prepared from the first distillation of the cashew apple, the slightly underrated sister-cousin of Goa’s much hyped Feni. </span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Commonly referred to as ‘<i>Jungle juice</i>’, (although that is a misnomer), I’m talking about Goa’s unpretentious, unassuming, down-to-earth tipple, <b><a href="https://youtu.be/5SkYpT3hazs" target="_blank">Urrak</a></b>. </span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; text-size-adjust: auto;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSFLTbB7qJLisyoY574BTuOTDavT9LSGOxJ7xuPhDiSDxOWJc7PUbIPOoxIFkV7eaLaAKmKxq_oUx_WnZJUUHHxchzScD8ExAeOM3UKnUdICpMRQD-7Jb-JQ_Vizd84JPp9rL7MuWMr__Y45lcJIdWV-bCVxL36CDHY0lKzjVng6XaeiUp7GI/s2245/png_20220424_171255_0000.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2245" data-original-width="1587" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSFLTbB7qJLisyoY574BTuOTDavT9LSGOxJ7xuPhDiSDxOWJc7PUbIPOoxIFkV7eaLaAKmKxq_oUx_WnZJUUHHxchzScD8ExAeOM3UKnUdICpMRQD-7Jb-JQ_Vizd84JPp9rL7MuWMr__Y45lcJIdWV-bCVxL36CDHY0lKzjVng6XaeiUp7GI/w283-h400/png_20220424_171255_0000.png" width="283" /></span></a></div><p></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">With a pungent taste and strong aroma, Urrak heralds the start of Goan summers.</span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">It has an alcoholic content of 15 to 25%, although when consumed does not render as much of an high. At least not initially. However, they say one should refrain from venturing near a breezy beach after downing Urrak as the breeze only compounds the inebriation and can cause sudden fainting which may even prove fatal. Being a teetotaller myself, I cannot personally testify this, but Urrak enthusiasts claim that this is just a myth. This said, ask them to prove it wrong and they will shirk away with a nervous laugh. </span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><b><u><span style="font-size: x-large;">The making of Urrak: </span></u></b></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">The cashew plant is known to have been imported to Goa from Brazil by the Portuguese. Come summer and you will see a flurry of activity happening at Cashew estates. Fresh fruit is collected in wicker baskets by labourers employed to work on the farm. This is then taken to the farm’s local distillery where the process of making Urrak commences. Once the cashew nut is twisted off from the cashew apple, the separated apples are machine crushed, in order to extract the juice. The juice is collected into a tank and left to be fermented for two days, following which it is distilled. </span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">A traditional distillation unit made of local material is employed for the purpose. The unit includes a <i>madki</i>; a round bottom clay flask, <i>lavnni</i>; a condensor with a mud pot <i>(budkulo)</i> and a coconut shell ladle <i>(dovlo)</i>. Modern distillery units have a copper pot replaciing the madki, and a brass or aluminium coil, condenser immersed in a water tank replacing the lavnni. </span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">The distillation is carried out through a series of elaborate steps that the workers know at the back of their hand from years of expertise. The first distillate that is hereby produced is called Urrak. </span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">When run over a second time, this turns into the widely acclaimed, <i>Feni</i>.</span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">For most Goan locals, starting from <i>Nero</i>, progressing to <i>Urrak</i> and subsequently settling down with <i>Feni</i> is considered as a rite of passage. But of course, this does not mean we are a bunch of drunks. It’s just the Goan way of things. </span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">For the uninitiated, Niro is the non-alcohol cousin of Urrak. Basically, it is slow-pressed cashew apple juice. </span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Cashew apples are stomped by foot until the first press trickles out. This is then carried in terracotta pots and buried in the cashew estate and left to ferment for 2-3 days before it is distilled into Urrak.</span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Niro has an even shorter shelf life than Urrak, and has to be ideally consumed within a few hours. If not refrigerated at 8-10 deg C, the natural yeasts work on the sugar, producing CO2 and alcohol, which ferments into Urrak at room temperature.</span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Once the monsoon commences, the process of distillation has to stop. Urrack is distilled only in the months of March to May, as the cashew is a seasonal fruit and available only then. Also, Urrak must be consumed fresh, as it has tiny flakes of the cashew apple in it, which tend to sour if stored for too long. Once sedimentation starts, Urrak loses its fruitiness over a few weeks. </span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">It is because of these qualities, that Urrak is still unknown to a lot of tourists frequenting Goa in the rains or winter months. </span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">How Urrak is consumed: </span></b></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Traditionalists prefer to have Urrak in the age old style known to locals by mixing 1 part alcohol with 3 part Limca/lemon-soda. Ice cubes are then added. A tiny pinch of salt, a squeeze of lime, and a chilli split midway is stirred into the cocktail. </span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">However, modern variations that include an Urrak base with Kokum crush and Limca, with a sprinkle of rock salt and crushed cumin, or garnished with curry leaves, or sweetened with orange juice are available too. With each tavern or bar having their own style of serving, Urrak aficionados are spoilt for choice all season. </span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">If the word aficionado in the above para has made you laugh, then you will be surprised to know that it is a popular local belief that consuming Urrak keeps fevers and colds away. I am not sure if this is a well-guarded myth or an excuse to get drunk, but maybe if this were true, Goa would have been untouched by the Corona pandemic. <i>Just saying!</i> </span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Be it for its medicinal properties or slow intoxication, for its seasonal quality or fruity flavour, Urrak is regarded for its uniqueness. And for that we say, ‘<i>Obrigado, Goa!</i>’ </span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><span style="font-size: x-large;">Stick around for another interesting topic on my lovely state.</span><p></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Until then,</span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Mog aasu di.</span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">(Let there be love!) </span></i></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></i></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>-------------</b></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://theblogchatter.com" target="_blank">I'm participating in #BlogchatterA2Z.</a> </i></span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: x-large;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 43.2px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i style="font-family: arial;">My theme for the challenge is ‘<b>Obrigado, Goa!</b>’, under which I’ll be writing 26 posts on Goa (April 1-30th, excluding Sundays), each post corresponding to the letters of the English alphabet. You can read more about it in my <a href="https://www.drpriyankanaik.com/2022/03/blogchattera2z-theme-reveal-obrigado-goa.html" target="_blank">theme reveal post</a>.</i></span></p>Prihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01023126998314268275noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16896474.post-41027647290776986642022-04-23T07:15:00.003+05:302022-04-23T07:23:01.848+05:30#BlogchatterA2Z: T for Tiracol fort - Goa’s cultural-heritage jewel.<p><span style="font-size: x-large;">Today is Day 20 of my A-Z challenge and I have chosen to write about Tiracol Fort. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">With no need for elaborate descriptions or exaggerations, this monumental fort is pretty much what-you-see-is-what-you-get. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCSfgztBud5rh_Js7hVDkbGi1TBIurSRQ7S5Yf5xZrqtndO5aTYQERqOwJovVl5wd9eSXLmz7lUdCyKNOEfAx8lkfcD3na4BZ3WmQFx2uDH3KP8ZCtIXKbmO1Q0ZETRtsLgBeeS9Y5Mt8W_5mr5Slqjd6oRnpo_xpn97AsM66w0-epHsKlvqA/s2245/png_20220423_070804_0000.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2245" data-original-width="1587" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCSfgztBud5rh_Js7hVDkbGi1TBIurSRQ7S5Yf5xZrqtndO5aTYQERqOwJovVl5wd9eSXLmz7lUdCyKNOEfAx8lkfcD3na4BZ3WmQFx2uDH3KP8ZCtIXKbmO1Q0ZETRtsLgBeeS9Y5Mt8W_5mr5Slqjd6oRnpo_xpn97AsM66w0-epHsKlvqA/w283-h400/png_20220423_070804_0000.png" width="283" /></span></a></div><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">So let’s skip to the good part…</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">The Tiracol fort in Goa was once an armed fortress that belonged to the Portuguese. It is located on a cliff in the village of Tiracol (North Goa) and oversees the Arabian Sea and an estuary of the Tiracol river. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">Now converted into the Fort Tiracol Heritage hotel---a hit amongst nature-loving tourists, the Fort (we still call it that) the best preserved and most visited fort in Goa and grants a spectacular view of the area surrounding the confluence of the river and the sea.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">Having said that, here are some facts about the fort you may be interested in knowing: </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">1) Fort Tiracol was originally built by the Maharaja of Sawantwadi, Khem Sawant Bhonsle. It was however in 1746, that the Portuguese took over the fort and built a Church right in the centre of the fort. This Church was initially constructed and dedicated to the holy trinity by De Almeida but later became Saint Anthony’s Church and was renamed so.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">2) When the Portuguese first captured this fort it is said that the fort was equipped with 12 guns a Barrock and a chapel. Later, in 1961, the Portuguese handed it over to Goa. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">3) St Anthony’s church is not open to the public except when it conducts masses, which is on most Sundays and on the feast of Saint Anthony which is celebrated in the month of May every year.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">4) The Tiracol Fort heritage hotel has rooms dedicated to the days of the week and are named thus. Each room has a Portuguese-contemporary interior and is painted in a distinctly different colour. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">5) Just over a stone’s throw away from the hotel, is, Redi beach, with its virginal white sands and clear blue waters. This beach is also known as Paradise beach and true to its name is an excellent site for organised fishing, coast cruising, and picnics. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">Surrounded by the extensive sea and lush foliage, Fort Tiracol provides a gorgeous experience amidst Goa’s natural wilderness. There is also a clear, secluded spot suitable for a long walk or hike, just outside to the left of Fort Tiracol. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">Once a symbolic location where Goan freedom fighters from Goa demonstrated from time to time to now a heritage hotel, there is still a feeling of history around the place. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">If you want to spend some time appreciating nature or diving into a chapter of Goan history with only the smell of the sea and the sound of the waves to give you company, then Fort Tiracol Heritage Hotel is where you would like to stay during your next trip to Goa. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">As for us, Goans, the fort is a reminder of what once was. Of centuries of subjugation. Of the valour of our heroes, our resilience, and eventually our liberation. Fort Tiracol is not just a fort, it is a representation of our fortitude. A witness to our history. A part of our heritage.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">And one of the innumerable reasons we say, ‘Obrigado, Goa!’</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">Stay tuned for a refreshing feature of my lovely state in my next post. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">See you on Monday. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">Until then,</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">Mog aasu di.</span></p><p><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">(Let there be love!)</span></i></p><p><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></i></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">—————-</span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://theblogchatter.com" target="_blank">I'm participating in #BlogchatterA2Z.</a> </i></span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: x-large;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 43.2px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i style="font-family: arial;">My theme for the challenge is ‘<b>Obrigado, Goa!</b>’, under which I’ll be writing 26 posts on Goa (April 1-30th, excluding Sundays), each post corresponding to the letters of the English alphabet. You can read more about it in my <a href="https://www.drpriyankanaik.com/2022/03/blogchattera2z-theme-reveal-obrigado-goa.html" target="_blank">theme reveal post</a>.</i></span></p>Prihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01023126998314268275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16896474.post-28691887139477802052022-04-22T07:53:00.001+05:302022-04-22T07:53:55.545+05:30#BlogchatterA2Z: S for Sea, sun, & Sand - 5 South Goa beaches to visit. <p><span style="font-size: x-large;">An exclusive series on Goa deserves to have at least one post on its magnificent beaches. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">This, my friends, is going to be that post. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh45n0LBf-Ri686-_xtjwpntzx2Ov1r0Rb4uG45TtQ3kyjiBj0SHlscyWVdO9Iz28v8BLc_yWndEJeR_iGM0cEqt1ylduRYFziA3PCwr4ZcGxcS2gdpjtEO0zi8ulJrRkv9HF3vpTzv66I5Z5s4hjsz9RYBTrVS_MbKj3eONtXPzRX2cy5K9N4/s2245/png_20220422_072659_0000.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2245" data-original-width="1587" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh45n0LBf-Ri686-_xtjwpntzx2Ov1r0Rb4uG45TtQ3kyjiBj0SHlscyWVdO9Iz28v8BLc_yWndEJeR_iGM0cEqt1ylduRYFziA3PCwr4ZcGxcS2gdpjtEO0zi8ulJrRkv9HF3vpTzv66I5Z5s4hjsz9RYBTrVS_MbKj3eONtXPzRX2cy5K9N4/w283-h400/png_20220422_072659_0000.png" width="283" /></span></a></div><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">Ask any non-Goan what of Goa they covet most, and pat will come their reply, ‘the seaside’. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">Owing to its coastal location, Goa has got a ‘<i>Onida</i>’ reputation - neighbours’ envy, owners’ pride. <i>(Remember the ad, huh, huh? Ok, sawrry…lame pun!</i>) </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">But truth be told, nobody can claim ownership on Goa. When you love <strike>someone</strike> something, there is no ownership. Goa and Goans have always belonged…to one another. And this has always been a source of pride. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">Goa is known for its virginal beaches, clean waters and silver sands. Both the North and South of Goa are blessed with a good number of beaches. However, low budget Bollywood movies have long since been replacing foreign locations with wide angle shots of Goa, a major cause of overcrowding. The weekly flea market at Anjuna beach, the adventure sports at the Baga beach, the Sunburn music festival at Vagator beach, and the Calangute beach are events that have made our once-simple seaside commercially lucrative. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">It is this callous attitude of tourists and over-enterprising attitude of some locals that has resulted in a gradual decline of our pristine spaces. Most beaches are now cluttered with thrash, their beauty destroyed by make-shift dwellings. Their sand a lot less white and the sea a lot less blue. Blaring electronic music and gaudy tourist attractions. And amidst all this, nobody has quite the patience to watch the setting sun. This is the picture of a popular North Goan beach any given day. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">That’s where South Goa beaches come in the picture. Nestled in areas untouched by commercialisation, these provide the much needed serenity and calm that is often amiss in a fast paced life. So if you are a nature lover and want to spend a few hours appreciating the magic of nature in Goa, spend an evening at the beach in the South. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">Having said that, here are five of my favourite beaches in South Goa, in no particular order of preference: </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">1) <b>Cavellosim beach</b> - One of the nicest beaches in Goa, this one is way cleaner than most beaches up North. It is less crowded and has wonderful shacks serving great food and a friendly vibe. You can appreciate the beautiful sunset at the Cavelossim Beach, or go for an undisturbed evening stroll here. For the adventure enthusiasts, the Cavellosim also has some water sports activities. You may also see a few fishing boats in the vicinity. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">2) <b>Galgibaga beach</b> - Located in the Canacona region, the Galgibaga beach is a nesting ground for <i>Olive Ridley </i>turtles. This beach, although lesser known, is a joy to visit especially for nature enthusiasts. One of the most picturesque beaches of Goa, a visit here guarantees a peaceful appreciation of the day’s glorious moments…sunrise, and sunset.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">3) <b>Sernabatim beach</b> - Go here for an idyllic setting. This beach is an extension of the Colva Beach and is an ideal place for a quite evening of swimming and relaxation.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">4) <b>Butterfly Beach at Palolem </b>- This beach, located a little to the south of Palolem in the Canacona region, has a arc shaped landscape and provides a captivating view of nature and aquatic life. Aptly named ‘Butterfly beach’ this beach is witness to a host of multicoloured butterflies flying over over hilltop blossoms. Add to that, and occasional viewing of dolphins in the sea. Doesn’t it seem like a surreal experience straight out of a fairytale? </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">5) <b>Benaulim Beach</b> - this beach is fairly popular but deserves mention owing to the story behind its name. According to Hindu mythology Lord Vishnu shot an arrow which promptly landed here landed here. When the Portuguese colonised Goa, they changed its name to the present day ‘Benaulim’. Benaulim beach provides a good opportunity for para sailing, jet skiing, boat riding, windsurfing and another such adventure sports. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">Just goes to say that Goa can swing it both ways. From the tranquility they emanate to the adrenaline rush they produce, Goan beaches are a mere reflection of your spirit, of who you really are deep below. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">So if you are craving for a relaxing getaway from a hectic city life, or feel adventure is where your soul lies, if you want to spend a day soaking in the summer sun or inhaling a healthy dose of Vitamin Sea, Goan beaches are the place to be. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">And for this relaxing, refreshing, and rejuvenating experience, for this gorgeous opportunity to unwind and enjoy the sea, sun, and sand, we say ‘Obrigado, Goa!’</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">I hope to dazzle you tomorrow for another glorious feature of my lovely state.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">Until then,</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">Mog aasu di.</span></p><p><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">(Let there be love! )</span></i></p><p><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></i></p><p><i><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">---------------------</span></b></i></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://theblogchatter.com" target="_blank">I'm participating in #BlogchatterA2Z.</a> </i></span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: x-large;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 43.2px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i style="font-family: arial;">My theme for the challenge is ‘<b>Obrigado, Goa!</b>’, under which I’ll be writing 26 posts on Goa (April 1-30th, excluding Sundays), each post corresponding to the letters of the English alphabet. You can read more about it in my <a href="https://www.drpriyankanaik.com/2022/03/blogchattera2z-theme-reveal-obrigado-goa.html" target="_blank">theme reveal post</a>.</i></span></p>Prihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01023126998314268275noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16896474.post-57625062339155220772022-04-21T11:31:00.006+05:302022-04-30T09:34:49.481+05:30#BlogchatterA2Z; R for Romancing with Goa - 5 ways to spark up your love life in Goa.<p><span style="font-size: x-large;">Goa is not a place. It is a feeling. If there is any emotion that can rightly sum up Goa’s vibe, it would be ‘<b><i>romance</i></b>’.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">With its beautiful sunsets, golden beaches, and picturesque landscapes, Goa promises to bring out the romantic in you. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">The serenity of the temples and churches, the cozy ambience of quaint cafés, the fervor of poetry readings and music festivals, all these can help create a beautiful montage of memories you’d like to make with that special someone. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">Then again, you don’t always need a lover or spouse to enjoy these moments. In this fast-paced world, snatching a few alone moments for yourself can also be a romantic affair. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">And what better place to do that than in Goa? </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwbXbER4mNNzFl3kjn0JUJCG47pCgGGzzW_mRyz5V1kKtaTqGoc7liRG94WaVkQlkPzOe0znWR8DnCybWU8EGPlOuffelSXotvSgB-5rMjpd2GhIGoY3q6n5M65bW8YWL5tRHjts51KKyOjipNlhpOU0RuAIBcayKzM6USQkSVlPH2SIm-bjA/s2245/png_20220421_112957_0000.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2245" data-original-width="1587" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwbXbER4mNNzFl3kjn0JUJCG47pCgGGzzW_mRyz5V1kKtaTqGoc7liRG94WaVkQlkPzOe0znWR8DnCybWU8EGPlOuffelSXotvSgB-5rMjpd2GhIGoY3q6n5M65bW8YWL5tRHjts51KKyOjipNlhpOU0RuAIBcayKzM6USQkSVlPH2SIm-bjA/w283-h400/png_20220421_112957_0000.png" width="283" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Whether you are single or committed, whether in love or with the idea of love, here are five absolutely fun and romantic things that will make you fall in love with Goa. </span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">1) <b>Mandovi River Cruise</b> - Imagine a river cruise with your lady, with you both witnessing the beauty of the setting sun, slipping on wine, and feasting on Indian Chinese and Goan cuisine. Imagine grooving to your favourite tracks or slow dancing on to a slow romantic song with a DJ playing right live in the background. All this while cruising through the calm waters of the Mandovi river. Now wouldn’t that be an memorable way to propose to the one you love? </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">2) <b>A visit to Dudhsagar falls</b> - Located on the Mandovi river near Kulem, the Dudhsagar is a 4-tiered waterfall with a cascading appearance. So if you are a nature lover then this is the best place to visit especially during the monsoons. A relaxing dip (with proper safety precautions) in nature’s lap - now isn’t that romantic? </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">3) <b>Coco beach Dolphin tour</b> - If the dolphin show at Singapore’s Sentosa has made you wish for a similar sight in India, then this is the place for you. Coco Beach at Candolim is approx. 36.6 km away from Goa International Airport and takes approximately an hour to reach. Spend some precious moments witnessing the dolphins here and the vast beauty of the ocean is bound to gift you a memory to cherish. This experience rates high on the romance-o-meter.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">4) <b>Spend a day exploring South Goa</b> - If you want some quality time with yourself or with a loved one, then spend it witnessing the serenity of South Goa. Take a heritage walk, visit the magnificent basilicas and temples, witness the architectural wonders and museums, attend a jazz concert, indulge in a scrumptious shack-side snack. There is so much to love in South Goa. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">5) And last but not least, if you, like me, are more of an introvert and prefer a nice meeting over a cup of coffee over an outdoorsy experience in the wild, then <b>Panjim’s Fontainhas area </b>is<b> </b>dotted with a number of pretty cafés that guarantee good food and a comfortable tête-à-tête. Everything about the Fontainhas area is old-world romantic, right from the lively coloured houses and beautiful walls covered Azulejo mosaics to the narrow lanes to tiny local restaurants adorned with graffiti art and attractive entrances. Pick a table by the window and watch the world go by as you steal some private moments with your love. Sit here with a cup of coffee and a book, and feel the ambience instantly change into a quiet reading place, a writer’s haven, or even a laid-back make-shift office where you can tap away at your laptop while enjoying a delicious snack. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">If you have been to Goa at least once, I’m sure you will have already witnessed some of the magic and will vouch for it. You must have surely breathed in the fresh seaside air, relished the delicious Goan cuisine, and sensed the fun-loving vibe the place exudes. You must have experienced the splendour of Goan culture, the excitement of adventure sports, and the hospitality of Goans. And must have definitely fallen in love with all of it. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">We, who live in Goa, on the other hand, often take it for granted...just like we sometimes take for granted those we love, those we adore, those we cannot live without. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">However, deep in our hearts, we know that the passion we have for Goa is undeniable. We Goans are true romantics at heart and by nature (maybe it’s the place that inspires the love within us), and although we do not express it often, we mean it when we say, ‘<i>Obrigado, Goa!’</i></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">Hang around for yet another undeniable feature of my gorgeous state. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">Until then,</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">Mog aasu di.</span></p><p><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">(Let there be love!) </span></i></p><p><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></i></p><p><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">----------------</span></i></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://theblogchatter.com" target="_blank">I'm participating in #BlogchatterA2Z.</a> </i></span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: x-large;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 43.2px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i style="font-family: arial;">My theme for the challenge is ‘<b>Obrigado, Goa!</b>’, under which I’ll be writing 26 posts on Goa (April 1-30th, excluding Sundays), each post corresponding to the letters of the English alphabet. You can read more about it in my <a href="https://www.drpriyankanaik.com/2022/03/blogchattera2z-theme-reveal-obrigado-goa.html" target="_blank">theme reveal post</a>.</i></span></p>Prihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01023126998314268275noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16896474.post-82728820931418663542022-04-20T07:48:00.002+05:302022-04-20T07:48:39.854+05:30#BlogchatterA2Z: Q for Questions never to ask a Goan - 5 myths about Goa (busted).. <p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 43.2px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span>We Goans are a simple lot, deriving joy out of life's little pleasures. </span>We don’t need much to be happy. We are content with what we have. You will rarely find a Goan complaining, at least that’s how we see ourselves.</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 43.2px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">We are even-tempered people; good humoured, knowing to take a joke in the right spirit. However, even ‘nice’ has its limits and when these are crossed, can turn to ‘nasty’. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 43.2px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 43.2px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>"Hell hath no fury like a <strike>woman</strike> Goan scorned."</i></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 43.2px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">There are few things in life that annoy us. What gets our goat, however, is being typecast...into stereotypes by judgemental tourists. Of course we do not act on impulse; we choose to give people the benefit of doubt. But when lines are crossed and questions turn intrusive, we know it’s time for some proper myth busting. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 43.2px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 43.2px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">And in today’s post, on the behest of my fellow Goans, that’s what exactly what I intend to do.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC4Ti-lz0lD7BvwoOcEi6aJoDrGiPe8RlGdhvSoSPwLY22AE8GEwcPXX0kSAkYx3zHVhFKDAC5SnRxh-N5-AVOENawIpFn32mBbKl4DkAGccXhVt0O0pmw1CbLxLlXhLFV2IL0qGVIFR7pEd8LyXFA9TPlBCEqmNpNf0dOEIJuLzqVw2X9sRQ/s2245/png_20220420_071702_0000.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2245" data-original-width="1587" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC4Ti-lz0lD7BvwoOcEi6aJoDrGiPe8RlGdhvSoSPwLY22AE8GEwcPXX0kSAkYx3zHVhFKDAC5SnRxh-N5-AVOENawIpFn32mBbKl4DkAGccXhVt0O0pmw1CbLxLlXhLFV2IL0qGVIFR7pEd8LyXFA9TPlBCEqmNpNf0dOEIJuLzqVw2X9sRQ/w283-h400/png_20220420_071702_0000.png" width="283" /></span></a></div><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 43.2px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">So without digressing, here is a list of questions you should never ask a Goan.</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 43.2px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>(P.S: you may want to carry this one with you on your next trip here.)</i></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 43.2px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 43.2px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">1) <b><i>“Kite re Sayba? Susegaad??”</i></b></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 43.2px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">- This question or any variation of it usually comes from visiting tourists who want to flaunt their knowledge of Konkani to the locals in the hope of quality treatment or a hefty discount. Firstly, uttering a few words like that doesn’t make us believe you are Goan (if you think we won’t see through the accent and tone). Moreover, it is technically wrong and a tad irritating when you say it like you do, with a lull in your voice. We are aware that you have learned a few words or phrases from your viewing of Bollywood movies and are keen on trying them, but no matter what your intention, a Goan will secretly find you patronising when you utter the word ‘<i>Sushegaad</i>’ to him. Besides, we are a hard-working people too, bro. Goa is not 365 days holiday like those brochures <strike>mis</strike>informed you. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 43.2px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 43.2px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">2) <i><b>“I will starve if I come to Goa. You Goans eat fish all the time, no?” </b></i></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 43.2px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">(this one from the vegetarians)</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 43.2px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">- Well, all those actually believing this, here’s some Goan trivia for you. An ideal Goan meal is a balanced meal that includes a fair share of veggies as well. You will hardly find a Goan who is nutritional deficient. Agreed, Goa’s coastal location ensures that we have a healthy supply of seafood, but that does not in any way mean that every Goan is non-vegetarian. So rest assured, unless we really hate you, you won’t end up starving.</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 43.2px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 43.2px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">3) <i><b>“Are you really Goan? How’s that you don’t talk 'Goa-English' (</b>whatever that means)<b>?”</b></i> </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 43.2px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">- Sigh! Bollywood strikes again. Thank you for portraying this messed up picture of Goa and Goans. Our language may not be coloured with invectives, but your imagination definitely is. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 43.2px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 43.2px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">4) "<i><b>You don’t drink? Are you even Goan?? </b>(add snigger or loud guffaw depending upon how much you dislike said person, for maximum irritating effect.)</i></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 43.2px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">- Yes, booze is definitely cheaper here than elsewhere in India. But we Goans are not a bunch of drunks, forever inebriated, ready to get into a brawl, like you think of us. Strangely though, that’s the exact impression we have of you tourists visiting Goa. Err…coincidence much? </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 43.2px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 43.2px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">5) <b><i>"What happens in Goa stays in Goa, no?"</i></b> </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 43.2px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">A big resounding <b>No</b> to this one. Here’s a fun fact: We Goans travel light all around the world. However, the only weight we carry with us is the weight of our stories. So don’t do something you wouldn’t want the world to know. Your Goa experience may seem all discreet at first, but it sure has a way of catching up…probably when you least expect it. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 43.2px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 43.2px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">These are just a few stereotypes that people harbour about Goans. There are at least a dozen more and almost all of them have their roots in badly researched Bollywood movies and hearsay. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 43.2px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Goan women are portrayed to be either skimpily clad bimbettes or rotund middle aged women wearing hibiscus dresses. Goan men are depicted as beer-bellied, sailor-mouthed simpletons in sunflower shorts and straw hats, getting conned by their philandering women or smart-assed tourists. The list is endless and frustrating to say the least.</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 43.2px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 43.2px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Stereotypes, in my opinion, often stem from a seat of longing…a longing to make believe what they wish of others to be true. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 43.2px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">We are all guilty of stereotyping that which we do not know or know little of. It often makes us good caricatures for entertainment purposes. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 43.2px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">The issue, however, arises when a particular stereotype turns into a bias. A conviction. A delusion.</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 43.2px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">For example sake, there is no harm in believing Goans to be 'sushegaad'. In fact it’s a quality we take great pride in. But when ‘laid back’ reads ‘lazy’, when ‘fun loving’ reads ‘frivolous’, that’s when we know <strike>you</strike> your myths need to be busted. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 43.2px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 43.2px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">My entire A-Z series on Goa has been an effort in that very direction...for those reading to see my Goa the way I see it, with the love and admiration I hold for it. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 43.2px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 43.2px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">So next time are here on holiday plan, shed all those misconceptions. Drive around with a clear mind--a mind that will allow you to soak the beauty of this place without the filter of bias.</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 43.2px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 43.2px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Try talking to the locals without the burden of prejudice weighing your attitude down. Share your story with them, and watch them open up a treasure trove of experiences. People in Goa love to exchange notes on life.They are extremely hospitable. But one wrong vibe, and they wont hesitate to kick you out as well.</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 43.2px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">That is the beauty of us small-townies---we are straight forward, no-nonsense people. What you see is what you get. Diplomacy is not our forte. We either like you or hate you. There is no in between.</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 43.2px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 43.2px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">And for this forthrightness and honesty, Goa has inspired in us, for all the assumptions it has withstood and labels it has endured, never once allowing its spirit to be broken, we, in all admiration, say, ‘<i>Obrigado, Goa!</i>’</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 43.2px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 43.2px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">See you tomorrow for another fascinating feature of my lovely state. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 43.2px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 43.2px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Until then,</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 43.2px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Mog aasu di.</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 43.2px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">(<i>Let there be love!) </i></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 43.2px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 43.2px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">-----------------</span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://theblogchatter.com" target="_blank">I'm participating in #BlogchatterA2Z.</a> </i></span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: x-large;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 43.2px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i style="font-family: arial;">My theme for the challenge is ‘<b>Obrigado, Goa!</b>’, under which I’ll be writing 26 posts on Goa (April 1-30th, excluding Sundays), each post corresponding to the letters of the English alphabet. You can read more about it in my <a href="https://www.drpriyankanaik.com/2022/03/blogchattera2z-theme-reveal-obrigado-goa.html" target="_blank">theme reveal post</a>.</i></span></p>Prihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01023126998314268275noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16896474.post-52576114559891583702022-04-19T09:50:00.006+05:302022-04-30T09:35:08.036+05:30#BlogchatterA2Z: P for ‘Poee, Pao, & Poder’ - Goa’s breakfast habit.<p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span>Everybody knows Goa for its sandy beaches, scrumptious cuisine, and laidback lifestyle. However, there is one lesser known favourite th</span>at I am going to divulge today, <i>the secret of the Goan breakfast!</i></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr2VNGcR9Cu2kVAzDDGi9D7vzpqfraQZAxbYCFeKI2VthpuXee0izPrxcHxDTvjdfYlirU8cfXJmJkb2vLplSDSh6b-fSGLMyU6zCsqDwzHNnSGZOs2QQcOiIdalUai5rfrnCG8Px1-_BbFU-ZrXhu6gy0fGTxXv1NZWfjwOsAG0J_DWyPNHs/s2245/20220419_051517_0000.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2245" data-original-width="1587" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr2VNGcR9Cu2kVAzDDGi9D7vzpqfraQZAxbYCFeKI2VthpuXee0izPrxcHxDTvjdfYlirU8cfXJmJkb2vLplSDSh6b-fSGLMyU6zCsqDwzHNnSGZOs2QQcOiIdalUai5rfrnCG8Px1-_BbFU-ZrXhu6gy0fGTxXv1NZWfjwOsAG0J_DWyPNHs/w283-h400/20220419_051517_0000.png" width="283" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: x-large;">While most people all around the world need to set their phone alarms or table clocks to wake them up in the morning, we in Goa wake up to the gentle ‘<i>Ponk, Ponk</i>’ of the friendly Poder circling outside our houses. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">The ‘Poder’, an adaptation of the Portuguese ‘Padeiro’, is a term used for Goan bread maker. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2ELS9YOSXOVArTbPq-POiGuoW3Yood5TfpMhT866skJGerU4Ikg-hj-OqiIMhBTWBPow9vaySURvePK5X5Gbqen5XxqGW122BsqDam1cOsyy7H7fXHjei1jM1tumke8SDiKvSjACXUEweKCf1w335M7ml0Zhmuzhd_w0q34hiM1j8bfMxVEg/s976/page_1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="694" data-original-width="976" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2ELS9YOSXOVArTbPq-POiGuoW3Yood5TfpMhT866skJGerU4Ikg-hj-OqiIMhBTWBPow9vaySURvePK5X5Gbqen5XxqGW122BsqDam1cOsyy7H7fXHjei1jM1tumke8SDiKvSjACXUEweKCf1w335M7ml0Zhmuzhd_w0q34hiM1j8bfMxVEg/w400-h285/page_1.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">'Poderachi Cycle' </span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: x-large;">Arriving as many as three times in a day (morning, afternoon, and evening) in some places, he is a much awaited morning figure in the lives of Goans. Early every morning, the local <i>Poder</i> can be spotted on his humble bicycle that is laden with a basket of freshly baked <i>Pao</i>, taking his usual round of the neighbourhood. At the sound of his iconic horn, people scramble outside their homes to buy their share of <i>pao</i> and <i>poee</i> from him, before it gets all sold out.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">And that brings us smoothly to the Goan <i>Pao</i> and <i>Poee</i>. </span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1719" data-original-width="1540" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRwM6amrxQn4EJ2fQpRQDURASSFhlhhQrvu7ipCnf2f2195iWicVkVMEn5XOuyrpDMPTGKLbpkY1GrgY-15fGex5kh5vCaAs-W2MidyXwkFH-tNgPSYeMtoPdYharHJVpBLMcY3xIm9yRAsuBTukBUvIsNdKxRxdSY59NygeJO6dEGYwWM9mU/w359-h400/F056E94A-B7D4-4125-AE4D-CD6441D0FFFA.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="359" /></span></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Pao and Kaakana<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">What is the difference between the two you ask? Well, Pao, for the uninitiated, is Portuguese for bread and is traditionally prepared in a small hole in a woodfired oven. </div></span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiwWYaBN2Pvn9R1zjz37DR3pv8ei1i4i9Fj8YD2nPcbqKk9Y7lEN91Y0NIaNhEYWhZHUseINVPssozW14lKRBOEDURj_RCRHllv4sjysS2K0yzN7qTItW_P5fKDrYrh6B7gHQhb7TTgSmGVG0vyVdKJtNAIm1i03Qee9gBi0J0iJzQIHFRcak/s1080/Screenshot_20220419-093803_Instagram.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1080" height="334" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiwWYaBN2Pvn9R1zjz37DR3pv8ei1i4i9Fj8YD2nPcbqKk9Y7lEN91Y0NIaNhEYWhZHUseINVPssozW14lKRBOEDURj_RCRHllv4sjysS2K0yzN7qTItW_P5fKDrYrh6B7gHQhb7TTgSmGVG0vyVdKJtNAIm1i03Qee9gBi0J0iJzQIHFRcak/w400-h334/Screenshot_20220419-093803_Instagram.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Poee</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span>The Goan <i>Poee</i>, on the other hand, is the local name for leavened bread and is the more nutritional cousin of <i>Pao</i>. It is prepared by adding more brand and thereby increasing its nutritional value. </span><span>It is round and soft and resembles pita bread because when cut midway, the halves resemble pockets. </span></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">Traditionally, the <i>poee</i> is made from half-maida and half whole wheat flour, that was fermented using coconut palm wine or toddy for two continuous days after which It is rolled into a ball and flattened on the floor of the wood fired mud oven, locally known as <i>‘forn’</i>. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">But the commercial varieties nowadays use the easier (and less healthier) way out…it uses refined flour and the bran is sprinkled only on top.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>Pao </i>is made from the same dough but instead of flattening it on the floor of the forn, a pan is used. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">Other than the pillowy soft, square shaped Pao, there are a variety of other breads baked by the Goan <i>Poder</i>, namely, <i>Kaakana</i>, <i>Undo</i>, and <i>Katriacho Pao.</i></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>Kaakana</i> (translated as ‘bangles’) is a crunchy, aromatic, freshly baked variety of bread with a hole in the centre thus resembling a bangle in shape. Undo is known for its distinct round shape, spongy interior, and brittle crust. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>Katar</i> is the local name for scissors and <i>katriacho</i> <i>pao</i> (or <i>katricho pao</i>) therby gets its name.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">The <i>Poee</i> and <i>Pao</i> pair well with almost everything. Most frequently the Goan pao teams with a curry or gravy preparations as its soft texture allows it to mop off uptil the last bit of gravy from the plate. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Ph5CXZTExTsyyzEwERaLYVNaJ_u7xQD3QhUIX6ExcRz4A-GdDIGPVjEiRY4E7X1vZb134vDlAzbrPNIjD_IoZgoHaWRmdE5y1Fe44jBLZO3LD5GNYsIXnFCsv0A8ulTN68xC9EDLewaKYGCYW5l-J1DRd3tT16V_KVbHD3A1LXmSRdFbiGI/s717/Screenshot_20220404-051839_Instagram.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="699" data-original-width="717" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Ph5CXZTExTsyyzEwERaLYVNaJ_u7xQD3QhUIX6ExcRz4A-GdDIGPVjEiRY4E7X1vZb134vDlAzbrPNIjD_IoZgoHaWRmdE5y1Fe44jBLZO3LD5GNYsIXnFCsv0A8ulTN68xC9EDLewaKYGCYW5l-J1DRd3tT16V_KVbHD3A1LXmSRdFbiGI/w400-h390/Screenshot_20220404-051839_Instagram.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Goan Bhaaji-pao</span></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Another famous Goan breakfast is the local <i>Bhaaji Pao</i>. </span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">Not to be confused with the more popular Pav Bhaji more commonly eaten by the rest of India, this comes in two options; <i>Sukhi bhaji</i> which is usually a slightly watery but majorly dry preparation of potatoes, and <i>Patal bhaji</i> which is a vegetable gravy usually made of dried peas or sprouts. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">There is also a hybrid variety, fondly called the <i>‘mix bhaji’</i> where you get served half of each of the above two options.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">For the non-vegetarians, there is <i>Ros-omelet</i>, which is essentially omelette in chicken gravy, served with, you guessed it, the ubiquitous, Goan <i>Pao</i>. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="667" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkr2qB7IBhMH3ua8Yr-VVSxrwEni-vA_nq2p8C2EZMQ2ujeoq0fgvvudRg-S-3Snce4KQdMJhPxfZTUXiYA5meFgMDWmIOLOtL9HzsfgsdKvOnPNoIFaOhb5_HQNROQ3pG0L9bnjdjEE6wqUF7EMxcQJjCXngsOgS6trgsAORnkpkL-lPBtyU/w400-h300/4A069DFD-2379-49F9-A415-CD3864AF9F39.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></span></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Goan 'Kaakana'</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkr2qB7IBhMH3ua8Yr-VVSxrwEni-vA_nq2p8C2EZMQ2ujeoq0fgvvudRg-S-3Snce4KQdMJhPxfZTUXiYA5meFgMDWmIOLOtL9HzsfgsdKvOnPNoIFaOhb5_HQNROQ3pG0L9bnjdjEE6wqUF7EMxcQJjCXngsOgS6trgsAORnkpkL-lPBtyU/s667/4A069DFD-2379-49F9-A415-CD3864AF9F39.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></a></div><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">The ‘<i>Kaakan</i>’ variety of bread is usually served as an evening tea time snack in Goan households. Back in the day, when formula feed wasn’t invented yet, babies were fed a carbohydrate rich broth made by soaking these ‘<i>Kaakana</i>’ in water…a fact that older generation of Goans will testify. Just goes to say that Goans have learned to identify with bread ever since they were babies, a trait that translated to Pao being an integral part of Goan cuisine. </span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW7SEWV1hzMZKKBvuCze47xXREUIvLq8CkqNoxSz8rrXQ_VLUIijGxEH7hx7GHRxTtl9FG2C6-OA9WKwko3sYZp2fxsxXcriFu6PYlZyPn2JRfZZ6-Xev_HWAI11UAwOKka_C3sO5sjI2bISAn_XOBzFLnBk2YhvvNuzbXj4VuT36-vumFQ2Y/w400-h300/1F9443A8-6CAA-4997-962C-4F84BE99E8E3.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></span></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Poee, Pao, Kakana</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW7SEWV1hzMZKKBvuCze47xXREUIvLq8CkqNoxSz8rrXQ_VLUIijGxEH7hx7GHRxTtl9FG2C6-OA9WKwko3sYZp2fxsxXcriFu6PYlZyPn2JRfZZ6-Xev_HWAI11UAwOKka_C3sO5sjI2bISAn_XOBzFLnBk2YhvvNuzbXj4VuT36-vumFQ2Y/s1600/1F9443A8-6CAA-4997-962C-4F84BE99E8E3.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></a></div><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">Truth be told, there is no right time for the Goan <i>Poee</i> and <i>Pao</i>. Have it at tea time or for lunch. For dinner, or more commonly a breakfast option. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">Be the most basic <i>Undo</i>, warmed over the fire, sliced open and lathered with butter and a spoonful of jam or <i><a href="https://www.drpriyankanaik.com/2022/04/blogchattera2z-m-for-mankurad-goas-not.html" target="_blank">Mangaad</a></i> spread over it, or a toasted <i>Poee</i> with your favourite <i>sukhi</i> or <i>patal bhaaji</i>. Be it <i>Ros-omelet</i> or <i>cutlet-pao</i>, or the plain-Jane <i>Kaakan</i> if you’re on a diet, it is these comforting varieties of bread that have formed a breakfast habit in generations of Goans. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">Irrespective of economic status, religion, caste,and creed, we all need our daily <i>Pao</i> and <i>Poee</i> for a satisfying Goan breakfast. And that makes the <i>Poder</i> an indispensable figure in our lives. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">Even Mario Miranda’s iconic Goan caricature collection has a <i>Poder</i> featuring somewhere in it. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">They say a Goan and <i>Pao</i> are inseparable. While I do not cater to illogical stereotypes, I have to say that the <i>Poee</i>, <i>Pao</i>, and <i>Poder</i> are very much a part of Goan heritage…something we are extremely proud of and would love to keep intact for generations to come. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">So, ‘<i>Obrigado, Goa!</i>’ for ensuring that we can eat our bread and have it too. For that, we are grateful.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">Stick around for another interesting facet of life in my beautiful state.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">Until then,</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">Mog aasu di.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>(Let there be love!)</i></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i> </i></span></p><p><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">—————---</span></b></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://theblogchatter.com" target="_blank">I'm participating in #BlogchatterA2Z.</a> </i></span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: x-large;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 43.2px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i style="font-family: arial;">My theme for the challenge is ‘<b>Obrigado, Goa!</b>’, under which I’ll be writing 26 posts on Goa (April 1-30th, excluding Sundays), each post corresponding to the letters of the English alphabet. You can read more about it in my <a href="https://www.drpriyankanaik.com/2022/03/blogchattera2z-theme-reveal-obrigado-goa.html" target="_blank">theme reveal post</a>.</i></span></p><p><br /></p>Prihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01023126998314268275noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16896474.post-6553024185966579742022-04-18T06:29:00.002+05:302022-04-18T08:22:49.139+05:30#BlogchatterA2Z: O for ‘Old Goa’ - Of the Feast, Church, Exposition, and so much more<p><span style="font-size: x-large;">My topic today is special one, one that is a matter of pride for all Goans irrespective of religion, one that is a source of intrigue among all tourists visiting Goa, one that is famous for its miraculous history, of fascinating faith, of undeniable devotion. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">I’m talking about <b>Old Goa. </b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWQvJ4WTHEsgD-vM1nW289VD-ITrFHQJ3pDJiGdDjVwdLzpOPx1QbH1gOFs4jOJX5srtyswCgNnv4iSuEKXh2HaWJaXTYRpx2EvJYEz9QXOKAAv7tAHis7-7xWCIDzxcW33ZC8B7xbt-Rw4MvtBXhzUVOt9mQthFkx1lwuYyQsLf_MSb5RSDc/s2245/8968FB6B-11EF-46E2-999B-63EE47472612.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2245" data-original-width="1587" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWQvJ4WTHEsgD-vM1nW289VD-ITrFHQJ3pDJiGdDjVwdLzpOPx1QbH1gOFs4jOJX5srtyswCgNnv4iSuEKXh2HaWJaXTYRpx2EvJYEz9QXOKAAv7tAHis7-7xWCIDzxcW33ZC8B7xbt-Rw4MvtBXhzUVOt9mQthFkx1lwuYyQsLf_MSb5RSDc/w283-h400/8968FB6B-11EF-46E2-999B-63EE47472612.png" width="283" /></span></a></div><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">Old Goa is located beside the the Mandovi river in the western Indian state of Goa. It was founded as a port town by the rulers of the Bijapur Sultanate in the 15th century. In 1510, it was captured by the Portuguese and became the administrative seat of Portugal in India. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">Also called ‘Velha Goa’ (‘Velha’ in Portuguese is ‘old’), Old Goa was once the former capital of Portugal in India. Later in the 18th century, however, the capital was shifted to Panjim or Nova Goa, which is 30 minutes away from Old Goa. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8efPbGEaIj9hMH5OA8TZj5EGi_VNMuTl5KusEZkFTQTij2J89pqRw9JXqjG93KE31cIBH-Rd7zsYK6-8AKWp1IvXx-hyzNXKU3Ue-rbW03S9rxDFELHtlQuxXURBaTWF8PNMpzBsw2PNxQEM8UlphiUkP83kGL3aD7FF-zRs4rUHK720q3Tk/s425/1C66B87E-FB0D-4263-9B8E-B4F5382067A7.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="343" data-original-width="425" height="323" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8efPbGEaIj9hMH5OA8TZj5EGi_VNMuTl5KusEZkFTQTij2J89pqRw9JXqjG93KE31cIBH-Rd7zsYK6-8AKWp1IvXx-hyzNXKU3Ue-rbW03S9rxDFELHtlQuxXURBaTWF8PNMpzBsw2PNxQEM8UlphiUkP83kGL3aD7FF-zRs4rUHK720q3Tk/w400-h323/1C66B87E-FB0D-4263-9B8E-B4F5382067A7.jpeg" width="400" /></span></a></div><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">Famous for its magnificent colonial monuments, Old Goa came to be known as Rome of the East and earned the epithet of ‘Golden Goa’. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">Chief among these is the Basilica the Bom Jesus. The Basilica was constructed by the Portuguese ruler Aponso De Albuquerque for celebrating the victory of capturing a city in Goa. Adorned by Portuguese Manueline architecture, this Basilica is a sight for sore eyes. However, let that not distract you from the tranquility this place</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">It is here that the holy relics of Saint Francis Xavier, the patron saint of Goa (fondly called ‘<i>Goycho Saayb</i>’ ) are preserved in a silver casket. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Story behind the casket: </span></b></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">The casket was commissioned as a Thank you to St Francis by Fr Marcelo Mastrilli, an Italian Jesuit priest, who was miraculously revived from death on two occasions and believed it was St Francis Xavier who had saved his life. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">Fr Mastrilli, however, did not live to see the casket completed as he was killed in Nagasaki in Japan months prior to it being readied. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">The miracle: </span></b></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">The body of St Francis was originally transported back to Goa in a lime-slake, from which his body miraculously emerged unmolested. He was placed on view in a raised reliquary, with annual festivals, where, up until recently, pilgrims had the opportunity to kiss the exposed, miraculously mummified feet of the saint. Reportedly, in 1554, an excited devotee in a bout of over zealous faith, bit off the the pinky toe of his right foot. The attendees were shocked to see this, but not as shocked when they saw blood gushing from the site of the bite, like from a living body. Later, in 1614, by order of the church, his right arm was severed at the elbow and taken to Rome.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">Once every decade, the mortal remains are taken down from 22nd November to 4th January, for a ceremoniously conducted exposition. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">During this time, the relics are kept in the cathedral for 44 days. The exposition travels in a formal procession from the Basilica of Bom Jesus to the Se cathedral De Santa Catarina or Se Catedral there. Various stalls set up in the vicinity sell Goan handicraft, souvenirs, and ornaments. Plays and dramas on the life of Saint Francis Xavier are played during the exposition. Following the closing ceremony, the procession returns to the Basilica of Bom Jesus with the relics. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk_0z4UnMegmvAr8JynZr2XFOlJkBPVgLcCdqjEsu2f97O0l_CgEJ8nl7rqqI0DdgM4I73qwu_mD3Ep2zLKi8AOCtF8s_z9l0vMjy10dH8PdZBC9ocvoItrCTtkMHHfZqN53vBZmCA8T_WmzLgWraNeF7UMcxLHSoJ9BVFQAVRA4ZFXzJ9DtY/s1681/4A4649C0-1832-4001-B8EE-1118B28D9519.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1681" data-original-width="1582" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk_0z4UnMegmvAr8JynZr2XFOlJkBPVgLcCdqjEsu2f97O0l_CgEJ8nl7rqqI0DdgM4I73qwu_mD3Ep2zLKi8AOCtF8s_z9l0vMjy10dH8PdZBC9ocvoItrCTtkMHHfZqN53vBZmCA8T_WmzLgWraNeF7UMcxLHSoJ9BVFQAVRA4ZFXzJ9DtY/w376-h400/4A4649C0-1832-4001-B8EE-1118B28D9519.jpeg" width="376" /></span></a></div><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">The mortal remains of Francis Xavier in the basilica of Bom Jesus in old Goa draws tourists and devotees from around the world. The last exposition was held in 2014 and was presided over by the Archbishop of Mangalore Rev Bishop Aloysius and Archbishop of Goa and Daman Rev Bishop Filipe Neri Ferrao. If you want to witness the next exposition, make a trip to Old Goa in 2024. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">Old Goa feast or the feast of Saint Francis Xavier is celebrated on 3 December to commemorate the day St Francis died and was buried. Preceding the feast, 9 days of Novenas are held and attended by scores of tourists and Catholic pilgrims who throng to Goa to pay their respects on this day and honour the memory of the saint.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">Old Goa also has other glorious churches like the Se Cathedral, Church of Saint Francis of Assisi, and St Augustine’s tower, and others owing to which it has been declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">There are lot of interesting places and activities worthy of mention in the area. The Archaelogical Museum, the Wax Museum, Fontainhas, Divar island, to name a few. Famous for its heritage walks, cycle tours, and water sports, this port town in Goa Iis known and loved for its wonderful combination of spirituality, faith, and heritage…yet another reason to say ‘Obrigado, Goa!’</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">Tomorrow’s post will talk about a simple flavour of daily Goan life. Be there to witness it. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">Until then,</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">Mog aasu di. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>(Let there be love!) </i></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><br /></i></span></p><p><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">————————-</span></b></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://theblogchatter.com" target="_blank">I'm participating in #BlogchatterA2Z.</a> </i></span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: x-large;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 43.2px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i style="font-family: arial;">My theme for the challenge is ‘<b>Obrigado, Goa!</b>’, under which I’ll be writing 26 posts on Goa (April 1-30th, excluding Sundays), each post corresponding to the letters of the English alphabet. You can read more about it in my <a href="https://www.drpriyankanaik.com/2022/03/blogchattera2z-theme-reveal-obrigado-goa.html" target="_blank">theme reveal post</a>. </i></span></p>Prihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01023126998314268275noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16896474.post-16738611413490218172022-04-16T18:07:00.003+05:302022-05-03T12:10:58.245+05:30#BlogchatterA2Z: N for Nostalgia - Goa then and now. <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span>“So much in Goa has changed. Back in the day…” i</span><span>s a common refrain used by most from the bygone generation. </span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">It’s true Goa has changed a lot over the ages. And I realised this only when a friend forwarded me some pics of the Goa of yesteryear. </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Thus began my research. Conversation with family alone revealed many facets of Goa I wasn’t aware of. Then there was Google who through rare pics brought to life all they were saying. And of course, there was good old fashioned day dreaming. Lots of it.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnAiT0tdQHspiPMgBNO1LrtsCyW_JZhnvYStEUnu2dED18G1_PYeWL5t3XfJ4z4kcu1lEqJpIiz26e6Z19QyzJ8Lgz4ExBk9E4Ya0UUNkbYoHTVtwvPvE8d7-X_5SRYY3x5HRTsH_tzImvTeZ9kN2pflOlwGuTELthiYmfc06WpVEbqTcK5NA/s2245/png_20220416_032817_0000.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2245" data-original-width="1587" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnAiT0tdQHspiPMgBNO1LrtsCyW_JZhnvYStEUnu2dED18G1_PYeWL5t3XfJ4z4kcu1lEqJpIiz26e6Z19QyzJ8Lgz4ExBk9E4Ya0UUNkbYoHTVtwvPvE8d7-X_5SRYY3x5HRTsH_tzImvTeZ9kN2pflOlwGuTELthiYmfc06WpVEbqTcK5NA/w283-h400/png_20220416_032817_0000.png" width="283" /></span></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">In fact, I envisioned sitting in a time machine and travelling back into the past to an era long before I was even born. </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">No cell phones, no Netflix, no blogging, at first it seemed blasphemous. However, living on love and fresh non-polluted air seems not such a bad idea at all. Back in the day, everybody in Goa trusted implicitly…they would sleep with their doors unlocked, assured they were safe. When I first heard this, I was aghast. Doing that in today’s day and age seemed unimaginable. But going by the innocent and sweet temperament of Goa’s older generation, i am totally convinced this happened. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Back then, there was minimal security and maximum bonhomie among Goans. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Everything from the food we ate to the songs we sung were a evident of Goan culture and heritage. Goa was untouched by urbanisation then. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span>People used utensils made of clay and wood. The food was earnestly prepared using the vegetables that were freshly grown. Grain and fruit were pesticide free and our hearts weren’t stained with greed. </span>Nobody burned with jealousy. Nobody gloated with pride. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">The Goan community back then was a humble fun loving bunch of good hearted people, who saw each other through in good and bad times. And this was reflected in everything around them. In the edifices, buildings, monuments. There was a simplicity in everything…a purity that nothing could taint, neither wrath nor power. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">On the flipside however, modernisation wasn’t that bad. A lot of progress also came along, pulling Goa from its old status of ‘a place that time forgot’. As tourism started expanding, our economy begun booming. A lot of opportunities, both on the creative and economical front, came along. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Goa had traded a part of itself to the devil for the betterment of its coming generations. Our generation…a generation that hasn’t yet fully understood its worth but are trying.</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Sharing below some pictures I found while looking up the Goa <i>that used to be</i>. </span></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj14FLeH9Vj8xQ0eJhjI2BJrNUijSJ7rGu43CQ16TSXO6TMm2d_q35gqNrELiVT83t-DS-rZs18eEJE_yOU7khHvrn7xjqLopp60Dw4CkwL0OGOvqvOPmqjlaHXeMH9lC0Ct7ZGC8ZqHl6tXl3LCjHdbtDz74bvvuh_FktlVC5stK_3XZSI8W0/s720/276F665F-63E6-4FEC-BD36-0BFB8B6F46E6.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="521" data-original-width="720" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj14FLeH9Vj8xQ0eJhjI2BJrNUijSJ7rGu43CQ16TSXO6TMm2d_q35gqNrELiVT83t-DS-rZs18eEJE_yOU7khHvrn7xjqLopp60Dw4CkwL0OGOvqvOPmqjlaHXeMH9lC0Ct7ZGC8ZqHl6tXl3LCjHdbtDz74bvvuh_FktlVC5stK_3XZSI8W0/w400-h290/276F665F-63E6-4FEC-BD36-0BFB8B6F46E6.jpeg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Mandovi Hotel, Circa 1954</span></td></tr></tbody></table><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 43.2px; text-align: left; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfpu4pzYu5PqxIdmGsDM48jzCujmUTDgYYd95_faGgVYzTCJOK0xBqpnsh-6KSj4gH4udFvbo1Ft2J88Um27ScR1ZqvpTUR67oHnCGbSX8dBhP19Q4zWo01yIzOqRH1nQwWgPSPYL5V9KhSIfBVIE_bNPm-GorkJ_i7kLyhzO7DYC5mcBUiB4/s1213/C0D12EE5-025E-4464-A852-C12530CE9574.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="822" data-original-width="1213" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfpu4pzYu5PqxIdmGsDM48jzCujmUTDgYYd95_faGgVYzTCJOK0xBqpnsh-6KSj4gH4udFvbo1Ft2J88Um27ScR1ZqvpTUR67oHnCGbSX8dBhP19Q4zWo01yIzOqRH1nQwWgPSPYL5V9KhSIfBVIE_bNPm-GorkJ_i7kLyhzO7DYC5mcBUiB4/w400-h271/C0D12EE5-025E-4464-A852-C12530CE9574.jpeg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Vintage Soda</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ192mW-ngZRZxm8ioXOCPl4z7y10SoP7QV_Cpg0_IZ12ArNxYEA0rqSg8Ps9rha-uekMp0zVuj0_EoBCVbalQPB0In2abMvDVCq1LQyac0hZFelbfbg_yvOlMUptfDKMGeK-KK8qXHWGbKpDF5_5Qrq--3TpQFVB8NCTcSgcN_ttLgpbvs2E/s568/6B6178C4-10D2-46FB-B109-6545261AEC76.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="395" data-original-width="568" height="279" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ192mW-ngZRZxm8ioXOCPl4z7y10SoP7QV_Cpg0_IZ12ArNxYEA0rqSg8Ps9rha-uekMp0zVuj0_EoBCVbalQPB0In2abMvDVCq1LQyac0hZFelbfbg_yvOlMUptfDKMGeK-KK8qXHWGbKpDF5_5Qrq--3TpQFVB8NCTcSgcN_ttLgpbvs2E/w400-h279/6B6178C4-10D2-46FB-B109-6545261AEC76.jpeg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Steam engine, prior to 1961<br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table></div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkHLe9Ksh3nAtAahEBF0xIDg9U0zyR4e4vNGinqWm2mIvknVTM7rGhHtPTLLM3VgrNAPwFdbqbMJnCe4osL4jxAAVj1duJz7U3PGSqakSOZIRalspa3nET0frdAxF16bKzlzqAnXICS1nCIRc_sLFC8-t76OgR81pN7kZrJScdHH4EtL22AFM/s1149/A552CC3B-5629-499E-ACBF-EBE9A3664A2C.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="787" data-original-width="1149" height="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkHLe9Ksh3nAtAahEBF0xIDg9U0zyR4e4vNGinqWm2mIvknVTM7rGhHtPTLLM3VgrNAPwFdbqbMJnCe4osL4jxAAVj1duJz7U3PGSqakSOZIRalspa3nET0frdAxF16bKzlzqAnXICS1nCIRc_sLFC8-t76OgR81pN7kZrJScdHH4EtL22AFM/w400-h274/A552CC3B-5629-499E-ACBF-EBE9A3664A2C.jpeg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Vintage car (1)<br /><br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left; text-size-adjust: auto;"></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjifW5bZOk5Lg7nQnIo2J3gsHufndoNSS48tL3XFO-S8p-pYj5NhzeClvfodWQntiyh-XEsFyUQk2fN9codpooMArRipBKnjmYtXJ-vsWMaIaSIg9bQlPeGxGUO1QJqD13mtD2hE78noYsazUqYh_h3X7tKkY4LJjMAZY5O39Tdf8SIykDQWLM/s1290/6068C88F-BE4C-49EC-8F0F-11C1D7380E65.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="884" data-original-width="1290" height="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjifW5bZOk5Lg7nQnIo2J3gsHufndoNSS48tL3XFO-S8p-pYj5NhzeClvfodWQntiyh-XEsFyUQk2fN9codpooMArRipBKnjmYtXJ-vsWMaIaSIg9bQlPeGxGUO1QJqD13mtD2hE78noYsazUqYh_h3X7tKkY4LJjMAZY5O39Tdf8SIykDQWLM/w400-h274/6068C88F-BE4C-49EC-8F0F-11C1D7380E65.jpeg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Vintage car (2)<br /><br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: left;"></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVcfFyHMs8PatVeEilLu1UzwdAFoXao5VeZ2scv4n1DVXs8CqgQqdOIk0kKb7nVoayLJqH6hK-NqyMoTueGXalBwl80ArUjBGC7dbwSMfgZsOM3jLCM8cnS3eMKEImIRj1SQOhLZS279MtcfzWTWecvaaEN0v-Yx2p61syIzHJfiNDF6WdcLg/s1371/5689DDD8-C610-4228-AC3B-1C3BCB957756.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="874" data-original-width="1371" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVcfFyHMs8PatVeEilLu1UzwdAFoXao5VeZ2scv4n1DVXs8CqgQqdOIk0kKb7nVoayLJqH6hK-NqyMoTueGXalBwl80ArUjBGC7dbwSMfgZsOM3jLCM8cnS3eMKEImIRj1SQOhLZS279MtcfzWTWecvaaEN0v-Yx2p61syIzHJfiNDF6WdcLg/w400-h255/5689DDD8-C610-4228-AC3B-1C3BCB957756.jpeg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Vintage car (3) <br /><br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left; text-size-adjust: auto;"></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQnICxLhMcz5_dT-FFeL7ira8hdpmqExuxaQsv-BXdhEWRCTgd6NZsXa7dFo9K1HZcZVczTttIFFoYkQcrd0irzwBhFByesPHBgQn1o9oQD9gK4TOvCvO8Vi4AMqh9JsDTn4d4AYVNb0ZnOo13-56EfOb_-r8SnQ0nA-U05u1hkF0Um3IOrpA/s1091/0C1AE838-7F26-4403-B52B-DE48A951C50D.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="703" data-original-width="1091" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQnICxLhMcz5_dT-FFeL7ira8hdpmqExuxaQsv-BXdhEWRCTgd6NZsXa7dFo9K1HZcZVczTttIFFoYkQcrd0irzwBhFByesPHBgQn1o9oQD9gK4TOvCvO8Vi4AMqh9JsDTn4d4AYVNb0ZnOo13-56EfOb_-r8SnQ0nA-U05u1hkF0Um3IOrpA/w400-h258/0C1AE838-7F26-4403-B52B-DE48A951C50D.jpeg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Mangeshi temple (80s) </span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9R84ECftLMB8f-uqFFRHpi0GXutbW8WLjZk6s9hhyKurzAIUIYisc2eOx9fD3pwbVEXX0A0uxRMmpPeJXNyV7FpbByDKiP0417NFrj8ftNW8zk7srzeokkPoeIkUMcl3xuGMYoXfVUbDKvFmm2Uxf6Cnd4jgnGFGSwqKjX9BRj2PnygTO8k4/s998/DD64497C-2715-4FFB-87A2-1CC2A58049D4.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="728" data-original-width="998" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9R84ECftLMB8f-uqFFRHpi0GXutbW8WLjZk6s9hhyKurzAIUIYisc2eOx9fD3pwbVEXX0A0uxRMmpPeJXNyV7FpbByDKiP0417NFrj8ftNW8zk7srzeokkPoeIkUMcl3xuGMYoXfVUbDKvFmm2Uxf6Cnd4jgnGFGSwqKjX9BRj2PnygTO8k4/w400-h291/DD64497C-2715-4FFB-87A2-1CC2A58049D4.jpeg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Church of St Augustine (1880) <br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><div> </div><div><div>Despite losing a lot of that old world charm along the way, Goa still has its remnants and reminiscings. We still have memories, and stories regaled to us by our elders. We still have the tell tale signs of an era to draw inspiration from. </div><div>So for all that was, is and will always remain precious. For that which is truly Goan and no amount of time and trend can change, we say, ‘Obrigado, Goa!’</div><div><br /></div><div>See you again on Monday.</div><div>Until then, </div><div>Mog aasu di.</div><div><i>(Let there be love!)</i></div></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span><i><b>--------------</b></i></span></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i style="font-family: arial;"><span><a href="https://theblogchatter.com" target="_blank">I'm participating in #BlogchatterA2Z.</a> </span></i></span></p><p style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: x-large;"></span></p><p style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></p><p style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></p><p style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></p><p style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></p><p style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 43.2px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i style="font-family: arial;">My theme for the challenge is ‘<b>Obrigado, Goa!</b>’, under which I’ll be writing 26 posts on Goa (April 1-30th, excluding Sundays), each post corresponding to the letters of the English alphabet. You can read more about it in my <a href="https://www.drpriyankanaik.com/2022/03/blogchattera2z-theme-reveal-obrigado-goa.html" target="_blank">theme reveal post</a>. </i></span></p></div></div></span></td><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br />!’</span></td><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></td><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></td><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></td><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></td><td class="tr-caption"></td><td class="tr-caption"></td><td class="tr-caption"></td><td class="tr-caption"></td><td class="tr-caption"></td><td class="tr-caption"></td></tr></tbody></table>Prihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01023126998314268275noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16896474.post-60875875250710296162022-04-15T14:49:00.004+05:302022-04-19T07:22:24.815+05:30#BlogchatterA2Z: M for ‘Mankurad’ - Goa’s not-so-aam Mango<p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Ask any Goan what summers mean to them, and you will find one word making its way in almost all the answers…<b><i>’Mankurad'.</i></b> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVnmXpv8pMrcMEDfc1LsMjDzv-_fkmG8NUgbcxFLk9ypY0_ToFtmJ9p8zkfxvgGFLkHWRkTzECJpcA-xY4jp-oHkTsew25cTrtPkDyvePucyf4h26YdRI_q3OYjgpTuDJsI4hEypeYL4gJiB70TZJ_NV8WBzrotDb2g1fS6j_nqGJIC1GUUMU/s2245/png_20220415_052136_0000.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2245" data-original-width="1587" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVnmXpv8pMrcMEDfc1LsMjDzv-_fkmG8NUgbcxFLk9ypY0_ToFtmJ9p8zkfxvgGFLkHWRkTzECJpcA-xY4jp-oHkTsew25cTrtPkDyvePucyf4h26YdRI_q3OYjgpTuDJsI4hEypeYL4gJiB70TZJ_NV8WBzrotDb2g1fS6j_nqGJIC1GUUMU/w283-h400/png_20220415_052136_0000.png" width="283" /></span></a></div><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">It is one of the blessings of nature that Goa is known for its rich seasonal variety of fruits. Mangoes in Goa cover the largest area under fruit crops. A bountiful harvest of Mangoes; Mussarat, Malgesh, Mankurad, Culas, Bishop, Afons, Hilario, Gadgil, Kolar, Fernandin, to name a few, mark the ethos of Goan summers. </span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Each variety has its own unique flavour. But if you imagine a kingdom with mangoes as subjects, there is no denying that the Goan Mankurad will be king. </span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">The name ‘Mankurad’ is the local version of its original name, ‘Malcorado’, which means poorly coloured. The pale reddish-yellow and greenish hue of the mango that made the Portuguese assign it that name. Kurad, Goa Mankur, Malcorado, or Corado are some of the other names the Mankurad mango goes by in Goa. </span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">It’s a shame Shakespeare wasn’t Goan, or he’d have said, “What’s in a name? A ‘Mankurad’ by any other name would taste as great.”</span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Even before you bite into this heavenly mango, you will be besotted by its aroma. The scent of Mankurad mangoes kept to ripen in wicker baskets laden with stacked hay in a warm dry corner of the storeroom in Goan houses fills the home and heart with an unexplainable joy. </span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidmzzIYVdJ5q8kPl92BtoibFBdOyyDhoFdcLQpCFJPPITX7P2S85yDB59jMpDQ7hD7UTijrscxpTSkYuUP4OxrJ9ToGPSXu7aVSPwly2Nc0KI2eySKpiyF5tCb0Cb2UqM9vcv2ltGrZuFnMo7HJE5Ogmwl2JqzPYQt5I17TNOPWxzFU7AgWpQ/s1871/Screenshot_20220415-054422_YouTube.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1871" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidmzzIYVdJ5q8kPl92BtoibFBdOyyDhoFdcLQpCFJPPITX7P2S85yDB59jMpDQ7hD7UTijrscxpTSkYuUP4OxrJ9ToGPSXu7aVSPwly2Nc0KI2eySKpiyF5tCb0Cb2UqM9vcv2ltGrZuFnMo7HJE5Ogmwl2JqzPYQt5I17TNOPWxzFU7AgWpQ/w400-h231/Screenshot_20220415-054422_YouTube.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: x-large;">Weighing around 200-250 gms, the Goan Mankurad mango has a really small and flat mango stone or seed, and hence is more pulpy and less fibrous than other varieties. It has an exclusive sour-sweet and velvety flavour, a combination quite distinct in taste. Also known as the ‘table mango’, it is a sheer delightful to eat, and although enjoying it may be a messy affair, it is worth every bit of the mess. </span><p></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Back in the day, Goa was believed to have more than a hundred varieties of mangoes. But with deforestation and concrete jungles on the rise, there are fewer Mankurad trees than there once were. </span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Worthy of mention here is the Mankurad festival of Goa, where jams, pickles, squashes and other mango based beverages prepared using the Mankurad mango are exhibited. Organised to inculcate love towards the humble Goan mango, this festival aims to promote Mankurad cultivation across the state and to encourage planting Mankurad mango saplings by locals in their own backyards. </span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Goan mangoes have always been known to be best in the world. </span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">If you don’t believe me, here are testimonies of eminent people over the ages. </span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">1) The Portuguese Renaissance Sephardic Jewish doctor and pharmacognosy expert, Garcia da Orta extraordinary Colóquios dos simples e drogas da India could assert that mangoes 'surpass all the fruits of Spain.'</span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">2) In 1963, Italian adventurer, Nicollao Manucci once said, “The best mangoes grow in Goa.”</span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">3) In the 18th century, the Scottish sea captain, Alexander Hamilton said,'The Goa mango is reckoned the largest and most delicious to the taste of any in the world, and the wholesomest and best tasted of any fruit in the world.'</span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLZVJcALSRIHyCvZSOb4lO8aKQW_AzKqqZ0umqlOHVK0Ao2t-Ok4lGYvFMVJXY7Co-OuvPKRl7-zN5QDmNo1jYofre3N2J13nvIPXm2JO0DVVyUhEFYhPjfY9bA-JPuZ4v3aCB4sY2AeHoIaVUYH1tIDie0MCV5703jGRrNPYg8W2MAQhleEY/s1898/Screenshot_20220415-054336_YouTube.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1898" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLZVJcALSRIHyCvZSOb4lO8aKQW_AzKqqZ0umqlOHVK0Ao2t-Ok4lGYvFMVJXY7Co-OuvPKRl7-zN5QDmNo1jYofre3N2J13nvIPXm2JO0DVVyUhEFYhPjfY9bA-JPuZ4v3aCB4sY2AeHoIaVUYH1tIDie0MCV5703jGRrNPYg8W2MAQhleEY/w400-h228/Screenshot_20220415-054336_YouTube.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><p></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Come March, the Goan market starts slowly filling up with mangoes. By April, they become a common sight. As summer ends, locals have had their fill and are now preparing to make <i>Mangad</i>, a delightful, golden yellow jam made from the ‘Mussarat’ variety of mangoes and thereby made to last all year round. </span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">The Mankurad, however, teaches us to enjoy life’s pleasures while they last. So irresistible is its scent, that one can’t even enter the kitchen without longing to have a bite. And then before you know it, it gets devoured. </span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">On that delightful note, I will sign off and dig my teeth into the luscious Mankurad mango that has magically appeared at my table while I was writing this. </span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">And for all the mango-mania that lies ahead this summer, for the natural gastronomic delight nature has provided to us Goans, for the mango that tugs at our heart strings like nothing else, here’s me saying, ‘Obrigado, <strike>Mankurad</strike> Goa!’</span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Stick tomorrow for a topic most researched by tourists visiting my lovely state. </span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Until then, like we Goans like to say, </span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Mog aasu di.</span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>(Let there be love!)</i></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><br /></i></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span><i><b>--------------</b></i></span></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i style="font-family: arial;"><span><a href="https://theblogchatter.com" target="_blank">I'm participating in #BlogchatterA2Z.</a> </span></i></span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: x-large;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 43.2px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i style="font-family: arial;">My theme for the challenge is ‘<b>Obrigado, Goa!</b>’, under which I’ll be writing 26 posts on Goa (April 1-30th, excluding Sundays), each post corresponding to the letters of the English alphabet. You can read more about it in my <a href="https://www.drpriyankanaik.com/2022/03/blogchattera2z-theme-reveal-obrigado-goa.html" target="_blank">theme reveal post</a>. </i></span></p>Prihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01023126998314268275noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16896474.post-16638577752574846772022-04-14T17:50:00.003+05:302022-04-15T14:33:11.698+05:30#BlogchatterA2Z: L for language & linguistics - Goa’s vocal identity.<p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">‘So many ideas, so little time,’ is what I told my friend when she demanded to know why I didn’t write about ‘Konkani’ for K. </span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">But for those like her who are cross at me for not doing a post on Goa’s official language yet, sulk no more. Because today, I intend to do just that. </span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">My post today is all about Goan languages and linguistics.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkMP8f_G4yYE2byYfUHo-NOubLWK1Vs7T4cwgyj90Mz0jGKY44KE2-BjHlpDdvZNdO1sJZEeh4wvtkBCgyL5Dni6Y8FJc4rm_-Tzn4LzGcuj9l6uix0llv0l4KdhIrL2sJe5c0qUBTOLBUoXdT6SoiU7r3B1lqVTGVc4DNOhAIyUHjnQi94fY/s2245/png_20220410_042714_0000.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2245" data-original-width="1587" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkMP8f_G4yYE2byYfUHo-NOubLWK1Vs7T4cwgyj90Mz0jGKY44KE2-BjHlpDdvZNdO1sJZEeh4wvtkBCgyL5Dni6Y8FJc4rm_-Tzn4LzGcuj9l6uix0llv0l4KdhIrL2sJe5c0qUBTOLBUoXdT6SoiU7r3B1lqVTGVc4DNOhAIyUHjnQi94fY/w283-h400/png_20220410_042714_0000.png" width="283" /></span></a></div><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">The two main languages spoken in Goa are Konkani and Marathi. Konkani was declared Goa’s official language by the government in early 2000 and is the predominant language of Goa. 57% of Goans speak Konkani. While a small section of politically influential Goans still speak Portuguese, English is spoken relatively more commonly than Portuguese.</span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span>When it comes to Konkani, there is a distinct difference in the dialect and diction based on where in Goa you live. Also, the Catholics talk a different sounding Konkani from the Hindus. </span><span>Since Goa shares a border with Maharashtra, the Konkani that the latter speak is influenced by Marathi. And is almost similar. Goa also shares a border line with Karnataka State, and so Kannada's influence is sometimes noticeable in Goa's south and south eastern regions.</span></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Goa has a huge number of non Goans settled in and so you will find a large number of people speaking their mother tongue. These include: Marathi, Oriya, Sanskrit, Tamil, Telugu, Urdu, Bengali, Gujarati, Hindi, Malayalam, Assamese etc. </span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">When it comes to the written word, Konkani is written using the <i>Roman</i> and <i>Devnagri</i> script. The former is more popular among the Christians. Among the local Christians, the Roman Catholic Missionaries built up a literature which is of Christian inspiration and so they write in <i>Roman lipi</i> (read ‘style’) rather than in <i>Devanagri</i> script. On the other hand, however, majority of the Hindus use the <i>Devanagri</i> script and also use Marathi for communication. </span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">It was during one of the edits of the inquisitionccc that Konkani literature was prohibited. However, once Goa was liberated, literature in Konkani started getting written, once again. It was only later in 1975, however, that the <i>The Sahitya Academy</i> recognised 'Konkani' as an independent modern literary language.</span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Even today, when we think of Goan Konkani literature, poet, novelist, and play write Bakibaab Borkar comes to mind. Other Konkani writers from Goa include Lakshmanrao Sardesai, Ravindra Kelkar, Manohar Sardesai, Dolphio Lobo, R.V. Pandit, Pundalek Naik, and Nagesh Karmali.</span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">There is endless debate over Konkani being medium of instruction for primary education in schools of Goa. While some believe this should not be the case, there are others who are insistent over complete autonomy of the local language. </span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">But one thing is for certain, no matter how diverse our language and how different our views over the matter, we Goans are connected by the fact that we are united by heart and for that we are eternally grateful. </span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">We are grateful for our literature and for our writings. For our ‘kaatara’ and ‘tiatra’. For our plays and our poetry. And hence in all modesty, we express our love and respect, by saying ‘<i>Obrigado, Goa</i>!’</span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Join me tomorrow for yet another local treasure of my lovely state. </span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Until then, </span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Mog aasu di.</span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>(Let there be love!) </i></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><br /></i></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 3px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><b>-------------</b></i></span></p><p><i style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://theblogchatter.com" target="_blank">I'm participating in #BlogchatterA2Z.</a> </span></i></p><p><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: x-large;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 43.2px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i style="font-family: arial;">My theme for the challenge is ‘<b>Obrigado, Goa!</b>’, under which I’ll be writing 26 posts on Goa (April 1-30th, excluding Sundays), each post corresponding to the letters of the English alphabet. You can read more about it in my <a href="https://www.drpriyankanaik.com/2022/03/blogchattera2z-theme-reveal-obrigado-goa.html" target="_blank">theme reveal post</a>. </i></span></p>Prihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01023126998314268275noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16896474.post-69758131359410704022022-04-13T11:22:00.006+05:302022-04-13T11:24:40.226+05:30#BlogchatterA2Z: K for Kunbi sarees - the Goan heritage saree. <p><span style="font-size: x-large;">Today, while brainstorming for ideas for the ‘K’ post in my A to Z series, I received a text from a friend, asking me if I’d like to join her to a saree exhibition she was invited for. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">While I politely declined the offer with the excuse that my mind isn’t into retail therapy these days, a thought struck me…why not write about the traditional attire of the womenfolk belonging to Goa’s oldest tribal community, <b><i>the Kunbi saree. </i></b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh89FdyJzZsS9Ceo78o0qOJwrDZx6V8PvnDOZ0J3PK4T11gHuGLzqTugxT4uvCBg_OMlLVV6mspPq-mkHDWNY988F8bq5pqv8gM87EdJ-u0NVvxs8BX0sajzpZUsvz-CKFD2SGBSWZ042SrvOX1xNNvhYYHRX61Po6ijKnkZqqt1wpwcGayE4I/s2245/png_20220413_060951_0000.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2245" data-original-width="1587" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh89FdyJzZsS9Ceo78o0qOJwrDZx6V8PvnDOZ0J3PK4T11gHuGLzqTugxT4uvCBg_OMlLVV6mspPq-mkHDWNY988F8bq5pqv8gM87EdJ-u0NVvxs8BX0sajzpZUsvz-CKFD2SGBSWZ042SrvOX1xNNvhYYHRX61Po6ijKnkZqqt1wpwcGayE4I/w283-h400/png_20220413_060951_0000.png" width="283" /></span></a></div><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">It was the 400 years of colonial rule, especially after the inquisition of 1560 that resulted in the suppression and disappearance of the Kunbi culture, including the wearing of the Kunbi sari. The Portuguese did not approve of the apparel for the converted Goan, and forced them to change their dressing style. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">With the liberation of Goa in 1961, the Government and the Kunbi tribe tried to revive this lost piece of their heritage but somehow, it never regained its original popularity. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">Today, you will see this saree being worn, by farmer women during festivals such as the Shigmo, or dance performances, such as '<i>Dhalo</i>' or '<i>Fugdi</i>'. But these are mostly limited to remote villages of Goa. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><b><u><span style="font-size: x-large;">The origin: </span></u></b></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">The word Kunbi is derived from ‘kun’ which means family and ‘bi’ which means seeds and literally means ‘a family of people who sow seeds’. The Kunbi tribe was originally a farmers tribe, and hence the saree was designed to enable the woman to work comfortably in the fields.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><b><u><span style="font-size: x-large;">Characteristic features: </span></u></b></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">The drape is simple and is just below the knee (shorter than the 6 yard saree). The Kunbi saree has a weave that is 100% cotton and is handwoven into a steady fabric so that it doesn’t wear easily. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">The saree exhibits a red base color, with a red and black checkered pattern (modern variations of blue, grey, and ivory now exist) and a gold border. A puffed sleeve blouse is usually teamed over it. However, the earliest versions (known as ‘<i>kapad</i>’ in Goa) were worn without the choli, with the fabric tied in below the shoulder and a strip of cloth crossed over the left shoulder secured at the back. The Kunbi women would pair it with simple glass red and green bangles and black beads necklaces. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><u>Symbolic significance</u></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">One interpretation says that the gold border on the saree convey a spiritual message as it resembles temple archways. The cross-crossing geometrical lines are often interpreted as a version of '<i>nava graha</i>' or nine planets. The red dye used in saree worn by married women is said to signify fertility and is obtained from a wild fruit called 'jafflinchi fala'. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">Another interpretation says that the color red denotes the buoyancy and vitality that permeates Goa, while the checkered pattern represents from the creative forces of nature, wherein both the horizontal and vertical lines embrace each other to form a sacred block of space. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">The Kunbi saree is still a dwindling heritage apparel. However, one cannot miss to mention the contribution by late designer Wendell Rodricks, a much acclaimed Goan name in the fashion world, who ensured that the humble Kunbi sari found its way into many a modern wardrobes.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">It is thanks to attempts like his that the Kunbi Saree has made its mark on the Red carpet, taking Goa to an international standard; the Cannes Film Festival. Draped as a normal saree, the 6 yard version is also flaunted by women in modern cliques. And although these designs have a touch of modernity added to them, they still retain the original Kunbi tradition.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">And for this unique blend of old and new, heritage and style, pride and perseverance, we say, ‘<i>Obrigado, Goa!</i>’ </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">Stick around tomorrow for yet another interesting nugget of information about my beautiful state.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">Until then, </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">Mog aasu di.</span></p><p><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">(Let there be love!)</span></i></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">------------------</span></p><p><i style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://theblogchatter.com" target="_blank">I'm participating in #BlogchatterA2Z.</a> </span></i></p><p><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: x-large;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 43.2px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i style="font-family: arial;">My theme for the challenge is ‘<b>Obrigado, Goa!</b>’, under which I’ll be writing 26 posts on Goa (April 1-30th, excluding Sundays), each post corresponding to the letters of the English alphabet. You can read more about it in my <a href="https://www.drpriyankanaik.com/2022/03/blogchattera2z-theme-reveal-obrigado-goa.html" target="_blank">theme reveal post</a>. </i></span></p><p><br /></p>Prihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01023126998314268275noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16896474.post-78039900831103146682022-04-12T13:39:00.006+05:302022-04-12T13:53:57.927+05:30#BlogchatterA2Z: J for Jackfruit in Goa - 5 Goan delicacies made from jackfruit<p><span style="font-size: x-large;">If you are a vegetarian who enjoys preservative-free, healthy, organic food, and have stumbled upon this post, please continue reading. You are in for a treat. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">Today’s topic is dedicated to Goa’s unsung hero of fruits, the multifaceted, multiuseful, ever-so-humble, jack of all fruits…the <b><i>jackfruit</i></b>. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl2JQqGjcV6qI0c6Sjt5ApcRchdgVVf08XVGOtU-hramVeLjehKiOqjE_xAFYeEnjZq65bp9i2DfGaq4K5zqSUn2CXN3f3K0I6u6QlNq9zUwI3_TWrMA_Kj3RRYMW6I1gPUZcvAP7lviWSU_K20l1rZ_klCA_P1i53w31ESdtjL10QLg7MSvY/s2245/png_20220330_094332_0000.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2245" data-original-width="1587" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl2JQqGjcV6qI0c6Sjt5ApcRchdgVVf08XVGOtU-hramVeLjehKiOqjE_xAFYeEnjZq65bp9i2DfGaq4K5zqSUn2CXN3f3K0I6u6QlNq9zUwI3_TWrMA_Kj3RRYMW6I1gPUZcvAP7lviWSU_K20l1rZ_klCA_P1i53w31ESdtjL10QLg7MSvY/w283-h400/png_20220330_094332_0000.png" width="283" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: x-large;">The jackfruit (also called jak) is the largest tree-borne fruit and has been in cultivation in India for the past 3,000 to 6,000 years. </span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_5y8-u3zowafbzp_zW814OraCFNHQInZXYx7nmuER4F-b3yaETswfm1ESyDjNIfXkaTIXfMfjKguMN-N_uLhlmQ4cIo2bMpoEJFGPa2mLYTCuorKHGtyx8zV7JHgvW7V9zKu-JufHwR_v7lG6aKJsUT9pCVzW8cJ5Jw13N8p8L3xgblX38yg/s554/images%20(2)%20(4).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="554" data-original-width="554" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_5y8-u3zowafbzp_zW814OraCFNHQInZXYx7nmuER4F-b3yaETswfm1ESyDjNIfXkaTIXfMfjKguMN-N_uLhlmQ4cIo2bMpoEJFGPa2mLYTCuorKHGtyx8zV7JHgvW7V9zKu-JufHwR_v7lG6aKJsUT9pCVzW8cJ5Jw13N8p8L3xgblX38yg/w400-h400/images%20(2)%20(4).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">The tree is pollinated by stingless bees called <i>Tetragonulaa Iridipennis</i>.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">In Goa, the jackfruit is locally called ‘Panas’. There are two varieties of panas found here. One is the firmer, crisper variety known as <i>Kaapa panas</i>, and the other is the soft, pulpy variety called <i>Rasaal</i>. The former can be eaten raw, while the latter is difficult to eat (owing to its soft slippery texture) and is mostly juiced or it’s pulp is used in cooking. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">Like I’ve said in my previous posts, we Goans find a way to celebrate small joys. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWpyWCLuYeSy9pYaGgeHDZwUg1axJhAZYQkwTSlSM7Vtn_oN9nuDjqlOF50aiRb9ybv_HQ7MMaWKpNs31HFj2WLW8ygllJdgRi0tTcwhtXHa11JdCE14TPEyyIkCgXQSKls-rS7tvzW641zluln2bRBEmqhv-vzlTH7tw-DJwPjz-SQNoiAj0/s1080/IMG_20180429_142059_251.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1030" data-original-width="1080" height="381" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWpyWCLuYeSy9pYaGgeHDZwUg1axJhAZYQkwTSlSM7Vtn_oN9nuDjqlOF50aiRb9ybv_HQ7MMaWKpNs31HFj2WLW8ygllJdgRi0tTcwhtXHa11JdCE14TPEyyIkCgXQSKls-rS7tvzW641zluln2bRBEmqhv-vzlTH7tw-DJwPjz-SQNoiAj0/w400-h381/IMG_20180429_142059_251.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">‘<i>Pansache Fest</i>’ is one such celebration. Organised by Marius Fernandes, Socorro Church’s parish priest Fr Santana Carvalho and villagers from Socorro, this is a local gala event that exhibits and sells various jackfruit delicacies. Pansache fest is conducted every year on 24th June and is held in tandem with Sao Joao activities.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">That said, you don’t always need to attend a festival to celebrate. There is a feast going on in every Goan household, with different local preparations being cooked using the panas during the jackfruit season (March to June, and September to December).</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">Below are five delicacies prepared from jackfruit in Goa. You may want to give these a try:</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span>1) </span><b>Pansache Dhonas</b><span>: a local jackfruit cake of sorts made from the pulp of the rasaal variety of jackfruit, coconut jaggery, and semolina, either steamed in a double boiler or oven baked at 180 degrees Celsius for 30 minutes. It is delicious in taste and can give store bought cakes a run for their monty.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> 2) <b>Jackfruit leathe</b>r (also called ‘<b>Pansache saatth</b>’)- this is dehydrated fruit cut into chewy flexible sheets like leather (hence the name) made from fresh jackfruit pulp. Jackfruit leather made from fresh jackfruit is nutritious and rich in dietary fibre, carbohydrate, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">3)<b> Jaffee</b> - this is a coffee made from jackfruit seeds, which are dried and roasted before they are ground into a fine powder that imitates the taste of cocoa seeds. This powder doesn’t contain caffeine and can be stored for six months in an airtight container. Jaffee is prepared just like filter coffee, using this powder as substitute for coffee beans. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">4) <b>Pansachi patollyo </b>- This is a variation to the traditional Goan Patollyo (check my post on <a href="https://www.drpriyankanaik.com/2022/04/blogchattera2z-d-for-desserts-for-goan.html" target="_blank">Goan desserts</a>) and is made in a similar manner, the only difference being here, the stuffing is essentially made of jackfruit. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">5) <b>Jackfruit chips</b> - crispy, crunchy, and tasty, these are a popular Goan snack prepared by deep frying thin vertical strips of half-ripe jackfruit kernel. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">There are numerous other innovative preparations that Goans make using the the seeds, kernel, and even the rags of the jackfruit. From juices to chutneys, from bhakri to curries, from cakes to cutlets, Goans are always experimenting with their recipes, thanks to a healthy annual harvest of the humble fruit. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">If it wasn't for the bounty that nature has bestowed us with, we wouldn't be able to enjoy this plethora of scrumptious dishes. So in all delight and humility, we raise a special cheer and say, ‘<i>Obrigado, Goa!</i>’</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">I hope to see you all tomorrow.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">Until then,</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">Mog aasu di.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>(Let there be love!)</i></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><br /></i></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><b>----------------- </b></i></span></p><p><i style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://theblogchatter.com" target="_blank">I'm participating in #BlogchatterA2Z.</a> </span></i></p><p><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: x-large;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 43.2px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i style="font-family: arial;">My theme for the challenge is ‘<b>Obrigado, Goa!</b>’, under which I’ll be writing 26 posts on Goa (April 1-30th, excluding Sundays), each post corresponding to the letters of the English alphabet. You can read more about it in my <a href="https://www.drpriyankanaik.com/2022/03/blogchattera2z-theme-reveal-obrigado-goa.html" target="_blank">theme reveal post</a>. </i></span></p>Prihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01023126998314268275noreply@blogger.com4