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A Glimpse into Goa
of the Past :
Four centuries of
Portuguese rule and that of other rulers before them has given Goa an
unique life-style that consists of a blend of Indian and Western
influences as can be seen in its varied culture and architecture of its
towns and villages. Today Goa also boasts of glorious traditions that
have been handed down to it over the ages.
Dedicated to the
preservation of art, culture and enviroment and inorder to preserve
Goa's past and its rich traditions this magnificent project named
"Ancestral Goa" is the result of a lot of meticulous research, planning
and hardwork. It opened to the public in April 1995.
Ancestral Goa is
miniature Goan Village as it would have existed 100 years ago. It is
located on a nine acre verdant hillock at Loutulim ins South Goa, about
ten kilometers from Margao.
Graceful swans charm
the entrance to the reception. Elephants carrying flowered pillars with
multi-hued and decorated beams deck the entryway.
A spacious room
redolent of the Goan - Portuguese aura replete with a palanquin,
sepia-toned photographs, domed lamps and a designed marble floor feeds
one the anticipation of a moment when a whole treasure in the book of
history will unfold. The traditional 'aarti' is performed as part of the
greeted welcome by a sari-clad goan girl.
An incarnation of Lord
Vishnu, Parashuram shot the legendary arrow into the bosom of the Indian
Ocean resulting in the emotive paradise known as Goa. The visitor is
treated to a sight of Parashuram at the entrance itself, all ready with
the proverbial bow & arrow.
One step out of the
high- ceilinged entrance, sporting a "punkah" and one moves into a
landscape spread over a gently rolling hill where laterite steps lead to
"Demo" (the caretaker of the landlord's property).
The Ancestral Goa
project, the brainchild of Goan artist, Maendra J. Alvares who has used
his family's ancestral property to keep Goa's culture alive and is a
place worth visiting as any lay visitor can get a glimpse of Goa in its
original grandeur and authentic form.
This place also gives
visitors a glance of a sight other than beaches, churches and temples
which Goa is famous for and imparts a culture based education about the
roots and heritage of Goa. Ancestral Goa is included as one of the sight
seeing spots by Goa Tourism Development Corporation's buses in their
cultural tour package.
Local feasts and
festivals are celebrated with traditionsl style and fervour. A visit to
Ancestral Goa on any of the feast days, allows for a pure experience of
Goan customs and lifestyles. The Eat-out offers a menu full of
traditional Goan Specialties. Local vegetables, fish and sweets are
treats to be indulged in.
Some of the sights
inside Ancestral Goa are :
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Art Galary &
Handicraft Center
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Mirabai Sculpture
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Big Foot Dance floor
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Casa Da Dona Maria
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Anand Lotlikar's
Ghor
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Legend of Big Foot
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The Farmer's House
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Cross, Spring &
Rakandar
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The Fisherman's
House
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Escola Da Musica
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Bhati - the feni
distillery
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Tinto - the village
market
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Taverna - the
country liquor shop
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Goan Artisans
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Bird Habitat
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Spice Yard & Rubber
Plantation

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