Goa is a blend or sorts, untypical of any other Indian city. Portuguese churches and Hindu temples, European colonies and Indian markets, Konkan folk dances and Western pop, all coexist peacefully and mirthfully. It is however nature, that overrides the man-made in Goa the coastline and its beaches. Goan lanes smell permanently of feni, a local form of alcohol made of cashew nuts, while their fish markets emanate the unmistakable smell of dry-fish. Carnivals happen round the year and the Capital, Panaji (Panjim), turns into a ‘little Brazil’. A moments diversion from the party hum-drum will draw one’s attention to the tall, whitewashed Portuguese churches and quaint Hindu temples that seem to exude history and a lot of it.

Cashew Nuts Cashew Feni, tastier & costlier (then coconut feni), is Goa’s favorite drink, made from cashew juice buried underground in an earthen pot & distilled later.	Goa Carnival An unmistakably Portuguese hand-out, Carnaval, is a three-day gala siesta just before the fasting period of Lent. A King of Chaos is elected, called King “Momo”.
Rave The beach rave parties have swept Europe’s alternative club world and is called “a hypnotic blend of hard electronic rhythms, ancient Indian religious motifs...”.	Dry Fishes Goans are foodies and seafood in all form is preferred. Prawn balchão and sorpotel are culinary specialities, while dry fish is a traditional craze.
Curio Shop Sea shell-trinkets, silverware, junk & beaded accessories go great with beach-ware. Hunt for these and curios at Anjuna’s Wednesday Flea Market.	Tribal Woman The Gowdas for the most populous tribe of Goa. Othersa are Kunbis, the Velips and the Dhangars.
St. Francis Xavier Of Goa’s feverish festivals is the annual Feast at Bom Jesus church for Goa’s Patron Saint, St. Francis Xavier, locally hailed as “Goencho Saib”, meaning - Lord of Goa.	Acrobat on Tight Rope Fire-jugglers, acrobats, horse and donkey rides, dancing monkeys, curio sellers, fisher-women animate the beaches of Goa and display a shade each of its varied life.