Posts

Showing posts with the label Goan Food

The Flower of Goenkarponn (Abolianchem Fest)

Image
Abolianchem Fest , dedicated to the abolim flower, was celebrated by Nirmala Institute of Education as the institute’s annual Project Goa celebrations to showcase the socio-cultural aspects of Goan culture before 1975. This included music, games, songs, dances, food, art, craft, etc that is authentically Goan, so as to document and preserve these positive attributes of Goan culture for the benefit of present and future generations of Goans. The festival saw the revival of interest in the abolim , or firecracker flower, also known by its scientific name of Crossandra infundibuliformis . Although it was named the state flower in the early part of the 1970s, there has been a decline in the presence of the flower in most parts of Goa. The abolim flower has been an integral part of religious and cultural rituals in Goa for years, and its resurgence has been spearheaded by the  Abolianchem Fest . Nirmala Institute of Education, where the Abolianchem Fest was held, has been Goa’s foremost s

Celebrating Goa (Culture)

Image
The story of the Goan diaspora began long ago when natives left their land in search of better prospects, journeying to British India in the 18th and early 19th century under Portuguese rule. In the latter part of the 19th century and the early 20th century Goans migrated to East African British colonies and Portugal. The 1960's onwards saw Goans moving to the Gulf countries and emigrating to countries in Europe, North America, Australasia and elsewhere. It would not be incorrect to say that if one travelled to most parts of the world, not discovering a Goan community there would be highly unlikely. There is something about the Goan spirit that creates an indelible bond; one that will not be diminished by time or distance. It is to our credit that Goans are inherently able to integrate with the country they adopt and still maintain their distinct heritage. The necessity to continue to be linked with their homeland led these diasporic Goans to institute what is known as World Goa Da