GOA, A HELL OF A PLACE.
Alcohol, drugs, prostitution, sex, drug cartels. At least, this is what it has been portrayed as by our relatives, friends and Bollywood. The perception about Goa is so strong that every millennial wants to visit Goa at least once with his/her friends.
And this trip is something every millennial has been making for several years and needless to say it has been an unsuccessful plan.
Whenever you plan to go to Goa and your relatives come to know about it they have a standard reaction, “ bada hogaya hai, aish karega goa jaake hmm.” And your friends would be like, “ Bhai, mast peena udhar aur mere liye bhi koi ladki dhundke aana”
This made me realize two things,
First, that you’re considered an adult when you plan to go to Goa. Second, your friends think that you’re a drunkard and they are way more confident about you than you are. Your elders think you’re going there to get drunk and take drugs and your friends think you’re going there for sex.
I’ve been to Goa several times, for those who are judging me, I would like to establish a fact that this is not the only thing which can be done there.
Goa is a place where you can be yourself and be rest assured that no one is judging you. There are a lot of nightclubs, alcohol, drugs, however, Goa is way beyond just that.
The people, the culture and the lifestyle are so different that it is a treat to be there. On my recent trip, I witnessed how Diwali was celebrated in Goa. Goans, celebrate Diwali by burning effigies of Narkasur, the demon king who was defeated by Lord Krishna. There are effigies on the road, loud music playing and people dancing on the road. Another festival which is celebrated with grandeur is the carnival which happens somewhere around the month of February or March. Balloons bobbed up in the air and colorful procession featuring horse-drawn carriages, decorated bullock carts, and gorgeously bedecked floats are the highlights of the parade. This parade signifies that Goa comes under the rule of King Momo, who preached " kha, piye aani majja kar."
Beaches, other attraction of Goa is one of the most peaceful places. You can indulge in water sports, go for a swim or probably just lay down on the sunbeds, read a book, listen to music and look at the waves. Sometimes, doing nothing is a better experience. Panjim, the capital of Goa is one place which boasts architectural brilliance. The Portugal architecture with vibrant colors is a treat to watch.
If you are a shopaholic Goa is a place which would excite you. You'll come across small shops on both the sides of the road selling everything, right from clothes to jewelry. Talking about shopping, Saturday night market is one place where you'll come across a variety of products which are sold by locals and foreigners. Other than this there are performances by bands. Also, you can buy a drink from a bar and enjoy the food. You can also go for shopping at Arambol, one of the uncharted beaches of Goa. The Arambol drum circle and sunset flea market is where you can shop and also enjoy some soothing music. More than the market it is a party, where people bring drums, guitars and meet here every day and make music as the sun sets.
I agree that drugs, prostitution, alcohol are prominent in Goa. However, the beauty of this place lies beyond this.
Beaches, other attraction of Goa is one of the most peaceful places. You can indulge in water sports, go for a swim or probably just lay down on the sunbeds, read a book, listen to music and look at the waves. Sometimes, doing nothing is a better experience. Panjim, the capital of Goa is one place which boasts architectural brilliance. The Portugal architecture with vibrant colors is a treat to watch.
If you are a shopaholic Goa is a place which would excite you. You'll come across small shops on both the sides of the road selling everything, right from clothes to jewelry. Talking about shopping, Saturday night market is one place where you'll come across a variety of products which are sold by locals and foreigners. Other than this there are performances by bands. Also, you can buy a drink from a bar and enjoy the food. You can also go for shopping at Arambol, one of the uncharted beaches of Goa. The Arambol drum circle and sunset flea market is where you can shop and also enjoy some soothing music. More than the market it is a party, where people bring drums, guitars and meet here every day and make music as the sun sets.
I agree that drugs, prostitution, alcohol are prominent in Goa. However, the beauty of this place lies beyond this.
