A picnic refers to a meal enjoyed outdoors, beneath the open sky and surrounded by nature. It is a popular activity that typically takes place in parks, lakesides, beaches, and other scenic outdoor locations. People bring homemade packed food or may prefer to prepare it at the location for a more interactive experience, like a barbeque. Carpets or foldable tables are often set up for serving. Picnic is known as one of the calmest and most soothing outdoor activities, but they also offer plenty of fun and enjoyment.
There are various types of picnics that people can enjoy and partake in, such as family picnics, school picnics, church picnics, and reunion picnics, among others. These outings provide a break from daily routines and offer an opportunity for individuals to bond with each other. Picnics are an effective way to strengthen emotional connection, bringing people together, be it a group of colleagues, family members, classmates or acquaintances. Everyone forms a bond with each other during picnics.
One popular picnic spot is the Pomburpa Spring located in Bardez Taluka. Carmen Fernandes, a resident of Aldona has spent many picnics at the Pomburpa Spring and reminisces about the old, untouched environment of the spring during her childhood. She suggests it is a great place for family outings accompanied by an alfresco lunch. She says, “Initially, during my childhood there weren’t any walls or any man-made constructions. The environment was untouched. Each of us would bathe under the spring water in turns. Over time, amenities such as changing rooms and washrooms were added, along with a playground for children.”
When it comes to picnic food, finger food should be carried like simple fruits. Planning what foods will be taken is essential. Carmen says, “We used to get our own lunch which included Pulav and Xacuti and we used to make Rasna juices from the readymade juice mix. Ice cream treats were also purchased from a local vendor.” The hilly surroundings of the spring, filled with tall trees and green shrubs offered opportunities for Carmen and her siblings, cousins and friends to explore the location.
She also frequented the Narvem Spring near Calvim for family picnics, featuring tall betel nut trees and a picturesque setting. The spring is a little into a forest area and can be accessed after walking a green trail. On reaching the location one can find a flat area suitable for setting up a picnic, adjacent to rocks and a small hillock from which the spring flows down, creating a mini waterfall. This serene environment invites relaxation and exploration.
Melisa Cruz loves going on picnics with her family and her two children enjoy them too. She says, “Goa contains a lot of fun places one can picnic, like the various springs and waterfalls.” According to her the Amboli ghat waterfall, also known as ‘Dobdobo’ in Konkani, is a famous spot to visit with the family. She says, “You can enjoy a bath or a dip under the cool and refreshing water gushing from the mountains. You can just stand there and enjoy a bath similar to Dudhgsagar waterfalls. Mayem Lake allows boating and is nice and open for the tourists, especially during the summers. You will also find ducks there. There are a lot of water parks in Goa. Sal River too, is a nice place near the dam. People go there for picnics too. Whenever we go we go with our family with around 50 people.” These places offer recreational activities and refreshing experiences for families.
Planning a fun family picnic can be hectic and stressful. Taking children for a picnic to a petting zoo can be fun, educational, and will be a lasting childhood memory. Children, young and old, will love playing with the gentle and sweet petting farm animals and will learn many important lessons from them while they’re at it!
Gemma Lewis says taking the family out to places with animals can be a fun idea for the children as well as the adults. She says, “If anyone is on their way back from Pune, they should drop in at the equestrian centre. The location houses a farm that allows petting tours. You can interact with cuddly rabbits, dogs, tiny little guinea pigs, ducks, goats, various birds, horses and many more such animals. These animals are friendly and enjoy being fed.” They can also enjoy a farm fresh meal and can relax in the lovely farm atmosphere. There are similar locations in Goa where one can have fun picnics as well as interact with farm animals in locations like Anjuna, Chorla, Ponda, Bicholim, and various other places.
Picnics have become popular among Generation Z, with many opting for picnic dates over traditional restaurant outings or movie nights. Social media platforms showcase aesthetic and charming picnic posts, often featuring a centerpiece cake.
Tinali Kiho, a young beachgoer, shares her experience of beach picnics with friends. She says, “Goa is famous for its beaches and the beach a five minute walk for me. Usually in the evening, my friends and I decide what things to get for the picnic like food, drinks, different types of board games and mat or towels etc. We set up the place, lay down the food and drinks, play games and take a few pictures for social media. We have great time bonding with each other and enjoy watching the beautiful sunset, listening to the sea waves, the fresh smell of sand, the cool breeze, giving us peace of mind as we forget our troubles and enjoy the present with our loved ones. This is how how I enjoy picnics at the beach.”
Children, youth or adults, everyone enjoys a little fun in the sun, whether it is at a petting farm, waterfall or spring, picnics can be enjoyed everywhere. Remember to leave your picnic spots cleaner than it was before, and respect nature and wildlife.
