Dr M R Ramesh Kumar
World Tourism Day 2024 will be celebrated on September 27 with a focus on promoting sustainable tourism practices. World Tourism Day 2024 is an annual event celebrated to highlight the importance of tourism and its social, economic, and cultural impact worldwide. Goa is known for its famous beaches, culture, climate, and historical places. One can find colorful architecture, lush greenery, and breathtaking beaches here. People get attracted to this place to experience world-class music and dance. Food is another major attraction which brings lots of people from all over India and the world to our small state of Goa.
Here are some of the stamps, First Day Covers, Miniature Sheets, Picture Postcards, which depict the culture, heritage, food, beaches of Goa released by the Department of Posts, Government of India as well as by the Postal Division, Department of Posts, Goa too.
Adil Shah Palace
This is Panjim’s oldest surviving building. With its sloping tiled roofs, carved stone coats of arms and wooden verandahs, the stalwart secretariat looks typically colonial. Yet, it was originally The Summer Palace of Goa’s 16th century Muslim ruler, Adil Shah. Later, the Portuguese converted it into a temporary rest house for the territory’s Governors and then a residence for the Viceroy. For a long time it served as the Secretariat/Legislature of the State of Goa. Currently, it is stated to be a museum after the legislature was moved to Porvorim.
Bom Jesus Basilica
The Basilica of Bom Jesus is famous for keeping the mortal remains of St Francis Xavier for more than over 500 years now. The church was completed in 1609 and is open for public viewing all year round. This year, it is proposed to have an exposition which happens every decade from 1954 onwards. The XVIII Exposition of the Sacred Relics of ‘Goencho Saib’ will begin on November 21, 2024, and will end on January 5, 2025.
Beaches of Goa
There are several beaches which are world famous, two beaches depicted in stamps released by the Department of Posts, Government of India, namely Anjuna and Bogmalo.
Goan Cuisine and the breads of Goa
Goan cuisine consists of regional foods popular in Goa, an Indian state located along India’s west coast on the shore of the Arabian Sea. Rice, seafood, coconut, vegetables, meat, bread, pork and local spices are some of the main ingredients in Goan cuisine. Use of Kokum and Vinegar is another distinct feature. Goan food is considered incomplete without fish. The region was ruled by several rulers over the years, who left a strong influence on the food culture of Goa. In fact, this enriched history makes Goan food quite well diversified. From the curries to the desserts to the drinks, every dish has a fascinating story to tell. The six different breads which are depicted are Pao, Katre Pao, Kakon, Poie, Undo and Banana Jeera Bun.
Carnival of Goa
Carnival in Goa, also called Carnaval, Intruz, Entrado or Viva Carnival refers to the festival of Carnival, in the Indian state of Goa. Though significantly smaller than the well-known Rio Carnival or the Portuguese Carnival of Madeira, the Goa Carnival is the largest in India and one of the few traditional celebrations of the Western Christian holiday in Asia. The current version of the Goa Carnival was modelled after the Rio Carnival by a local musician named Timoteo Fernandes and imposed in 1965 to attract tourists. It has since turned into a major tourist attraction for the small state.