Must say, word of mouth from Indian tourists and Bollywood have contributed to the creation of a Goan stereotype in the minds of Indians. People across the country consider Goa to be the party destination where people spend their time dancing, boozing and sleeping around. Most tourists come to Goa thinking that this is the place where they will finally get a chance to get laid. They couldn’t be more wrong. While touring Goa, many people don’t visit the interiors, as the major portion of the time is spent at the commercialised beaches, thus defaming the true picture of the place.
Having learnt that I am working in Goa, people assume that my office is on the beach and I linger around the beaches with a glass of beer in hand, always partying and fooling around. People across the country have this notion about Goa that Goans are drunkards, like 24*7, are always at the beach, that Goan women wear bikinis and teetotalers don’t exist in Goa. It’s been almost 7 months since I’ve moved to the state for work, and believe me there is much more to it and the experience has been quite different than the usual ‘ touristy’ one.
Goans are the most satisfied with life. By nature, they are fun loving, friendly, easy going and the species who love to rest. They believe in secularism and follow most of the Indian festivals. People here are hospitable and helpful. They are conscientious and all they want is good fish and fine fenny with Lorna Cordeiro (singer) to dance to. What is worth learning is that they are content and are not money-minded. They enjoy their lives, pray and live peacefully.
The Portuguese have contributed a lot to the Goan culture in terms of its heritage, architecture and food. Drinking is a part of their culture and forms a liberal accompaniment to social occasions. Though the Goan identity is deeply rooted in enjoyment of drinking alcohol which is a part of their traditions and celebrations, they keep it confined to occasions. They don’t drink all day and neither do they hang out at the beach all the time. They don’t go partying and clubbing all night every day. They don’t exploit their culture. Indian tourists mistakenly assume this to be a routine to Goans. Goans are hard working too. Unfortunately, the partying image has masked their diligence.
I had a lot to take from this cross-cultural experience during my training stint. This helped me educate myself about these things acutely. Also, I learnt that things seem different when you know them shallowly. People should have courage to renew the way they view and approach things. Life in Goa is beyond beaches, clubs, and alcohol. The place has become infamous due to a lot of misconceptions that has led to the formation of an image, the distorted image that doesn’t cover the whole picture.
Planning a trip to Goa? Sure, why not! This time come with a different mindset.
