It’s all happening as Goa celebrates its 39th Statehood Day! India’s smallest state by area is renowned for its sun-kissed beaches and rich cultural diversity, but beyond its tourism appeal lies a powerful history of resilience and transformation. Goa Statehood Day, observed every year on May 30, marks the day in 1987 when Goa attained full statehood and officially became the 25th state of the Republic of India.
Goa was a Portuguese colony for more than 450 years, beginning in 1510 when Afonso de Albuquerque defeated the Adil Shah of Bijapur. Despite India’s independence in 1947, Goa remained under Portuguese control until December 1961, when the Indian government launched Operation Vijay to liberate Goa, Daman, and Diu. Post-liberation, Goa was designated a Union Territory.
It wasn’t until May 30, 1987, that Goa was granted statehood, reflecting its distinct cultural and linguistic identity. The Union Territory was bifurcated, with Goa becoming a state and Daman and Diu remaining a separate Union Territory. Panaji was declared the capital, and Konkani, in the Devanagari script, became the official language.
This year marks the 39th Goa Statehood Day. The state-level celebration will be held at Dinanath Mangeshkar Kala Mandir, Kala Academy in Panaji, featuring book launches, a web series release, photo exhibitions, and the felicitation of iconic Goan brands.Goa, India’s smallest state by area, is celebrated for its sun-kissed beaches and rich cultural diversity—but beyond its tourism appeal lies a powerful history of resilience and transformation. Goa Statehood Day, observed every year on May 30, marks the day in 1987 when Goa attained full statehood and officially became the 25th state of the Republic of India.
Goa was a Portuguese colony for more than 450 years, beginning in 1510 when Afonso de Albuquerque defeated the Adil Shah of Bijapur. Despite India’s independence in 1947, Goa remained under Portuguese control until December 1961, when the Indian government launched Operation Vijay to liberate Goa, Daman, and Diu. Post-liberation, Goa was designated a Union Territory.
It wasn’t until May 30, 1987, that Goa was granted statehood, reflecting its distinct cultural and linguistic identity. The Union Territory was bifurcated, with Goa becoming a state and Daman and Diu remaining a separate Union Territory. Panaji was declared the capital, and Konkani, in the Devanagari script, became the official language.
This year marks the 39th Goa Statehood Day. The state-level celebration will be held at Dinanath Mangeshkar Kala Mandir, Kala Academy in Panaji, featuring book launches, a web series release, photo exhibitions, and the felicitation of iconic Goan brands.