Goa and frolic have, over time, attained synonymy! And, fun in Goa is nothing short of being legendary, decreed by King Momo himself. It has been 20 years to the date since i last visited Goa and something has been itching within me to pack a bag and set off - except that the moment in time doesn't seem to arrive.
Some ten days ago, on a Friday morning, fellow blogger Chirag's text and K's email landed up almost the same time informing me of a press-conference scheduled later in the day announcing the Goa Carnival 2013. The enthusiasm of news from the land of 'sun and sands' added to the prospect of meeting some fellow bloggers was alluring.
The Government of Goa had sent in their top emissaries for the purpose; the minister and chief executive for tourism, who did good to promote the upcoming event and spell a message that Goa wasn't all about beaches and fizz, during the year end, but much more in spirit, culture, food, people and destinations. One witnessed a passionate and sensible attempt to convey of Goa as being a place to be visited year round rather than it just being seen as a frenzied venue for new year calling.
So then, what is the message about the carnival? A moment in time at a place "dominated by enjoyment and merry making where people come together and spread cheer and happiness."
Now, Goa aside, it was a treat to meet the lovely K, charming and eloquent, who as an organizer made it very comfortable and personal. Anil Purohit of Windy Skies was a pleasure to meet with. Kuldeep Chugh of The Top List with his sense and perspective of current goings-on and beyond along with Chirag, about whom i've written some posts before, made for some fine, personal, warm and memorable conversations that one could have hoped for.
Footnotes:
A post on Chirag's blog about the evening.
Some ten days ago, on a Friday morning, fellow blogger Chirag's text and K's email landed up almost the same time informing me of a press-conference scheduled later in the day announcing the Goa Carnival 2013. The enthusiasm of news from the land of 'sun and sands' added to the prospect of meeting some fellow bloggers was alluring.
The Government of Goa had sent in their top emissaries for the purpose; the minister and chief executive for tourism, who did good to promote the upcoming event and spell a message that Goa wasn't all about beaches and fizz, during the year end, but much more in spirit, culture, food, people and destinations. One witnessed a passionate and sensible attempt to convey of Goa as being a place to be visited year round rather than it just being seen as a frenzied venue for new year calling.
So then, what is the message about the carnival? A moment in time at a place "dominated by enjoyment and merry making where people come together and spread cheer and happiness."
Now, Goa aside, it was a treat to meet the lovely K, charming and eloquent, who as an organizer made it very comfortable and personal. Anil Purohit of Windy Skies was a pleasure to meet with. Kuldeep Chugh of The Top List with his sense and perspective of current goings-on and beyond along with Chirag, about whom i've written some posts before, made for some fine, personal, warm and memorable conversations that one could have hoped for.
Footnotes:
A post on Chirag's blog about the evening.
I always used to loathe visiting goa for tales of friends who would just drink drink and drink when they would go from dry gujarat to wet goa ! Also I kinda don't enjoy swimming a lot... however my wife convinced me to go to Goa once and an Outlook traveller came at the same time and we went to Goa in August and it was heavenly... we drove and drove on a two wheeler in south goa's country side and loved the greenery.. the old forts... colourful houses, empty streets in the noon as the people there would enjoy their siesta... the fact that crowds were at a minimal in that season made things fantastic..
ReplyDeleteI now agree completely that it is much more than just sand and fizz... :)
I infact think of regularly going there in the monsoons ! :D
Dhiren bhai, i think Goa has been misunderstood, gotten over crowded and steeply priced and hence the need to altogether avoid it during the 'seasons.'
DeleteBut as you rightly said, there is so much more than just the sand and the fizz :-)
I too thought Goa was a place for drinking and night clubs. In fact, it was on my 'Don't bother to visit' list. But you say that there is some history and culture to Goa. I am not sure about the culture, but I guess there should be some history there.
ReplyDeleteDestination Infinity
DI, there is a charm of Goa that is truly mesmerizing and you cannot find it just on the sands, i can say :-)
DeleteHope u guys had great time meeting and allowing for some fun ashore. I have heard about the Goa Carnival and I’m sure it enhances the multi culture and colors prevailing there.
ReplyDeleteJeevan, i haven't been to Goa in a long while. This one was about a press-conf the Govt. of Goa had conducted. Enjoyed writing about it though.
Deletethanks for sharing your moments
ReplyDeleteThanks very much, Krishna.
DeleteFor me also it is a long time. since I have been to Goa.
ReplyDeleteLikewise, Sir.
DeleteHave you made it at last? I feel happy whenever you make a trip because I get to see places through your lovely clicks.
ReplyDeleteNot as yet, Saji ettan. But i guess sometime soon. Hopefully! :-)
Deletei have fond memories of this place. i am sure i shall revisit them one day.
ReplyDeleteI can quite imagine, Ajeya.
DeleteVery happy birthday to your mom & sis-in-law! :)
ReplyDeleteI wanted to visit lesser known Goa since long, esp South Goa where there are those pristine beaches without crowd, and age old churches!!!
Thanks for visiting me Rakesh. :)
Sorry I didn't return my visit for this long! :(
Indian Fashion n Travel Blogger! - Bhusha's INDIA TRAVELOGUE
Thank you so much, Bhuasha :-)
DeleteTruly appreciate your kind and thoughtful wishes. Pardon me for the long delay in responding. Hadn't been on the blogs for a while now.
Dusting out the cobwebs lately :-)
Thank you, Krish.
ReplyDeleteThis one was from a press-conf the Govt of Goa conducted to promote tourism year round.
Fantastic informative post!
ReplyDeleteyes! Goa is a must visited tourists destination in India.
Thank you! Glad you liked it. Most importantly, welcome to Redefining Oblivion. Appreciate your visit and comments.
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