Hinduism in Goa - Goan Hinduism

Goan Hinduism

Goan Hinduism has a flavour of its own. Though Goans share most rituals with their Hindu brothers and sisters in the rest of India, their isolation and persecution and their sharing the Goan countryside with Christian Goans has seen a great deal of syncretism in both Hindu and Christian traditions in Goa. Hindu festivals include a processions wherein the deities are taken from the newly built temples in the Nova conquistas to their original sites in the velha conquistas.

While Caste is unfortunately still a major factor especially amongst the Hindu population, the egalitarian Indian constitution has helped to a perceived degree.

Goan Hindus celebrate the Zatra of Shree Mangesh and Shree Shantadurga besides those of other deities. The festival of Holi is called Shigmo in Goa and celebrated with gaiety.Chavath or Ganesh Chaturthi as it is called by Goan Hindus is a major festival in Goa.Diwali is celebrated with the lighting of the deepstambs in the temples and with the burning of effigies of the evil demon Narkasur who was vanquished on the day before Diwali by Lord Krishna.

The Goan Hindu community is composed of Saraswat Brahmins, Daivadnya Brahmins and other Brahmin communities like karhades and chitpavans.onkani Chardos, Vanis, Kunbis, Gaudas and other smaller communities.

Goan Hindus and Christians have great respect for each others traditions and form a model of interdependence and a tolerant progressive society.