The People

Goa has a large number of villages. Many changes have taken place in the state with tourism and export. The Goan could be either a Hindu or a Christian or a Muslim although the general impression by using the term Goan is that the person is a Christian. Christianity came to Goa along with the Portuguese.

Language and Religion

Hinduism, Christianity and Islam are the three major religions followed in Goa. There were also Sikhs, Buddhists and Jains. 

The people of Goa are among the friendliest. The social outlook of the Goan is different. They love their music and simple musical instruments. The Goans work as musicians in restaurants and hotels and bars across the country and abroad because music comes naturally to the people and becomes part and parcel of their life. 

The festivals are also musical in nature and a great deal of dance, forms part of the carnivals which are celebrated on special occasions. An extravaganza of music and dance lasting several hours is witnessed by the people of Goa  and the tourists who throng the state all the year round. The people of Goa are also excellent cooks and some of them are regular employees of some famous restaurant in India and abroad. Catering, dance and music combined with big business like production and export of iron ore and owning of ocean going ships are facets of the life of the people of Goa. 

The Hindu tradition is equally strong and the villages and towns of the state reverberate  with the sound of temple bells and the drums being beaten at the time of the worship in the morning, noon and evening. Goa is thus a state of  Hindus and Christians. Here Konkani language is held in much reverence although Marathi is spoken and understand by many people.