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Panaji
Places of Interest in Panaji
Goa is known as the jewel of the nation, as it is located on the nice sea shore and having lots of churches and many monuments and all these monuments are witnessing the religious history of this place. Goa now days reached at the highest point of fame in the Portuguese reign.
In the 16th century this city grew much more in size and splendor. Also in the history it is mentioned that the place old Goa was known for being the capital of Mughal Adil Shah. In those days as well this was very happening place in India. One can get the idea about how it would have been in old days based on many fort remnants and other structures. One can see and enjoy Goa every time after meeting this cool place and no matter in which season you are going to visit Goa.
At the East side of Goa the residence of the Adil Shahs, known as the Idalco Palace is located. After that Portuguese rebuilt this historical building in the year 1615, until the year 1759 this palace was known as Viceregal Palace. In the Portuguese time they used this palace as Viceroy's Palace till the year 1759. Now this place is the Passport Office in Panaji.
After this palace you can visit the statue of the Abbe Faria. On the southern side of the Secretariat, there is a Church of Immaculate Conception. It is one of the main places for worshiping in the Panaji city. It has a bell, which is the second largest bell in whole Goa. This bell was installed at this church from the original place in an Augustinian monastery located in the Old Goa.
This church is in the main part of town and standing on the square. It has the construction consecrated in the year 1541. Panaji city was the first port which is called for voyages from Lisbon and this is the reason why Portuguese sailors always visit the church and thanks for the safest crossing and then they continuing towards the Old Goa. Daily mass is held at this place in the Portuguese, English and Konkani languages.
There is a domeless Jama Masjid is seen near this square. And also the Mahalakshmi Temple is there but now days it is hidden in some new buildings in that area. Mahalakshmi temple is the very first temple built in the Portuguese rule in the year 1818. This temple is devoted to Goddess Mahalakshmi and it is the presiding deity of whole Panaji.
Devotees gather at the temple in the days of Hindu festivals namely Mahashivaratri and Dussera. There is St.Thome area on the eastern promontory beyond the hill, which is having many traditional houses. Sebastian Chapel is located at last and it is picturesque street in Fontainhas. Here the Old Portuguese homes and the decorative wrought iron balconies are seen.
Though this place has many interesting features, which originally stood inside the palace of the Inquisition in the Old Goa. It is also linked with the help of footbridge on the Ourem Creek.
Local Festivals in Panaji
There is a Konkani Drama Festival which is held in the month of November or December and the program of Konkani music is also along with this program. The theatre is held in Panaji's Kala Academy. One can enjoy this wonderful competition, and see the best winning drama rewarded with prizes at the end of whole program.
More on places around Panaji and beaches around Panaji.
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