GOA EXPLORED-GANESH CHATURTHI

Hi again



here comes the most awaited cultural festival for Hindus in Goa,Konkan & Maharashtra.the Ganesha Festival.the festival starts on Chaturthi, the day lord Ganesha was born & goes on for 1 & half day or 5 days or 11 days depending on the tradition of your family.

this festival is family gathering time, every one comes down to their villages,towns.the people reunites with their relatives & celebrates the Ganesha festival with enthusiasm,fanfare.every one does lord Ganesha's Puja as he is lord of wisdom & prosperity.in Goa the pujas are celebrated mainly in the homes with traditional decoration of fruits or locally available things like coconut,beetelnut etc.

you know here we worship Lord Ganesha before any important or auspicious occasion as Lord Ganesha is greatest of all gods & rules the panchmahabhutas.Lord Ganesha is known for his intelligence & he is also very powerful god who killed many demons.interestingly lord Ganesha likes modaks (his favourite food).

the above photograph is taken during puja at my own home & you can see the Lord Ganesha & modaks kept in a plate.

enjoy the festival of Lord Ganesha & wish he showers all good things to you.

Bye.

GOA EXPLORED-GOAN FERRY RIDE

Hi again



one of the very peculiar site when you travel across riverside Goa-evergreen ferry boats moving people from one side of the river to other.the white blue tired ferry boats are true spirit of Goa.villagers from all communities,two wheelers,four wheelers,curious tourists love to take these boats to travel.this state runs service saves lot of time & fuel as well here.



interestingly i have never seen a breakdown ferry which deserves appreciation from all of us.except for some days in peak monsoon this truly Goan transport untiringly serves the people in Goa.the ferry boats runs practically from dawn to dusk.



some of the main ferry's are Panajim -Betim,Old Goa-Divar,Ribandar-Chorao.I like The Old Goa -Diavar ferry most as it takes you thru interesting backdrops.Ribandar is my favourite place since it is overlooking the fresh Mandovi.



so when you are in Goa next don't forget to take at least one ferry ride & enjoy memorable experience.



Bye

GOA EXPLORED-MANSOON MAGIC

Hi again

it is always fun to be in Goa during the peak monsoon.It has its own charm & magic to enjoy the wild waves ,heavy rains & some times the furious winds.Today we are visiting my favourite place which is not in Goa but a drive of 120 minutes will take you there.

Yes we are visiting Amobli in neighbouring state of Maharashtra.Take right turn at Sawantwadi on Goa -Mumbai national highway for this green place.Situated on the top of Western Ghats you will reach there in approximately 50 minutes in which half an hour is thru the winding Amboli Ghat .Driving my small maruti car has always excited me.And in peak monsoon believe me you felt like driving in heaven.Clouds some time engulf the traffic to such an extent that it becomes impossible to drive but that is real fun here.You keep on driving up & up awaiting the star of Amobli the Water Fall Of Amboli.Park you car there ,get down & you will see why this place is so magical.Green green & green down below & up above.

If you want drench yourself with water climb up towards the fall & you have it to your limit.Come down after having fun there the local monkeys are waiting for you .Offer a banana & you are allowed to go further.Other than this main water fall there are almost 6 small water falls & if you are lucky you can see all of them from one point while coming down.

Its now lunch time so let us reach the Amboli village.Plenty of choice is available these days.But I prefer the local small shacks on the road.The food is fresh & tasty for hungry souls like us.After some relaxation you can think of visiting Kavleshet for another surprise or other exotic places nearby.And get ready to return back to Goa.

You should visit only in peak monsoon avoid sundays or holidays to enjoy the magical beauty of Amboli.

Bye