Panaji

Panaji (English: Panjim, Konkani / Hindi / Marathi) is the state capital of Goa, India. It is located on the banks of the estuary of the river Mandovi in the district of North Goa. Its population is 65,000 inhabitants (100,000 in the metropolitan area). Panjim is the third largest city of Goa, after Vasco da Gama and Margao.

Originally a small village in the village of Taleigao, the city was renamed in 1843 to New Goa, when it officially became the administrative seat of Portuguese India, replacing the city of Goa (now Old Goa), although the Viceroy has lived there since December 1st 1759. Before moving to the city, the viceroy remodelled the strength of Adil, turning it into a palace.

In December 1961, Panaji became part of the Indian Union, along with the rest of Goa and the Portuguese state of India. Panaji became the state capital when Goa was elevated to a state in May 1987. Between 1961 and 1987, Panaji became the capital of the Union territory of Goa, Daman and Diu.

Tourism

In the heart of the city, is the church square, also known as the garden city. From this square, you can see the Portuguese Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception in Baroque style, originally built in 1541, where Sunday Mass is still celebrated in Portuguese.

Adil Khan’s palace dates from the sixteenth century, the Institute Menezes Braganza (whose tile panels depictscenes from the Lusiadas, Luis Vaz de Camoes, (such as the arrival of Vasco da Gama to India), Central Library, the Temple Laxmi, the Jama Masjid mosque and the chapel of St. Sebastian can also be seen.

Its narrow streets are reminiscent of the Alfama, Lisbon. Nowadays, you can walk its streets and still feel the Portuguese influence, listening to the sound of the Portuguese television RTP International, coming from ajar windows, and visiting bakeries where they sell pies, for example.

Some of the old houses need some restoration, since in some cases, their wooden balconies are at risk of collapse. Not far from this neighborhood, is the beach of Miramar. In February, the streets of Panjim hold carnival celebrations, with colorful parades, followed by the celebrations of Hindus Xigmo, a festival held in the spring.