5 Things To Buy In Panjim That Reflect Goa's Heritage

A Mario Miranda Prints Or Postcards 

Pick up a print of Mario Miranda's artwork and take home a slice of quintessential Goan life.&nbspMiranda's works serve as an introduction to Goa's distinctive history. There are several stores in Panjim and around that sell a variety of items which bring to life his unique and acute observations on Goan culture - you can pick up prints and postcards, or mugs and plates, t-shirts, scarves, fridge magnets, and even lamps. 

Where At Shop No. A-1 and A-2Ground Floor of Building - A, Ground Floor of Building - A, MANINHA Complex, Carmona, Goa 403717. And at&nbspNavelkar Trade Center, MG Road, next to Nagvekar Jewellers, Opposite Azad Maidan, Ozari, Panaji, Goa 403001.

A Kunbi Sari

Traditionally woven in red-and-white chequered cotton, Kunbi saris were worn by the women of the Kunbi tribe in Goa. The drape is shorter, and it is held at one shoulder with a dentli knot. Over time, the sari more or less disappeared from Goa, but it was nurtured by a revival project helmed by Goan designer Wendell Rodericks.&nbspThe handwoven, Kunbi saris are now easier to find because to weaving revival projects started by government and non-government organisations. 

Where Goa Adivasi Parampara, Panjim. Wendell Rodricks Design Space, Panjim. Nita Sarees at Neelkamal Arcade, Shop No. 6,7,and 9, Dr Atmaram Borkar Road, Panaji, Goa 403001. 

Azulejos Tiles

Across Goa, in its old Portuguese houses, you will find these blue-and-white glazed ceramic tiles. Known as azulejo, these were introdiced by the Portuguese.&nbspThe word comes from the Arabic word azzelij, which means &ldquolittle polished stone.&rdquo    

Where Azulejos De Goa,&nbsp7/2, D.B. Marg, opp. Captain of Ports Jetty, Panjim, Goa, India&nbsp403001.  

Mother of Pearl Decor Items

One of the most distinctive facets of the old Portuguese-era homes in Goa are their windows whose frames are embedded with&nbspiridescent oyster shells. "Mother of pearl" is the name for the shell of mollusks such as mussels and oysters. These windows are an example of local adaptation of materials -&nbspbecause they were translucent and let in enough light, oyster shells were used in windows instead of glass. 

Where Shops around the Church square in Panjim. 

Local&nbspFood And Beverages

Goa was an important centre of global spice trade routes. When the Portuguese controlled the spice trade of Southeast Asia in the 15th century, they built a spice empire centered in Goa. That legacy is reflected in the many fragrant spices found in markets like Panjim and the Mapusa Friday market. You cannot leave Goa without picking up packets of the state's distinctive spice blends like vindaloo, cafreal and recheido masala. 

Do stock up on Goa's signature sausages - chorizos. The land of susegad is noted for its GI-tagged alcoholic beverage&mdashcashew feni, which is a perfect accompaniment to the pungent and fiery chorizo. Also pick up some bottles of the (very sweet) locally made port wine. These are available at liquor stores in Panjim.

Not just feni, you must also buy packs of cashews which is the state fruit of Goa and were brought here by the Portuguese.

To round up your meals at home (or as gifts for friends and family), pick up local Goan desserts such the decadent, layered bebinca and dodol. Bakeries in Pajim like Mr. Baker 1992 (on Dada Vaidya Road) are perfect for this. 

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