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Main Religion in Goa : Hinduism & Christianity.

Religion Highlights : Coexistence of Religious Harmony.

Goan society is a manifestation of the famous spirit of equal respect for all religions, as it is marked with people belonging to various religions. The two major religions of Goa are Hinduism and Christianity. These two religions together comprise almost 95% of the Goan population. Other religions like Buddhism, Islam form the rest of the population share. These facts may sound surprising, as it contradicts the common perception regarding the religions of Goa that tells, Goa is a Christian majority state.

Existence of Religious Harmony :

The people of Goa maintain a religious harmony by showing their reverence to all the religions residing in this state. Perhaps this is the reason behind the prevailing social calmness in Goan land. The Goan land was once threatened with the risk of religious troubles when the massive conversion to Christianity was brought about by the Portuguese people. But surprisingly, the land of this state outlived this disturbance. Even today when you visit Goa you will come across the local people’s pleasant behavior toward every religion. The Goan people, irrespective of the religion in which they belong, prefer to offer their prayers before every deity they come across.

The religious harmony is best seen during the festivals like Fama of Menino Jesus or The Feast of Infant Jesus. This festival is celebrated at the Colva Beach where both the Hindu and Christian people come together for celebration. The unity among the different religions of Goa is again proved during The Feast of Our Lady of Candelaria where every Goan participates in the cooking of the special desert of this festival. Sannas is the special desert of this occasion which is prepared out of rice.

Religious Rituals in Goa that Marks Religious Unity :

Tivim is a place of strong devotion in Goa where a large mass of Hindu and Catholic Goan gather to pay their respect for the Our Lady of Perpetual Succour. Paralle of such celebration at Tivim is found in Sirgaonchi Zatra which is held at the in the mining belt in Sirigao. The view of thousands of people walking with candles during evening gives spectators a radiant look. The candle walker together looks like a belt of stars that has landed on earth.

A festival named “Touxeanchem Fest” or Cucumber Fest is held in Telaulim. In this occasion Hindus offer their prayers at the Church of St. Anne.

Zagor is another festival where the peaceful co-existence between Hindus and Christians is noticed.  This event is a Christian feast where Hindus actively take part.

The peaceful co-existence of several religions of Goa can be best noticed when you take a tour to different parts of the state. You will be amazed to see the Goan people’s welcoming attitude towards all kinds of religious rituals held within the borders of this state.