Hinduism in Goa

Hinduism is the majority religion in Goa. As of 2011, 66% of the population of Goa is Hindu.[1]

Lord Parshuram with Saraswat brahmin settlers commanding Lord Varuna to make the seas recede to make the Konkan

Goan Hinduism has unique properties. Although Hindu Goans and other Indian Hindus share most rituals, the isolation of Hindus in Portuguese Goa and Damaon, and the presence of Christianity in Goa has led to syncretic religion of both Hindus and Christians. Traditions of goan Hindus include festivals with processions wherein the deities are taken from the newly built temples in the Nova conquistas to their original sites in the Velhas Conquistas.

While Caste system is still a major factor especially amongst the Hindu population and followed to a lesser extent by the declining Goan Christian population, the egalitarian Indian constitution has helped to a perceived degree.

Goan Hindus celebrate the Yatra of Shree Mahadeva Shiva and Shree Mahadevi Shantadurga (Durga) besides those of other deities. The festival of Holi is called Shigmo in Goa and celebrated with gaiety. Chavath or Ganesh festival as it is called by Goan Hindus is a major festival in Goa. Deepaavali is celebrated with the lighting of the deepstambs in the temples and with the burning of effigies of the evil demon Narakasur who was vanquished on the day before Diwali by Shri Krishna.

The Goan Hindu community is composed of 1% Saraswat Brahmins, Daivadnya Brahmins and other Brahmin communities like Karhad Brahmins and the rest are a combination of Konkanastha Brahmins (Chitpavans). Other castes are Konkan Kshatriya Chardos, Vaishya Vanis, Kunbis, Gaudas etc.