Goan Hinduism and Culture: Goa Temples Raghavan Goa is not just famous for their beaches but it's for their beautiful Hindu temples also. Hinduism is the majority religion in Goa. Around 70% of the population of Goa is Hindu. Most ancient temple of Goa is around 1200 years old. Goan Hinduism has unique properties. Although Indian Goans and Hindus share most rituals. 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 Velha Conquistas. Goan Hindus celebrate the Yatra of Shree Lord Shiva and Shree Goddess Shantadurga (Durga) besides those of other deities. The festival of Holi is called Shigmo in Goa and celebrated with gaiety. Chavath or Ganesh Chaturthi as it is called by Goan Hindus is a major festival in Goa. Diwali is celebrated with the lighting of the Deepams in the temples and with the burning of effigies of the evil demon Narakasur who was vanquished on the day before Diwali by Lord Krishna. A TO Z INDIA ● DECEMBER 2021 ● PAGE 33