A Christmas in Goa, 2007

I grew up in Goa, where I spent about 17 years of my early age in this tiny state. My father, a Veternerian by profession had been posted in a central government job since 1972. Though now I am based out of Mumbai, I still spend about almost every long weekend at Goa. This time I was joining my parents at Goa for Christmas.

We took the early morning flight to Goa. Train tickets (Konkan Kanya and Jan Shabtabi are the best way to get to Goa from Mumbai) are impossible to obtain even as early as 60 days before any long weekend.

Goa was surprisingly hot for December. The day after we landed we went to Arambol (or Harmal as it is also known by), one of Goa's less frequented beaches and one of my favorites. Situated in the North at about an hour's drive from Panjim, it is unique in the sense that it has a sweet water lake located just 10 yards away from the shoreline. Arambol which was once famous for rave parties and also known for drug peddling is frequented by foreign tourists mostly.

Lunch at Brittos was next and this place serves great Goan and continental food. Situated on Baga beach, this place is always crowded. Baga was choc-a-bloc with tourists - mostly Indian - and there was not a single square feet of free space anywhere in sight. Baga and Calangute are also particularly famous for Jetskiing and Parasailing.

We left for Vagator shortly after lunch. This is one of Goa's most pitureseque beach and one of Dil Chahta Hai's most famous scene was shot atop a fort along the beachline. As far a swimming experience goes, Vagator is a rough experience and not as calm as Arambol or Palolem.

Goa's best sunset can arguably be viewed from Aguada Fort. The view of Panjim city, Donapaula and Vasco is absolutely breathtaking. Anjuna beach also gives one a beautiful and almost 180 degree view of the sea.

The following day on Christmas eve, we left to see some of Old Goa's churches. Though the Basilica of Bom Jesus - this is where the body of St. Francis Xavier has been laid to rest - and Se Cathedral are frequently visited, my personal favorite is the relatively less known St. Cajetan Church, a stone's throw from the St. Cathedral Church. Modelled after the Vatican Church; the sun rays coming in through the top make it a wonderful experience.

We left for Panjim city for lunch and had chinese food at Goenchin. We picked up some pastries from La Pastelaria, also one of Goa's finest and probably the best bakery I have known in India. Shopping at Panjim is not a great experience. Most of it is located along one road in the city. Calangute and the flea market that assembles at Anjuna every Wednesday are much better shopping experiences.

Goa is also famous for X'Mas balls - dress code is strictly formal - that kick off after the midnight mass on Christmas eve. Typically this time the entire state goes crazy. However we couldn't attend one and left for Mumbai the day after having spent yet another rejuvenating holiday at home.

A Diwali in Mumbai - 2007

A Diwali in Mumbai away from home may not be one's idea of a ideal Diwali, but if one has spent a few Diwalis at Mumbai, then perhaps he/she could make to the best of it.

A Diwali celebration. much like any other Indian festival is best enjoyed in a group. I always have friends over for the entire day. A Rangoli is drawn, even if not elaborate, at least made with a lot of colors. Lots of good food is prepared at home (this year's menu saw Puris, Choley, Paneer, Pulao, plenty of sweets and as always Kheer).

Post lunch we had plenty of conversation, caught an afternoon movie, and later in the evening lit diyas all over the place. At around 8 pm, we left to see the fireworks spectacle along Marine drive in South Mumbai.

Fireworks along Marine Drive has become the most prominent trademark of a Mumbai Diwali. From Nariman Point, one can see the entire Mumbai skyline being lit lit. The incessant fireworks begin as early as nightfall and go on till the early hours of the morning the next day. Needless to say, the sound and air pollution are terrible and to a lot of allergic and asthmatic Mumbaikars, a Diwali in Mumbai is a complete nightmare.

We spent an hour here and later tried, rather unsucessfully to book a table at Dome (Ambassador's rooftop restaurant which would give us a great view of the fireworks). We then went on Tendulkars (located near the gateway of India) which was a memorable experience. Seeing merely his memorabilia on display was a treat in itself. By the time we were done it was almost midnight and then we retired for home having fully enjoyed yet another Diwali in Mumbai.