Goa Liberation Day: A Look at Goa’s Rich History and the Beautiful State It Is

Sure, there is a deep sense of liberation when you hit the beaches in Goa. The sun, surf, sand, the complete vibe of the place, and the slow pace of life makes for a slice of slow travel to the fun capital of India. But there is more to Goa than just the candour and calypso.

Goa was born free on December 19 in 1961. This is celebrated as Goa Liberation Day every year, marking an important regional public holiday. Last year, the diamond jubilee celebration of Goa Liberation Day took place.

Goa has always been special in many ways. Unlike the rest of the country that was under the British rule, Goa was a Portuguese colony. It was an important part of the maritime empire of the Portuguese in Asia. A beautiful one, with stunning churches dotting the land. These architectural wonders grace the soil even today. But there is more to Goa than just the magnificent churches that mark 61 years since Goa was born free.

History of Goa

The history of Goa Liberation Day brings in valour of the armed forces of our country. The Portuguese were among the first to colonize certain parts of India and refused to give up their hold over Goa and other Indian territories, even post India’s independence in 1947. As part of the 36-hour Operation Vijay, the army, navy and air force warriors of our country took over Goa on December 18, in 1961, to finally oust the Portuguese who refused to exit the state, even after the British exited the rest of India in 1947. It was the only recourse as the diplomatic attempts and negotiations by the then Prime Minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru, did not yield any result. The Portuguese governor general in Goa finally hoisted a white flag atop the secretariat complex. This was a mark of surrender. On December 19, Goa officially became a part of India and this is how the calendar announces Goa Liberation Day as a red-letter day.

No wonder then that December 19 is brought in with plenty of cheer and gusto in Goa, as compared to the relatively low-key celebrations of the country’s Independence Day on August 15, every year. Special menus at restaurants, grand displays, colourful shows and street performances mark the occasion. Goa Liberation Day also appreciates on a national platform, Goa’s achievements over the years, especially its astounding accomplishments in the tourism sector. After all, the Konkan jewel ranks high on the bucket list of foreigners who flock in droves round the year, making it the Ibiza of India.

Choose Club Mahindra When in Goa for Your Magical Holiday

The Goa experience comes alive at its best during this time. Make sure you book your stay in advance. Club Mahindra brings in a virtual five-star experience at its resorts in Goa. Choose south Goa destinations in Emerald Palms and Club Mahindra Varca (comes strapped with a private beach!) a hop away from the Arabian Sea. South Goa is a less crowded, plush lush location where you have cool access to many magical beaches, some relatively undiscovered ones.

North Goa is the busier avenue, but offers easy access going further up north to niche shingled sands too. Stay here at the dreamy Club Mahindra Assonora property. The new airport at Mopa comes up soon enough, just minutes away from this resort that tucks in a lazy river with five astounding pools.

Experience Goa at its shiniest best on Goa Liberation Day as you swing into Christmas on 25 December. Cheers to happy holidays!

About Mahindra Holidays

Mahindra Holidays & Resorts India Limited (MHRIL), India’s leading player in the leisure hospitality industry, offers quality family holidays as also stated by Club Mahindra Membership Reviews and Club Mahindra Reviews, primarily through vacation ownership memberships. While Club Mahindra is the flagship brand offering Club Mahindra Membership, other brands offered by the company are – Club Mahindra Resorts Fundays and Svaastha Spa. As of Mar 31, 2019, MHRIL has 61+ resorts across India and abroad and its subsidiary, Holiday Club Resorts Oy, Finland, a leading vacation ownership company in Europe has 33 resorts across Finland, Sweden and Spain. Visit us at https://www.clubmahindra.com/