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The lapão, a traditional Goan (gasoline) kerosene lamp. This iconic lamp played a vital role in providing illumination to Goan households before the widespread availability of electricity. The lapão holds a deep-rooted cultural significance in Goan society. The lamp often served as a focal point during religious ceremonies, festivals, and social gatherings, hunting wildlife and in households creating an enchanting ambiance before electricity was introduced in Goa.  (The lapão is typically composed of simple materials, including a metal, glass or ceramic container to hold kerosene or other combustible fuel, a wick made of cotton or other fibrous material and a metal frame or handle for carrying and hanging purposes To use the lapão, one would fill the container with kerosene, ensuring the wick is properly soaked. After lighting the wick, the lamp would emit a warm and gentle glow, providing illumination in homes, especially during the evening and nighttime hours. The brightness of t...
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GHUMAT

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Goa boasts a unique musical instrument - the Ghumat. The Ghumat The Ghumat, popularly known as 'Ghumot' is a percussion instrument that has been an integral part of Goan culture for centuries. It is a large earthenware pot with a narrow opening at the top, and a stretched membrane made of animal skin covering the opening. The instrument is played with two small wooden sticks, producing a sharp, high-pitched sound. The origin of the Ghumat can be traced back to the ancient temple traditions of Goa. It was used in temple music and was played during religious ceremonies and festivals. Over time, the instrument became popular among the general public and was incorporated into Goan folk music. The Ghumat is an instrument that requires a great deal of skill and practice to play. The player must have a good sense of rhythm and timing, as well as the ability to control the volume and tone of the sound. The instrument is often played in groups, with each player contributing a specific r...
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MY GOAN HOMES - AN INSPIRATION

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Goa Decor: Rooted in Goan Heritage, Inspired by Artistry INSPIRATION: My 4 ancestral Goan homes Embarking on a nostalgic and passionate journey, Goa Decor is an artisanal boutique store that seeks to revive, preserve, value and celebrate the rich heritage of Goa through artistry. Presenting a glimpse of my four Goan homes  which are over a century old and embody the region's rich cultural heritage.  The nostalgic memories associated with these besides my love for art, culture and tradition fuelled my journey to design and create artisanal heritage decor which culminated in launch the boutique store in 2020.  Let's explore each of these ancestral homes:     FARM HOUSE - RAMMED EARTH CONSTRUCTION METHOD ( BOGMALO, GOA ) Over 150 years ago, this farm house was constructed using the "rammed earth" method. It transports me back to my childhood memories in Goa, where toddy tapers (Renders) and coconut pluckers (Padekars), dressed in their handwoven loin cloth (kashti)...
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PANCH MUDRAS

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Copper Panch Mudras The Indian subcontinent with rich cultural heritage is a home for World renowned religions. Diversity being India's celebrated quality, the massive population of the country is diversely categorised into several religions. One such prominent religion with highest devotees of the nation is Hinduism. In fact, centuries back India was proudly called Hindustan by the Rajput kings, this shows how Hinduism as a religion has blended into the lifestyle of people. Hinduism is further sub categorised into two major sects; they are Vaishnavism and Shaivism. The vaishnavism followers worshipped lord Vishnu and the Shaivism followers worshipped lord Shiva. Both of the sectarians used Tilak/mudra stamps to draw a symbolic mark traditionally known as Tilak in Sanskrit to denote their religious Lineage. Every Hindu simply considered wearing their respective tilak as the utmost pride of their existence. Even today in this millennial Era the...
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