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                           Traditional Goan Ornaments Each gold and stone-studded handcrafted ornament of Goa holds its own special place in the bridal jewellery and festive attire of Goan families. The Goan bridal 'CHUDO' The chudo,  a set of bangles made of green glass and gold, is worn by Hindu and as well as some Catholic brides in Goa, carrying forward a shared tradition. The ornaments are in the form of headgear, bangles, neckpieces, armbands (bazuband) , nose pins or rings (naath) and anklets like the silver payzan and vedê. Before Goa’s liberation, when girls typically married young and had fewer opportunities, these ornaments were often gifted by parents as a form of financial security. Traditionally, each piece was crafted locally by skilled goldsmiths, although some recent designs have also begun to be machine-made. Over the years, the influence of more intricate jewellery designs from the neighbouri...
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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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