Goa, religious diversity, temples, churches, mosques, communal harmony, cultural co-existence, syncretism, communal disharmony, unity, tolerance, religious festivals, Goa’s unique identity
Goa, despite its small size, is renowned as a spiritual haven due to its plethora of religious sites, including temples, churches, and mosques. It’s often dubbed the “Rome of the East” owing to the harmonious co-existence of people from various faiths.
There’s a common misconception that Goa is predominantly Catholic, but in fact, it has a Hindu majority, constituting 95 per cent of the population. Alongside Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists, and Jains also contribute to the religious tapestry of the state. Despite religious differences, Goans live, learn, and work together, extending invitations to each other’s festivities and offering assistance in times of need.
Regardless of their religious affiliations, many Goans pay respect to deities of other faiths. In Velha Goa, there’s a syncretic legend that the goddess Lairai is considered a “sister” of the Virgin Mary in the Milagres Church of Mapusa. Similarly, in Telaulim, during the “Touxeanchem Fest,” Hindus revere the Church of St. Anne, the mother of the Blessed Virgin Mary, believing she is the reincarnation of ‘Santeri,’ the mother goddess of Hindu scriptures. People from all faiths offer prayers and offerings to these deities. They also come together for Zagors and Zatras.
Religion is deeply personal, and everyone has the right to their beliefs. However, religious differences, economic inequality, historical grievances, and cultural misunderstandings can sow division. Political manipulation exacerbates these divides, while lack of awareness and education perpetuate them.
Goa has faced numerous attempts to disrupt communal harmony, such as the desecration of sacred statues, hate speech, and posting objectionable content on social media. The wounds of forced conversion during the Portuguese period are sometimes exploited by divisive forces to stoke disharmony, potentially leading to violence and riots.
Reacting to a viral hate speech video at Ponda, AAP minority leader Sarfaraz Ankalgi alleged that the BJP might be orchestrating such incidents. He condemned communal politics and promised to reveal the BJP’s actions post-Eid.
GPCC Vice President, Sunil Kawthankar also condemned the incident, stating that no person regardless of political affiliation should be allowed to do hate speech and disrespect other religions.
Starting with desensitization and disconnection from one another, people may distance themselves from each other, holding grudges against their friends due to the actions of others there. If this communal divide persists, peace will be shattered.
If left unchecked, communal divides could escalate, leading to a state akin to war, jeopardizing the future of generations to come. People must refrain from generalizing about religious communities and resist falling into the clutches of divisive forces. Promoting equality and fostering communal brotherhood are essential for securing a prosperous future.
To prevent communal disharmony, Goa’s people have to initiate dialogues among communities to foster understanding and trust. Promoting tolerance through education, awareness, and legal frameworks is essential, as is responsible media reporting that avoids sensationalism and stereotypes while fostering community engagement.
“One who sees diversity, yet feels unity, becomes a part of the divine reality” The People of Goa are diverse and they have unique features related to their religion, ethnicity, etc. Respecting each other and being tolerant is crucial in safeguarding Goa’s unique identity.
