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Shopping in Goa
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For travellers to Goa, the visit is not
complete unless they take back a souvenir of their memorable
sojourn in this magnificent paradise. The excellent local
handicrafts of Goa are easily the most popular souvenir items
and include brassware, terracotta, shell work, crochet, carved
furniture, bamboo work, papier-mache, etc. These are available
in the Government Emporia and also at shops and stalls near
the popular tourist spots. Another item which is on the list
of every traveller to Goa is a pack of the famed cashew nuts.
These are available practically everywhere. There are shops
specialising in selling only cashewnuts. The nuts are
available in a wide variety of tastes ranging from plain,
salted and masala. The prices vary based on the quality and
flavour. There are also many fascinating options in the
lifestyle and fashion shops which have come up in recent
times. Some of these are located in fabulous old Goan houses
which have been painstakingly restored. These shops make the
best selections in home styling and fashion available to the
tourists at quite reasonable prices.
It is also a fascinating experience to go
around and shop in the traditional markets of the Goan towns
and villages. These markets are a mirror of Goa's ethnic
culture and provide a glimpse of the typical Goan way of doing
business. Two most famous market areas are Mapusa and Anjuna.
In the Friday Market at Mapusa, stalls sell everything from
curios and old coins to dried fish and spices. The Wednesday
Market at Anjuna Beach started by and for foreigners is an
extremely lively spot where souvenirs, beachwear, trinkets and
handicrafts are sold at bargain prices. Most deluxe hotels and
resorts also have good in-house shops, but the price ranges
are usually higher. |
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Handicraft Items
Goa does not lag behind as far as local arts and crafts
are concerned and the superb craftsmanship of the local
artisans, has managed to earn a position in this highly
competitive field. Local artists make excellent
souvenirs from a wide range of materials. These items
are crafted by professional artisans in their ethnic
ambience in the rural areas, and also by artisans
working at the arts and crafts complexes run by the
government. The products are sold through various
handicraft emporia
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and at stalls
at all the major tourist spots. The crafts of the state are
intricately beautiful, capturing the fancies of tourists and
locals alike. Goan lace is here, as are colourful masks,
cotton bags, wooden toys and the excellent shopping bags and
table mats woven from sisal or banana, coconut or pineapple
fibre. The best items are perhaps the fabulous terracotta and
brass items from Bicholim. Items made from exquisite sea
shells ranging from chandeliers to mirrors to idols are also
much in demand.
The major art forms of the state include
bamboo craft, woodcarving, brass metals, seashell craft,
Papier-Mache, and wooden lacquer ware. Other important crafts
are Jute Macrame, Fabric Collage, Plaster of Paris, Crochet
and embroidery, fiber and Batik prints, fiber stone carving,
Coconut shell carving, metal embossing, silver and imitation
jewelry, cotton dolls, soft toys, woolen tapestry, and
artistic weaving.
Pottery and Terracotta
Pottery and Terracotta are traditional crafts with
utility-cum-decorative items produced by the potters with
artistic perfection and realistic finish. The items produced
with this craft include flower garden pots, bowls with floral
designs, figures of Saints, Gods' and Goddesses' and animals,
ashtrays and penholders, etc.
Brass Metal Ware
While utensils of utility are made of sheet metal (copper),
brass metal casting is a craft passed on from one generation
to another practised on hereditary basis. The items produced
include oil lamps in various designs, candle stands, temple
towers, church bells, ashtrays, etc. |
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Wooden
Lacquerware / Wood Turning |
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Some of
the most exquisite items produced in Goan woodcraft
include cradles, baby carts, toys, corner stands, etc.
which are used mostly by Hindu families on religious
occasions.
Crochet and Embroidery
Crochet and Embroidery Works such as tablecloths,
children and ladies garments, pillow and cushion covers,
linen form a breathtaking apparel range.
Bamboo Craft |
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Bamboo Craft is one of the major crafts industry of Goa. Some
popular Bamboo products include flower baskets, mats, and
letter-holders, pen stands, fans and other decorative items.
Fibre Craft
Shopping bags, ladies purses, coasters and wall hangings, and
other essential accessory items used in daily purposes are
made of banana or sisal fibre and the major fibre craft centre
is situated in Corlim.
Jute Macrame Craft
Jute craft is known to be one of the most unique crafts of
India and items such as decorative bags, belts, wall hangings,
lamp shades, flower pots, hangers, etc are popular Goan
souvenirs.
Coconut Mask Carving and Sea Shell Craft
Mask carving has got a whole new look in Goa as it is done on
coconut shells. Sea shell craft produces ashtrays, lamp
shades, coasters, chandeliers, curtains, pot hangers, table
mats, clocks, mirror frame, etc. |
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