Panaji is the state capital of Goa. The city is also known as Panjim. Panaji with a population of 40,017 (2011 census), is the biggest city in north Goa, and the third biggest city in the state after Vasco da Gama and Margao. It is on the southern banks of the Mandovi River. However, the greater Panaji metropolitan area also has a beachfront location with the Arabian Sea. It is the peninsula of the Mandovi where you will see floating casinos and cruise boats. Panjim is 27.8 kilometers from the Goa International Airport at Dabolim.
According to census report of 2011 India, approximately 114,405 people reside in Panaji metro city. Among them the male person compromise a population of 59,379 and rest 55,026 are female. Maximum of them survive with the profession of fishing. Now a day’s tourism is another source of income by the inhabitants of Panaji. Usually, maximum citizen of Panaji use Konkani as primary spoken language. But, some other languages like Urdu, Marathi, Kannada, Hindi and English are also used by a marginal.
People of Panaji mainly belong to Hindu and Christian Religion. But, some other religions like, Muslim, Buddhist, Jains, Sikh, etc also live with marginal. Goans celebrate lots of fair and festivals throughout the year in the city. Most popular festival of Panaji is first day of New Year or Fontainhas celebration. Some other attractive festivals of the city are the Holi (festival of color), Narkasur parade before the festival Diwali, Bonderam, Festival, Christmas, Easter, Sao Joao Festival, Shigmotsav, St. Francis Day, Feast of Three Kings, Ganesh Chaturthi, Goa Carnival and Good Friday.
The main transportation hub is across the “Patto Bridge” over the Rua de Ourem creek at the Kadamba Bus Station. From this Bus station buses take off regularly to other Goan cities like Margao, Vasco da Gama, Mapusa , Ponda and other towns in Goa and to neighboring states. The nearest train station is Karmali, near Old Goa.
Typical of a Goan town, Panaji is built around a church facing a prominent square. The town has some beautiful Portuguese Baroque style buildings and enchanting old villas. The riverside, speckled with brightly whitewashed houses with wrought iron balconies, offers a fine view.
Picture Credit : Google
