Benaulim: Heaven for tourists

Name: Melinda D'Mello 

Roll no.:C194231 

My village is one of the most beautiful village in Goa. What’s fascinating and different about Benaulim you might ask. Well, it’s one of the place where festivals are celebrated to its fullest. The local names for Benaulim are ‘bannali’, ‘banahalli’ or ‘banavalli’. The thing I like the most about Benaulim is fresh and revitalizing air. It gives a feeling of refreshment even if I have slept for 4-5 hours.

The church of St. John the Baptist which is situated at Monte Benaulim and is attractive. The view of this site is also excellent and is one o the most famous churches in the entire state of Goa.

 People of Benaullim are also proud of St. Joseph Vaz, who was born here in this village of Benaulim and was baptized in the church of St. John the Baptist.

Celebration of Sao Joao

As I said before our village celebrates a lot of traditional festivals. One festival I always look forward to is Sao Joao: a catholic festival celebrated in an unusual manner, with people leaping into and swimming in wells, streams and ponds as a form of tribute to St. John the Baptist. It is celebrated on June 24th every year and is celebrated with full on excitement and fun. On this day people from the village go around singing traditional songs accompanied with instruments like ghumot, mhadalem and kansallem. People wearing colorful kopels, singing and dancing.

Benaulim villagers gather near a pond or well with different varieties of goan sweets like dodol, bebinca, bolilna and its incomplete without paatolyo (sweet dish). Of course, one cannot have a feast without dinking, so, feni is a large part of celebrations. Various other programs such as rain dance, games, goan drams are held on that day. Sao Joao is also a celebration of thanksgiving for newly-weds and for families with babies born during the year. The best part, with rain having drenched the village a bit by then. It is truly a festival that is enjoyed by all.

Benaulim beach

Apart from festivals Benaulim is also known for its famous tourist attractions. The Benaulim beach is uncrowded and almost a private beach. The day I visited this beach for the first time I fell in love with it. The golden sand, with food shacks and water sports. I walked for miles, north to south, along the sandy beach, with the sea waves caressing and cooling my feet. As everyone know that goa is famous for its sea food, and Benaulim beach with good number of food shacks, serving drinks and good food at affordable prices. That day we tried the crab xacuti and goan thali, its simply amazing. One can also explore the beach by renting a bike. At last but not the least the amazing sunset view at around 5 to 6 pm.

You can watch red sunset into the sea, while the bright moon appears. Away from the city noise and hustle the beach is perfect place for beach bums like me to relax and regenerate ones sprit. It was one of the best days of my life.