Fountainhas – The True Goan Heritage




Situated in the heart of Panjim, Fountainhas is a place which is still unknown to many people. Fountainhas is a small town, which was constructed about 300 years ago, it is a place where one can discover Goa and it’s true heritage during the Portuguese era. The infrastructure, the building, the houses take you back in time, where Portuguese ruled Goa.
“Fount Phix” is a fountain present in this town, and it was also because of this fountain that the town got it’s name “Fountainhas.”  The fountain, “Fount Phix” also served as the only source of fresh water for the people leaving in this area. The main places are Mala and Fountainhas. Mala had a more of Hindu population while Fountainhas had more of a catholic population. Fountainhas is one of those few places where one can actually get a feel of Goa during the Portuguese times.
Initially a Chapel was built in Fountainhas, keeping in mind the needs of the Portuguese people. One of the most interesting aspect of this Chapel is that it is one of the only chapel which conducts Portuguese Mass till date. During the Portuguese era, the feast of St. Sebastian (A saint which is considered important to the people of Portuguese) was celebrated with great pomp and splendor, with several stalls. It totally bought about a carnival look, where people came together dancing, singing and enjoying every bit of music. While nowadays the feast has a simple mass service, in Portuguese followed by a procession.
Fountainhas is a perfect place to obtain peace of mind, away from excessive traffic and horning. It is said that people lived together in peace and harmony for years all together. It is believed that the people residing in this small town want to keep this place intact and as a reason they prevented so far any kind of new construction in this area.
Speaking to one of the locals in Fountainhas, they said “We have been living here from quite a long time now, and as we are growing older and so is this place getting older. We do not receive any support from the government.”
A large number of tourists visit this area, almost every day to experience the true beauty of Goa. Though it’s a Heritage site, yet it isn’t given the official status of a Heritage site. And as a reason people don’t know much about this place. And due to improper maintenance of these heritage houses, these are truly loosing it’s charm and beauty.
 “Fount Phix” the fountain which once upon a time served as a source of fresh water, today it is a place where people carry out their routine daily work like washing clothes, bathing etc. And thus this beautiful fountain has somehow lost it’s charm. But the people residing in this area still have the hope that someday, those glorious days of Fountainhas will return back and they will be cherished for the generations to come.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Goan Catholic Roce Ceremony

Image
As the bride closed her eyes and looked towards the altar, she joined her hands in prayer. She prayed and prayed… Prayed for a happy married life, a life filled with joy, happiness and good health. The chuddo in the hands profoundly pronounced that she was the bride. The Bride that would be sitting for the roce ceremony today. Roce Ceremony is a tradition that is been taking place from ages in Goa. It is a tradition where the bridal couple is poured with the juice of the coconut water. The fresh coconut water is poured on the bride and groom to bless them and request God for their happy married life. Usually, the roce takes place at the brides and the groom’s place respectively, in the presence of close relatives, friends and neighbours.  Simultaneously, as the roce took place the elderly ladies in the house started singing, “Tambde roza tujhe polle………” (Konkani song) This is a photograph of a recent roce ceremony which was held at Moira. It was as amazing as it c
Read more

Touching Lives --- Asha Arondekar

Image
Picture : Asha Arondekar  Photographer : Alisha Fernandes Interview taken for Evescape Magazine. Regardless of your education, talent or training becoming a successful businesswoman heavily depends on how well you work with others. As the saying goes, “She who would lead, must first be willing to serve.” No matter the commodity, all businesses are ultimately based on the art of dealing with people. Even if you’re the best at what you do, you can’t be a successful businesswoman if no one wants to deal with you. The mantra is let your unique, fabulous self be your advantage and well Asha Arondekar a well known Goan Businesswoman and socialite knows this well. Belonging to a family serving the Indian Navy, her upbringing was in a complete disciplined environment which indeed contributed greatly to her values and in becoming what she is today. Born in Goa, she completed her education from Pune University and holds a Masters degree in Bio- Chemistry. “I remember it was in Pune w
Read more

Smile and the world will smile back...

Image
Model : Schnabel Cynthia Dias Photographer : Alisha Fernandes Camera : Sony DSC W-120 Smile is a reflex action; if you smile at someone it is evident to receive a smile back. Even a young child understands the language of smile. I just met Schnabel, few minutes before this picture. But the knowledge that she had about photography and posing was really amazing. We enjoyed this entire session of clicking pictures. He wavy hair and her amazing smile came out to be the USP of this wonderful picture <3 Clicking her pictures came so effortlessly and results are right infront of you’ll. 
Read more