Hinduism in Goa
Hinduism is the majority religion in Goa. Around 70% of the population of Goa is Hindu.
Goan Hinduism has unique properties . Although Indian Goans and Hindus share most rituals , the isolation of Goans in a Portuguese colony and the presence of Christianity in Goa has led to syncretic traditions of both Hindus and Christians . Traditions of goan Hindus include festivals with processions wherein the deities are taken from the newly built temples in the Nova conquistas to their original sites in the velha conquistas.
While Caste is still a major factor especially amongst the Hindu population, the egalitarian Indian constitution has helped to a perceived degree.
Goan Hindus celebrate the Yatra of Shree Lord Shiva and Shree Goddess Shantadurga (Durga) besides those of other deities. The festival of Holi is called Shigmo in Goa and celebrated with gaiety.Chavath or Ganesh Chaturthi as it is called by Goan Hindus is a major festival in Goa.Diwali is celebrated with the lighting of the deepstambs in the temples and with the burning of effigies of the evil demon Narakasur who was vanquished on the day before Diwali by Lord Krishna.
The Goan Hindu community is composed of 1 % Saraswat Brahmins, Daivadnya Brahmins and other Brahmin communities like karhades and the rest are a combination of chitpavans. Konkani Chardos, Vanis, Kunbis, Gaudas and other smaller communities.