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Mapusa got its popularity as a market centre by the
ancient festivals organized in honour of the god Kanakeshwar Baba,
worshipped at the Bodhgeshwar Temple. Set around the Mount (Altinho), Mapusa
is said to have grown with the blessings of god Bodhgeshwar.
The town's
name, Mapusa is derived from the Konkani words, 'maap' meaning measure and 'sa'
meaning fill, that indicate its commercial nature. Besides being a major
trading centre, Mapusa is a good hub to visit some of the famous Goa's
beaches.
Location: 13 kms north of Panaji.
Attractions: Friday Market, Bodhgeshwar Temple, Hanuman Theatre,
Mapusa Church and Swiss Chapel.
Best Time to Visit : October to March |
Tourist Attractions in Mapusa
Friday Market
If you are looking for the essence of Goa, then Mapusa Friday Market is the
perfect place for you. The town of Mapusa has now become synonymous with its
Friday Market, which is located outside the Mapusa Municipal Market. Every
Friday, the small town of Mapusa burst into a riot of colour and noise. The
farmers and small entrepreneurs from all over Goa come to the market to sell
their locally grown or manufactured wares.
Goan women dressed in their
colourful attire also come in from nearby villages to sell their self-made
items including spices of different types. You can shop for a wide range of
items, right from spices and T-Shirt to fresh fruit, trinkets, sausages,
straw hats, fresh and dried fish, incense, vegetables, souvenirs and
furniture.
You should keep in mind that bargaining in Mapusa is an integral
part of shopping and therefore you should never pay the first price asked
for.
Bodhgeshwar Temple
Nestled under an old Banyan tree, the Bodhgeshwar Temple is worth visiting
place in Mapusa. Whether you see the temple by night or day, the Bodhgeshwar
temple looks equally charming. Legend goes that Bodhgeshwar was a very
accessible god who used to sit below the banyan tree around which the temple
was built. Since its construction, Goans of all faiths come here to find
solutions for their problems.
If you want something, you have to make a vow
to the god and when your wish is granted you have to offer what you had
promised to the god. If you are visiting around 3rd week of January, there
is an additional attractions in form of a fair which is organised near the
temple.
Hanuman Theatre
Hanuman Theatre is located just across the road from the Bodhgeshwar Temple.
The theatre organizes the local plays - tiatrs in Konkani, dramas in Marathi
and performances by visiting theatre groups and musical troupes from Goa and
other parts of the country.
Mapusa Church
The Mapusa Church is known by two names - St. Jerome's Church and the Church
of Our Lady of Milagres. It is known as St. Jerome's Church in October when
a feast dedicated to St. Jerome is celebrated. It is known as Church of Our
Lady of Milagres, with the Milagres feast is celebrated every third Sunday
after the Easter festival.
Milagres Feast is important not only for
Christians but also for Hindus and as such both Hindus and Christians
participate in the festivities with equal enthusiasm. During the three day
feast, a number of cultural activities are organized including the Milagres
Queen contest.
Swiss Chapel
Swiss Chapel is situated close to the heritage buildings of Mapusa Court,
St. Mary's School near the Municipal building. The chapel has a cream and
blue coloured wooden altar and shrine. Swiss Chapel organizes the Holy Cross
Feast at the beginning of Lent. After nine-day novena prayers, Carnival
starts.
Places Where You Can Stay
Mapusa has no luxury hotels, but the town is dotted with a number of good
hotels. Popular hotels of Mapusa are Hotel Bardez, Hotel Satyaheera and
Hotel Shalini.
How to Reach
By Air : Dabolim airport is the nearest airport which is situated at
a distance of 45 kms from the town. Indian Airlines flights and also a host
of Private Air Taxis connect the airport with major cities of India. The
International services of Indian Airlines connect Goa with Kuwait and
Sharjah twice a week.
By Train : Tivim (Thivim) railway station on the Konkan railway is
the nearest railhead which lies at a distance of 12 kms from Mapusa.
By Bus : Mapusa is situated on the Goa- Mumbai-Pune road. Kadamba bus
stand on the southwest edge of the town is the main bus stand.
Local Transport : Rickshaws and tourist taxis are available here to
take you to the nearest hotel or resort. Motorcycle taxis are also available
at Mapusa near the main town square. Local buses ply to the nearby beaches
of Calangute, Baga, Anjuna, Vagator, Chapora, and Arambol.
Following Goa Tourist Destinations
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