Goa Culture : In spite of remaining under Portuguese control for so long, majority of the people in Goa are still Hindu. Though, strong catholic influences are visible everywhere in the art, culture, and society. The demography of the state started changing after the coming of the Portuguese in the 15th century due to the spirit of propagating Catholicism they brought with them.

Goa Art & Culture : Goa is a land of crafts and craftsmen, where aesthetic quality finds a natural expression. Goa has a rich and magnificent tradition of the classical arts. Over the years, Goans have excelled in poetry, music and the fine arts. The exquisitely carved rosewood and teak furniture, the terracotta figurines, the classic brass items and the unique gold jewellery designs all speak of an age still valuable in this technology obsessed world.

The folk paintings of Goa have been traced to different places from ancient temples, churches and palatial manors to humble households. They mostly depict episodes from the epics - the Mahabharata and the Ramayana and the Puranas and also scenes from the New Testament. During the Portuguese colonisation, local craftsmen played a major role in the development of the exquisite furnishings and decorations used in residential houses, churches and chapels. This art can still be seen the Christian Art Museum at Old Goa.

Goans have contributed greatly to the world of music. Many famous names on the Indian music scene originate from Goa. Famous singers such as Lata Mangueshkar and Kishori Amonkar in the classical variety and Remo Fernandes in pop music, are from Goa.

Goa Music and Dance : Goa is often admired as a nest of singing birds. The tiny land of Goa speaks with the pleasing and harmonious note of varied music and melody. Music is part of life at Goa. Through out the year, Ghumat and Violin are at their forefront to be part of every gala event. Every Goan folk music has a lively rhythmic vitality. The music has devotional as well as profane overtones. Goan music stands apart from the music of other regions in India because of its peculiar blend of Western and Indian traditions. The taste of the west can be found in the music of Goa too. The music and dance of Goa are a rich cultural blend of the West with the East. The fine blend of Indian classical and western music has discovered many different forms of music. Each occasion and region has its distinctive forms. The urban areas have adapted to modern and popular music styles.

Goa folk dances bear a tradition of thousands of years, characterized by innumerable forms performed by and reflecting lifestyles, cultures and aspirations of different strata, religions and castes of Goan society. Women perform a number of the traditional dances like Dekni - a rare blend of traditional and modern music. Fugdi and Dhalo are the most common folk dances of Goa. The Kunbi is a tribal folk dance. Women holding lamps on their heads perform the lamp dance during Shigmo festival. Morulem is another traditional folk dance presented by the backward community during Shigmo. The Zagor is a folk play presented in different villages of Goa by the Gawda community. The Dhangar, performed during Navratri, is a vigorous session of worship and dance. Mando is a love song which represents the mingling of Indian and western tradition.