How Goa remains anchored in 'susegad'

PORTUGUESE CONNECTION

Centuries ago, when the Portuguese came to Goa, they found a certain kind of ‘quiet’ called ‘sossegado’ in Portuguese. Today, it has a different name – susegad – but it still dwells here.

INGRAINED IN GOA

It refers to the attitude of being laid-back, relaxed and peaceful. It’s an existence, where you're content and fulfilled. It’s become a part of Goan culture. It also resonated with the hippies, who came to Goa in the 70s.       

FROM SEA TO YOUR SOUL

Those who have touched down on Goan soil have also felt it. It floats in the air. You’ll experience susegad on your walk on a serene beach. Every crashing wave lulls your frayed nerves.

BLISSFUL SIESTA

You'll see it in the ritual of siesta, sacrosanct for Goans. There was a time when everything shut down post lunch. Businesses opened only after late noon. Sadly, the practice is slowly fading.   

SOULFUL MIX

Being a coastal State, there’s abundant fish. Drive across Goa, and you’ll come across long stretches of paddy fields. It’s this mix of fish curry, rice and siesta that gives a feeling of contentment or being anchored.

ALL-PERVADING MUSIC

Another thing feeding Goan souls is music. It pervades in every aspect of their lives. The strains of music waft through windows of homes, street corners, restaurants, at festivals, at funerals and everywhere.  

BALCAO TALES

You witness susegad in Goa’s villages, when incessant greetings and banter flow from the Balcaos of Indo-Portuguese houses as the lazy day lolls all over the place. It makes that moment wholesome and all-consuming.

ALL-ENCOMPASSING

Goa's susegad also comes from familial bonds, carefree and sunny disposition, creativity, simplicity, ikigai and joie de vivre. These, and so much more, create a state of mind which the Portuguese called sossegado.    

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