Locals share rainy day rituals in Goa

Rainy days never come alone, they always bring in a flood of familiar feelings.

Warm nostalgia, a wet wash of colour, the fresh scent of soaking mud, droplets clinging to leaves — rainy days have their own stories to tell.

Some days, the rain plays matchmaker; other days, it eavesdrops on conversations it was meant to drown out.

But, as William Mulligan beautifully put it, “You can dance in the rain or sulk in the rain. It will rain, regardless.” And, here’s how people in Goa spend their rainy days.

“I love going on drives with lovely music and company,” says Chris Dos Reis from North Goa.

While the dark clouds and heavy forecast may scare some, to Chris, they are a sign that it is almost time to get the car out of the garage and take it for a spin.  

Likewise, “I love the rain!” exclaims Anushka Fernandes.

Like many, Anushka likes spending rainy days indoors, snuggled up in a cosy blanket, listening to her favourite Indie tunes, and also doesn’t mind going on a drive if the shower isn’t too heavy.

“I have mixed feelings about the rain,” reflects Kenneth Vaz, a resident of Chinchinim in South Goa.

“I love how the rain makes everything look more vibrant and gives us a break from the scorching heat, but I’m not a fan of the uncomfortable feeling of getting wet in the rain,” he explains.

Yet, there’s something special about the rain.

And even though Rouen De Rego isn’t a big fan of it, his favourite rainy day activity is hitting a trail and finding a local chai spot with the boys — now that’s a plan!

Away from the ordinary, the droplets of rain take Aldred D’Souza, from Panjim, to the Western Ghats.

“The rains and Ghats go hand in hand,” he says. “My ideal rainy day plan is to ride to the Ghats, find a secluded spot with a view of the valley, set up a tent and cooking stove, and brew some steaming hot chai. Sipping tea while watching the fog and rain dance with the trees is beautiful, and the rains really bring out the freshness of the Ghats — everything comes alive,” he describes vividly. 

Anand Govekar doesn’t limit his beach trips to just the summer, he lets the rain lead him there, too.

“I love everything about the rain! I often spend time at the beach, watching the sunset alone or enjoying a warm coffee at a tapri. Sometimes, I go for long drives, soaking up the music and listening to the stories every mile tells,” he says as he notices the skies grow darker.

"Time to head to the beach," Anand smiles.