There is an old saying in Goa that 'a Goan is said to be born with music in his blood and music accompanies him from his cradle to grave'. The Goans work as musicians in restaurants and hotels and bars across the country and abroad because music comes naturally to the people and becomes an inseparable part of their lives.

The Goanese people love their music and simple musical instruments with which they can create a magical ambience or rock anybody. The musical accompaniment for both folk songs and the folk dances is provided by a diversity of musical instruments - Ghumats, Dhols, Cymbals (Drums), Flutes, Harmonium, Violins and Guitars. The favorite, however, seems to be the Ghumat.

In modern times, Goa has become a home for electronic music, especially a style called Goa trance. This genre began its evolution in the late 1960s, when hippies from the United States, United Kingdom and elsewhere turned Goa into a tourist destination. The Goa sound is more likely to be heard at outdoor parties and festivals than in clubs.

The festivals are also musical in nature and during the festivals like carnivals, the Goanese people and the tourists witness an extravaganza of music and dance lasting several hours.

Any tourist can stop ata small taverna (bar) for a drink of feni - a locally brewed drink made from cashew or coconut, listen to the sounds of a mando (love song) and the strains of a guitar mingling with the persistant lapping of the waves, or the warm golden sands of lonely, idyllic beaches.

To carry a memorable souvenir from Goa you can shop for ghumats and different types of guitars such as Electric Guitars, Acoustic Guitars, Mando Guitars and so on. If you are a music aficionado then you can also shop for antique pianos or acoustic drumsets.

The flea market of Anjuna beach is ideal place where you can buy these musical instruments. Besides the local musical instruments of Goa you can also go for the imported stuffs from London and the other Western countries that are all available at Anjuna or the nighi markets of Calangute Beach.

Last Updated on 4^th October 2010

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