Goan Catholics

Goan Catholics(Goan Konkani:Goenchem Katholik) are anethno-religiouscommunity adhering to theLatin Riteof theCatholic Churchfrom theGoastate, in the southern part of theKonkanregion along the west coast ofIndia. They areKonkani peopleand speak theKonkani language.
Missionary activitiesfollowed soon after thePortuguese conquest of GoaasPope Nicholas Vhad enacted thePapal bullofRomanus Pontifexin AD 1455, according to which thepatronage for propagation of the Christian faithin theEast Indieswas granted to thePortuguese crown.
Their culture is an amalgam ofKonkaniandPortuguesecultures, with the latter having a more important role becauseGoa, Daman and Diuhad been ruled byPortugalfrom AD 1510–1961.The notion ofGoan identityas a distinct culture among otherLuso-AsiansorLuso-Indiancultures was forged into India after theannexation of Goa and Damaonin 1961.
The Goan Catholic diaspora is concentrated in thePersian Gulf countries; theLusophoneworld, especiallyPortugal,Brazil,Mozambique, andZanzibar; theEuropean Union countries; and theAnglophoneworld, especially theUnited Kingdom, theUnited States of America,Canada,Australia, andNew Zealand.
Christian adherents to theCatholic Churchwho originate from the present state ofGoa, a region on the west coast ofIndia, and their descendants are generally referred to as Goan Catholics. A majority of Goan Catholics belong to theKonkaniethnicity while a smaller proportion areLuso-Indians. Goan Catholics played a pivotal role in theformationof the state of Goa and indesignatingtheir native languageKonkanias ascheduled language of India. Diaspora communities in anglophone countries usually speakEnglishas their first language while regarding Konkani as their ancestral language.Some upper class Catholic families in Goa spokePortugueseas their primary language prior to 1961.
Portugaltookcontrol of Goain 1510. ThePortuguesesoon consolidated their power by imposing their own government and culture through intermarriageand converting the majority of the local population to Catholicism.Many pre-Portuguese Hindu traditions were adapted or retained by the Goan Catholics. This included a variation of theIndian caste system, although it was not practiced rigidly.Throughout thePortuguese Empirea large part of civic administration (e.g. registration of births, marriages and deaths, schools, colleges,  hospitals, orphanages, etc.) was initially maintained by the Catholic religious orders. UnderPortuguese nationality law, Goans born before 19 December 1961 in the then Portuguese territory of Goa are entitled to Portuguese citizenship. As per the law of Portugal (Jus sanguinis), this is extended up to two generations, that is to their children and grandchildren.
Due to the distance from Portugal, Goans (like the people ofMacauandTimor) had a high level of autonomy, although still a part of Portugal. Goans moved for work to other parts of the Portuguese Empire, and hence it is possible to find people of Goan descent in the Americas, Africa, Europe, as well as other parts of Asia.
A large-scale emigration of Goan Catholics to Bombay (nowMumbai) began in the 1800s, because of better economic opportunities.At that timeBombay was under the British ruleand there existed another established Luso-Indian Catholic community; theBombay East Indians, who were residents of Portuguese Bombay prior to it being granted to theBritish East India Companyin the 17th century. Since the Goan Catholic and East Indian Catholic communities were converted toChristianityby the Portuguese, the British referred to them as "Portuguese Christians".They congregated in the same churches, attended many of the same religious functions, and sharedPortuguese surnamesand culture.The British favoured the Goan Christians in administrative jobs, due to their proficiency in western language and culture.
The Portuguese came to India with the ambition of capturing the Asian trade to Europe through theArab worldand by-passing the traditionalSilk Routefrom China to Europe. The Portuguese first reached the west coast of India in 1498 whenVasco da Gamalanded atCalicut.On 25 November 1510Afonso de Albuquerqueconquered Goa from theSultan of Bijapur.By 1544 the Portuguese conquered the districts ofBardez,Tiswadi, andSalcette.Pope Nicholas Vhad enacted thePapal bullRomanus Pontifexin 1455, granting the patronage ("Padroado") of the propagation of the Christian faith in Asia to the Portuguese and rewarded them a trade monopoly in newly discovered areas.Trade was initiated shortly after Vasco da Gama arrived in India in 1498. The Portuguese Catholic Church was granted the responsibility of proselytizing in Asia by the Pope, and all missionaries had to call at Lisbon before departing for Asia. In Goa different orders were designated different areas, with theJesuitsgranted Salsette province in the South, and theFranciscans, the northern province of Bardez. Other orders such asCarmelites,Dominicans, andAugustinianswere also present in Portuguese Goa.
In 1534 theDiocese of Goawas created from theDiocese of Funchalto serve as a common diocese for the western coast of India, including Goa and the area in and around Bombay.
The Portuguese built many churches; the most notable areBasilica of Bom Jesus(Basílica of Child Jesus) built during the sixteenth century—aUNESCO World Heritage Sitededicated to theInfant Jesus.The church also holds the embalmed body of St. Francis Xavier.—and theSe Cathedral, the largest church in Asia dedicated toSt. Catherine of Alexandria, the construction of which was started in 1562 during the reign of KingDom Sebastiãoand completed in 1619. It wasconsecratedin 1640.TheOur Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church(Nossa Senhora da Imaculada Conceição Igreja) was built in 1540. The Church and Convent of St. Francis of Assisi (Igreja e Convento de São Francisco de Assis), Church of Lady of Rosary (Igreja da Senhora do Rosário), Church of St. Augustine (Igreja de Santo Agostinho), andSt. Michael's Church, Anjuna(Igreja São Miguel em Anjuna), built in 1613,were also erected during the Portuguese reign.
In 1787, some Goan Catholic priests, unhappy with the process of promotion within the Church and other discriminatory practices of the Portuguese, organised the unsuccessfulPinto Revoltagainst the Portuguese.
From the 19th century, Catholic Goans started emigrating to British-run cities in India, especially toMumbaiandBangalorein the 1920s and 1930s.They also started migrating toPortuguese territories, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
According to the 1909 statistics in the Catholic Encyclopedia, the total Catholic population was 293,628 out of a total population 365,291 (80.33%).
On 1 May 1928, the Archdiocese of Goa was renamed and was promoted to the MetropolitanArchdiocese of Goa and Daman(Goa e Damão). It is the oldest diocese in terms of activity in the East, with its origins linked to the arrival of the Portuguese on the Malabar Coast. The Metropolitan Archbishop of Goa and Daman also uses the title of Primate of the Indies orPrimate of the Eastand honorifically receives the title ofPatriarch of the East Indies.
AfterBritish India gained independence in 1947, the Portuguese government refused to accept Nehru's demand that they hand over Goa to India. On 18 December 1961India moved in with troopsand after intense warfare, the Portuguese administration was forced to surrender. On 30 May 1987 Goa was elevated as India's 25th state.
According to the 2011 census, Christians formed 26.01% of Goa's total population.
According to the 2001 census there were around 359,568 Christians in Goa.Many Goan Catholics live inMumbaiandBangalore. In the 1960s there were around 100,000 Goan Catholics in Bombay, of which 90,000 were in urban Bombay, and 10,000 in suburban Bombay.Other regions of India which have a small proportion of Goan Catholics areDelhi,Calcutta,Madras,Pune, Ahmednagar,Hyderabad,Nagpur,Nasik, andRanchi.
Goan Catholics are also found abroad, either asNon-resident Indian and Person of Indian Origin(NRIs), with some people born abroad.They are found inArab states of the Persian Gulfin the Middle East, includingSaudi Arabia,Bahrain,United Arab Emirates, andKuwait.Some have migrated to theAnglophoneworld, including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, the US,Australia and New Zealand. In 1954 there were around 1,000,000 Goan Catholics in India and 1,800,000 Goan Catholics outside Goa.Before the FirstGulf War(1990–1991) there were probably around 150,000 Goans outside India.There are 100,000 Goan Catholics in Portugal.A large number are found inKarachi, Pakistan.Recent emigrants are found in Germany andAustria.
In 1999 the Goan Overseas Association, the Canorient Christian Association, and other Goan associations estimated that there were around 23,000 Goan Catholics in Canada, out of which 13,000 were inOntario.During 1954 it was estimated that there were 20,000 Goan Catholics in the Arab states of the Persian Gulf, while 30,000 were living in Pakistan, out of which 10,000 were settled in Karachi.In 1931 it was estimated that there were around 1,772 Goan Catholics inTanzaniaof which 700 were inDar es Salaam.InUgandaduring 1931, there were around 1,124 Goan Catholics,out of which 500 were settled in its capital ofKampala.Prior to the 1960s it was estimated that there were around 5,000 Goan Catholics inNairobi, Kenya.By the 20th century there were around 6,000 Goan Catholics in London,while in 2001, 9,000 were present inSwindon, United Kingdom.
Goan Architecture is heavily influenced byPortuguesestyles, a result of being a territory ofPortugalfor over 450 years. Houses influenced byIndian architecturewere inward-looking with small windows and roofed withMangalore tile. Houses were constructed with walls of wooden planks, mud,lateritebrick, or stone.Most of these houses were rebuilt or refurbished from the mid-18th to the 20th century, and replaced by buildings with a mix ofneo-Classicandneo-Gothicstyles. Contemporary urban and rural housing display a strong Portuguese influence. It shows a variety of laterite brick structures and Mangalore tiled-roofed houses with steeply sloped roofs, design features common to houses in Portugal. Sometimes the walls are made of wooden planks, mud, or brick and stone. Inside the house a spacious hall is present, while outside there is a large porch in front. Aplinththat indicates the owner of the house is present in front of the house. Courtyards are present in front of the houses, consisting of agrottoof theBlessed Virgin Maryand aHoly Crossmade of hard laterite clay.
Coconut, vinegar and spices are common ingredients in most curries.Sorpotel— pork cooked in a spicy sauce — is one of the most popular dishes of the Goan Catholic community. Other popular meat preparations includeCabidela,Xacuti,Choris-Pão(spicy porksausagesstuffed in bread),Vindalho,Roast Maas(spicy braised beef),Mitta Maas(salt pork), andLeitão Assado(roasted piglet).Canja de galinhaandFrango à Cafrealare well-known chicken dishes.Fish curry and rice form the staple diet of Goan Catholics.Parboiled rice (Ukddem tandull), is the traditional rice eaten and preferred over raw rice (Suroi tandull).Kajel(Cashew Feni) (triple-distilled/tibrad),Cazulo(double-distilled/dobrad), andUrrak(Arrack) (single-distilled) liqueurs made fromcashewapples; andMaddel(Coconut Feni), are a popular alcoholic beverages.
Patoleo(sweetrice cakessteamed in turmeric leaves consisting of a filling of coconut andpalm jaggery) are prepared on the Feasts ofSan Juanv(São João) on 24 June,Maria da Assunçãoon 15 August, andKonnsachem fest(harvest festival) which occurs across Goa during the month of August.Kuswad(Consoada) is a term used for the sweet delicacies prepared during Christmas which includeBebinca,Dodol,Bathica,Kulkuls,Neureos, andPerada.
Portuguese names, having variants in bothRomi Konknniand English, likeMingel(Michael) andMagdu(Magdalene) are common among Goan Catholics.Portuguese surnames(likeLobo,D’Souza,Rodrigues,Fernandes, andPinto) are standard among Goan Catholics because of theChristianisation of Goaduring Portuguese rule.
Goan Catholics speak theKonkani languagewhich is key to the community's identity.Konkani is anIndo-Aryan languagebelonging to theIndo-Europeanfamily of languages, which is spoken predominantly on the west coast of India.According tolinguiststhis dialect is largely derived fromMaharashtri Prakritand is similar toBengaliin terms of pronunciation.This dialect has a significant infusion ofMarathiandKannadaloanwords.TheEthnologueidentifies this dialect as the "Goan" dialect.The Goan Catholic dialect is written in theRoman script.Portugueseinfluence can be seen in the dialect's lexicon and syntax.1,800 Portuguese lexical items are found in the Goan Catholic dialect.The syntactic patterns adopted from Portuguese include mostly word order patterns, such as the placement of the direct and the indirect object and of the adverb after the verb, the placement of the predicate noun after thecopula, and the placement of the relative or reduced relative clause after the head noun. There are, however, some transformations as well among these patterns.Such syntactic modification is most evident in this particular dialect. It is observed only in the written word and in formal speech such assermons.In recent times, more and more periodicals have abandoned the Portuguese syntactic patterns.The dialect is significantly different from the dialect spoken by the Hindu Goans not only with respect to Portuguese influence, but also with respect to grammatical and lexical characteristics.
The origin of their literature dates to 1563, when the first Konkani grammar was published by Fr Andre Vaz at St Paulo College atOld Goa. In 1567 the firstKonkani-Portuguese dictionarywas published by missionary priests atRachol, Goa.In 1622Thomas Stephens, an English Jesuit, publishedDoutrina Christam em Lingoa Bramana Canarim(Christian Doctrines in the Canarese Brahmin Language), which was the first book in Konkani and any Indian language.On 22 December 1821 the first periodical,Gazeta de Goa(Goa Gazetteer), edited by Antonio Jose de Lima Leitao, was published. On 22 January 1900 the first Portuguese newspaper,O Heraldo, was started by Prof. Messias Gomes. It was transformed into an English daily in 1987.Periodicals such asAmcho Ganv(1930) by Luis de Menezes,Vauraddeancho Ixxt(1933), a weekly by Fr. Arcencio Fernandes and Fr. Gracianco Moraes,Aitarachem Vachop, a Konkani weekly run by theSalesians,andGulabby Fr. Freddy J. da Costa were published in Goa.Konkani-Portuguese periodicals such asO Concani, a weekly by Sebastiāo Jesus Dias,Sanjechem Noketr(The Evening Star) (1907) byB. F. Cabral,O Goano(1907) by Honarato Furtado and Francis Futardo, andAve Maria(1919) edited by Antonio D'Cruz were published in Bombay.In February 1899Udentenchem Sallok(Lotus of the East) by Eduardo J. Bruno de Souza, the first Konkani periodical, was published as a fortnightly inPoona. The first Konkani book in the Devanagri script,Kristanv Doton ani Katisismby Dr. George Octaviano Pires, was published inSholaporein 1894.Fr. Ludovico Pereria's monthlyDor Mhoineachi Rotti(Monthly Bread) was published in Karachi in 1915.In 1911 the first Konkani novel,Kristanv Ghorabo(Christian Home), was published.Modern literature is diverse and includes themes such as historical awakening inLambert Mascarenhas'Sorrowing Lies My Land,feminisminMaria Aurora Couto'sGoa: A Daughters' Story,andfantasyinNandita da Cunha'sThe Magic of Maya.In 1974, theArchdiocese of Goa and Damanpublished theNovo Korar(New Testament) of theHoly Biblein Konkani. Later, on 4 June 2006, the Archdiocese released the completeCatholic Biblein Konkani employing the Latin alphabet known asPovitr Pustok.In 2018, Archbishop of Goa and DamanFilipe Neri Ferraolaunched thePovitr Pustok, a Konkani Bible app, a mobile phone application software with the entire Konkani Bible text.
Many Indian customs and traditions persist among the Goan Catholics, which are more conspicuous during their marriage festivities.
Traditionally, as in other Indian communities,arranged marriageswere the norm.Pre-marriage traditions includeSoirik(matrimonial alliance),Utor(promise of marriage),Mudi(engagement ceremony),Amontron(wedding invitation),Porcond(bridal shower),Chuddo(glass bangles) ceremony wherein the bride's forearms are adorned with colourful glass bangles of green, yellow, and red which are symbolic of fertility and married life,Saddo(red or pink dress) ceremony of cutting and sewing the bridal dress,the bridegroom's Hair-cutting ritual,andBhuim jevon(a ritual meal in honour of the ancestors)orBhikream jevon(a meal for the poor or beggars).Dennem(trousseau) is sent to the groom's house the day before the wedding.
TheRos(anointing) ceremony held on the evening before the wedding involves the parents, relatives, and friends blessing the soon-to-be-wed couple before they begin their married life.It is conducted at the bride's and bridegroom's respective homes, who along with their bridesmaids and best men are ceremonially bathed withApros(first extract ofcoconut milk).The bridegroom's/bride's mother dabs her thumb incoconut oiland anoints her son's/daughter's forehead by placing thesign of the crosson it. Special commemorative songs calledZotiare sung for the occasion.On the wedding day, the bridal couple receiveBesanv(Benediction) ceremoniously from their parents and elders before the families leave their individual homes for the church to celebrate theResper(Nuptial Mass) which is followed by the wedding reception later in the evening.
Traditions post the reception includeHatant dinvcheak(handing over) the bride solemnly by the father or the guardian of the bride to the groom's family,Shim(boundary) ritual which involves crossing an imaginary boundary created by pouring liquor on the ground as theVor(bridal party) prepare to leave for the groom's house. After the ritual, one or two relatives from the bride's side formally invite the newlyweds to the bride's home for a celebration the next day. This is known asApovnnem(invitation) in Konkani and the occasion is calledPortovnnem(ceremonial return).
Konsachem fest(harvest festival) celebrated on 15 August that involves blessing of new harvests are other Goan Catholic celebrations.
In addition to common Christian festivals like Christmas, Good Friday, and Easter, the community celebrates many other festivals of religious and historical significance. TheZagor(nocturnal vigil in Konkani), mainly celebrated inSiolim, inBardeztaluka, is a festival highlighted by dance, drama and music.The Feast ofSaint Francis Xavier, one of the major festivals of the Goan Catholics, is celebrated on 3 December annually to honour the saint's death.TheNativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary(Monti Saibinichem Festin Konkani, Feast ofOur Lady of the Mount) on 8 September is a major festival, especially inChinchinim.Milagres Saibinichem Festis the feast ofOur Lady of Miracles, celebrated atSt. Jerome Church (Mapusa).Contrary to popular belief,Goa Carnivalis a commercial festival in Goa. Its current form (King Momo, floats, etc.) was created only in 1965 to attract tourists.
In the past, Goan Catholic women wore ahol, a white sheet over their saris, while going to Church.
In the early period of Portuguese rule, Goan Catholic women were married in whites saris (hol) and changed into a red dress or sari, known assaddo, at home.Women of the upper strata wore theFota-Kimaoafter the Church ceremony.Fotawas a blouse made of red velvet and satin with a black border and embroidered with gold thread.Accessories used along with thefotaincluded a variety of jewellery worn on the head, ears, neck, and arms. Thefatorwas an ornament that consisted of a green stone between two corals held by double chains. Together with thefator, women wore a set of five intricate chains known ascontti, and other chains. Women wore bangles known asnillewith matchingcarapon their ears. They also wore few small chains from the ear to the head, combs made of gold (dantoni), silver, or tortoise shell, and rings on every finger.During the later period of Portuguese rule, women got married in Western clothes. TheCordao(wedding necklace) was a necklace with two black-beaded chains reminiscent of the HinduMangalsutra, interspersed with roughly twenty gold coins, which formed a gold pendant, often in the shape of Jesus or the cross.A widow had to wear black clothes for the rest of her life and was not allowed to wear ornaments.
Goan Catholics retained the samecaste systemwhich their ancestors had followed.A village in Goa was known asGanv, its freeholder was the Ganvkar, and Ganvkari included the Ganvkars' village associations and co-operatives. Village communities were known asGanvponn,which the Portuguese referred to asComunidades.
Themasswas celebrated in Latin; theHomilywas delivered to the congregation in Konkani.
Native Catholics in rural Goa retained their former Hindu castes. The Bamonns (the Konkani word forBrahmins) were members of the Hindu priestly caste.Brahmin sub-castes (such as theGoud Saraswat Brahmins, thePadyes, theDaivadnyas), the goldsmiths and some merchants were lumped into the Christian caste of Bamonn.
The Chardos (the Konkani word forKshatriyas) were converts from the Kshatriya (military/ royal class) caste, and included members from theVaishya Vanicaste (merchant class). ThoseVaishyaswho were not incorporated into the Chardo caste were called Gauddos, and formed the fourth group. The artisan converts formed the third-biggest group and were known as Sudirs (labour class). TheDalitsor "Untouchables" who converted to Christianity became Mahars and Chamars, who formed the fifth group. They were later merged to the Sudirs.The Christian converts of the aboriginal stock known as Gavddis were termed Kunbi.Although they still observe the caste system, they consider it the unhappiest heritage of their pre-Christian past.
After conversion, the most popular occupation of Goan Catholic men was that ofsailor. Others served as government officials for the Portuguese. Goan Catholics also became doctors, architects, lawyers and businessmen.Agriculture was mainly done by rural women because they were skilled farmers. Rural men practised carpentry and other artisanal professions, constructing churches and other structures under Portuguese supervision.In the late seventeenth century, many Goan Catholic women had received education and also became employed as teachers orfeitoriaworkers. Other crafts and industries were nonexistent.
On 24 April 1950,Mogacho Aunddo(Desire of Love), the first Konkani film byAl Jerry Braganza, was released atMapusa, Goa.Frank Fernandes, whose stage name wasFrank Fernand(1919–2007; born inCurchorem, Goa), was a renowned film maker and musician and is remembered for his movies likeAmchem Noxib(Our Luck) in 1963 andNirmonn(Destiny) in 1966.Other films produced in Goa includeBhunyarantlo Monis(Cave Man) andPadri(Priest).Remo Fernandes, a singer and musician, was the first person to introducefusion musicin India.
The Konkani hymnAsli Mata Dukhest, which was translated into Konkani from theLatinhymnStabat Mater, is sung duringLent. Jocachim Miranda, a Goan Catholic priest, composedRiglo Jezu Molliant(Jesus entered the Garden of Gethsemene) during his Canara mission.Diptivonti, Sulokinni, an eighteenth-century Konkani hymn, was performed at a concert held in the Holy Spirit Church, Margao, Goa.Other hymns composed by Goan Catholics include Dona Barrete'sPapeanchi Saratinni(Sinners Repent), Carlos Jrindade Dias'Sam Jose Bogta Bagvionta, and Fr. Pascal Baylon Dias'San Francisco Xaveria.Konkanipop musicbecame popular afterIndian Independence.Chris PerryandLorna Cordeiroare known for theBebdo(Drunkard) in 1976andPisso(Mad) in the 1970s, whileFrank Fernand's Konkani balladClaudiafrom 1966 is popular.
TheMando, a contemporary form of dance music, evolved inSalcettein the first half of the nineteenth century out ofwedding music, specifically theOvi.The songs in this style are serene and sedate, generally a monologue in the Bramhin Konkani dialects of the South Goan villages ofLoutolim, Raia,Curtorim, andBenaulim. They are traditionally sung during theShim(bridal departure) ceremony.Early composers of theMandowere Ligorio de Costa of Courtarim (1851–1919) and Carlos Trindade Dias.Deknniis asemi-classical danceform. One woman starts the dance and is later accompanied by other dancers. TheMussoll(pestledance), believed to be first performed by the Kshatriyas ofChandor, commemorates the victory of KingHarihara II(son of KingBukka Iof theVijaynagar Empire) over theChola EmpireatChandrapurfortification in the fourteenth century.Other dances are the PortugueseCorridinhoand Marcha.Dulpodis dance music with a quick rhythm and themes from everyday Goan life.Fellis a music genre performed by men and women during theGoa Carnival.Other dances performed at the Goan Carnival are Fulwali, Nistekaram, Vauradi, and Kunbi.TheGhumotis a musical instrument played, especially during weddings, and is used while performing a Mando.The instrument has the form of an earthen pot that is open at both sides. One end is covered with the skin of some wild animal, and the other is left open.
Konkani Plays, known as ‘Tiatr’ (theatre), a form of classic stage performance with live singing and acting, were written and staged in Goa. The form evolved in the 20th century with pioneertiatristssuch as Jao Agostinho Fernandes (1871–1941).Tiatr's themes include melodramas about family and domestic life, with each lyricist offering his own explanation for life's varied problems. Tiatrists includePrince JacobandRoseferns, and in the pastM. Boyer,C. Alvares, andAlfred Rose. On 17 April 1892 the first tiatrItalian BhurgobyLucasinho Ribeirowas staged in Mumbai.In 2007, theGovernment of Goastarted the Tiatr Academy to facilitate the development of the Tiart.The tradition OfVoviyo, ancient folk songs that were sung by women during aRos, began prior to 1510 A.D. The tradition had to be discarded due to Portuguese prosecution, and the songs now live in the form of archives.The few which still prevail are recited to this day at weddings, expressing lofty sentiments that give vent to the feelings of the people about the marriage partners and their families and invoke the blessing of God on them.
Goan Catholics have also played an important role inBollywood music. (SeeGoans in Hindi film music composition)
Goenkaranchi Ekvotis a registered organisation of Goan Catholics residing inDelhi.In Bangalore, associations such as the Karnataka Goan Association serve the community.The Kuwait Konknni Kendr is a well-known Goan Catholic organisation inKuwait.The Goan Overseas Association inToronto,Indian Catholic Association of Central Texas, the Indo-Pakistani Christian Association,and the Canorient Christian Association are popular organisations in North America.In the United Kingdom, Goan Voice UK,the Young London Goan Society (YLGS),Goan Community Association, and Siolim Association, based in London, are popular organisations.In the Middle East, the Goan Community of Oman is well known.