Goa is one of the most popular wedding destinations in India. Well it could be the beautiful white churches and the scrumptious food, or just the scenic vibe that draws so many couples to Goa. But have you ever wondered what a traditional Goan wedding is all about? Well you’ll be surprised as Goa is culturally packed with age old traditions varying from the quaint villages in the north to picturesque beaches in the south of Goa. While doing our research we found out just how culturally diverse Goa really is as their traditions differ ever so slightly from village to village but at the same time have some familiarity. We have put together everything you need to know about Goan weddings and all the traditions commonly found at a Big Fat Goan Wedding. 

Fun Fact – Goan weddings are not a 1 day event they span over 4-7 days!

Chuddo Ceremony

Not so popular amongst contemporary brides, this ceremony is for all the traditional ones out there. The bride’s maternal uncle or her godfather will usually perform this ceremony. Bangles made out of glass which are green or red in colour are placed on her hands by the uncle. These bangles traditionally are to be worn right until the death of her husband, provided she outlives him.

Fun Fact– During the wedding week it is customary for the family to offer a lunch for the poor in the village they live in.

The Ros or Roce Ceremony

The Roce ceremony is quite a popular Goan ceremony held a day or two before the wedding. It’s more of a cleansing and anointing ceremony held at the bride and grooms’ respective homes. The family elders will say a prayer before the ceremony begins followed by blessing the bride or groom. A mixture of coconut milk and holy water is poured on them while Goan Mandos (Traditional Goan Music) play in the background. This is a super fun ceremony, but it can also get very messy. It is only after this ceremony that the party begins and the bar is open. However, as we know it, the bar is always open while the famous Konkani hits and the Bombay Masala play. Some of them are Maria Pitache, Maka Zai Zai, Bombay Meri Hai, to name a few.

Well the music and booze are not all that Goans are famous for, their food is simply delicious. Prawn Balchao, Goan Pork Sorpotel, Rechaedo Fish, Chicken Cafreal to name a few. We’ve got to stop there as we are salivating just talking about it. You certainly don’t want to miss out on this party. 

Fun Fact – Feni is a spirit produced in Goa. The two most popular types of feni are cashew feni and toddy palm feni, depending on the original ingredient.

The Wedding Day

Mostly all Goans are Roman Catholics and hence the exchange of vows is a solemn ceremony that takes place in one of the many beautiful churches in Goa.

Fun Fact – After the Nuptials the bride ideally goes home to the groom’s house for a small prayer service as a way to welcome her into their home.

After the wedding ceremony is the reception. Goa being a popular wedding destination, has a ton of venues at various kinds of locations like beach resorts, old heritage homes, Five Star hotels etc to name a few. It’s a fun party and you’ll find the bride and groom dancing along with their guests at the reception. The dinner at the wedding reception is lavish and its ideally a widespread buffet comprising of all the popular Goan delights and washed down with some good Feni.

Porthopon or Appoune

The Bride’s family usually, the day after the wedding will host the groom’s family over for a meal traditionally called Porthopon or Appoune. You will see the bride wearing a beautiful red dress or a traditional red Saree known as the Saddo. 

This is one wedding you don’t want to miss. Thats everything you need to know about Goan weddings. So get your dancing shoes ready and enjoy the Goan wedding experience.

Viva La Goa! 

Let us know what you think of our blog and if we missed out on any key traditions. If you liked our blog on ‘Everything you need to know about Goan weddings’, check out more wedding traditions Here. Don’t forget to share it with you family and friends.

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