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Panaji is the capital of Goa and it lies on the banks of the Mandovi River and has a population of around 100,000 (including suburbs). Panaji is third largest city after Vasco and Madgaon in Goa.
The official name is Panaji, though in the Konkani language this gets pronounced as Ponnji, Ponnje, or Ponjhe. When the Portuguese came, they start pronounced Pangim. Mostly English-speaking people use the name Panjim. Earlier this was a small village on the riverfront and in 1843 the city had been renamed with 'New Goa' when it officially replaced the city of Goa (now Old Goa) as the administrative seat of Portuguese India.
In the heart of the city is the Church Square, a Municipal Garden with the Portuguese Baroque Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church, originally built in 1541. There are many other tourist attractions in and around Panaji includes Adilshahi Palace (or Idalcao palace), dating from the 16th century, Menezes Braganza Institute and the central library, Hindu Mahalaxmi Temple, Jama Masjid mosque, Chapel of St. Sebastian etc., as well as the nearby beach Miramar. The Carnival celebrations in February include a colourful parade on the streets. |
