Goa is the smallest state of India, located between Maharashtra to the north and Karnataka to the east and south. Its capital is Panaji, also known as Panjim. Goa is mainly known for its beaches and tourism.

Kokani is the language mainly spoken in the state of Goa. Goa has a state emblem which is known as the Emblem of Goa.  The emblem depicts “Viraksha deep”, a diya lamp at its centre, which represents ‘surrounded by knowledge’. Goa also has a state motto- May everyone see goodness, May none suffer any pain 

Goa has seven main state symbols, including the state bird of Goa, state animal of Goa, state flower of Goa, state dish of Goa, state fruit of Goa, state tree of Goa, and state dance of Goa.

STATE BIRD OF GOA

The common name of the State Bird of Goa is Flame-throated Bulbul or Ruby-throated yellow Bulbul. Its zoological or scientific name is Pycnonotus gularis. It is olive-yellow and bright yellow in colour, and has a short neck. Its size ranges between 17 cm-20 cm for both sexes alike. This bird is mentioned in a schedule – IV of the Wildlife (Protection) Act,1972.

  • The Flame-throated Bulbul is generally found in Goa, eastern Kerala, eastern Karnataka, Orissa, and, to some extent, the northern part of Tamil Nadu. This area is also known as the southern peninsula.
  • The area of habitat of the Flame-throated Bulbul is rocky and dry-deciduous forest. It is also found in evergreen areas.
  • The sound notes of the Flame-throated Bulbul can be described as a deep whistle and sharp pickwick sound.
  • The Flame-throated Bulbul mainly feeds on insects and fruits. It also collects nectar.
  • The nest making process of the Flame-throated Bulbul lasts 6 to 10 days.
  • The Flame-throated Bulbul is not a migratory bird.

STATE ANIMAL OF GOA

The state animal of Goa is Gaur, also known as the Indian bison. Its zoological name is Bos gaurus. It is on the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) Red list under the vulnerable category in schedule -1. It is also protected under the Wildlife (protected) Act,1872. 

  • Gaurs prefer evergreen and moist deciduous areas as habitats. They are mainly found in the complexes of Mudumalai, Nagarhole, and Bandipur.  
  • They are herbivores and love visiting places where the ground is impregnated with salt and other minerals.
  • Gaurs are social animals, so they live in groups.
  • They enjoy a lifespan of 25 to 35 years.

STATE FLOWER OF GOA

The state flower of Goa is the Red Jasmine. Its scientific name is Plumeria Rubra. The Red Jasmine can be of two types, deciduous (leaf fall off in autumn) and evergreen (green all the 12 months rounds). Apart from red, they can be white or yellow in colour.

  • The Red Jasmine grows as shrubs and its vines and can be erected. 
  • It belongs to the family of Apocynaceae.
  • It is also called Frangipani. It is a mini tropical tree and also has an exquisite fragrance. 
  • It also has a long period of blooming.

STATE TREE OF GOA

Matti is the state tree of Goa. It is also known as the crocodile bark tree. Its scientific name is Terminalia elliptica. It has the quality of storing water for the dry season. Moreover, the bark of the Matti tree is fire resistant. It has been the state tree of Goa for nearly a quarter-century.

The Government of Goa decided on Matti to be a state tree as:

  • Matti is an indigenous to the state.
  • The Government wanted to attract the attention of the public towards the ecological importance of the Matti to the state and country.

STATE DANCE OF GOA                               

Dhalo is the state dance of Goa. This dance is a form of folk dance. Dhalo dance is performed as a ritual by the women to thank the Gods for protecting their households. This is one of the most folk-loved dances in Goa, and like all folk dances, it is the essence of their culture. The song to which Dhalo is performed is mainly sung in Konkani or Marathi language.

STATE DISH OF THE GOA

Goan fish curry is the state dish of Goa. In Goa, it is also called Xitti Kodi. It is a staple in Goa. This is a spicy dish made with coconut curry.

CONCLUSION

The state symbols of Goa are representative of different things, such as Goa’s rich culture, flora and fauna, and diversity. These symbols add to Goa’s status as a tourist hot spot, which supplements the economy.