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This Is Epic

A curation of our design ideas and inspirations for houses in Goa, contemporary art and architecture.

 

 

 

 

Kaavi, Goa’s Forgotten Art Form

Goa is celebrated for its vibrant art festivals like Serendipity and a rich art community with art schools and galleries. But have you heard of

Kaavi Art?

Kaavi art of goa, traditional local craft by grounded, Goa Villas.

Kaavi Art, Picture credits: Parnavi Bangar

Kaavi Kale, or Kaavi art, is a traditional mural art form native to Goa. Known for its terracotta-colored intricate patterns against stark white backgrounds, on the inner walls of old temples and churches. 

What made Kaavi art possible was Goa’s abundant laterite stone. Craftsmen ground the Tambadi Mati (laterite dust) into a pigment, which, combined with lime and mud, became the foundation for this art. This tradition flourished in Hindu temples and church interiors, and remnants can still be found in places like the Lady of Rosary Church and the Museum of Christian Art (MOCA).

The process of creating Kaavi art was labor-intensive and required skill.

Walls were first plastered with white shell-based lime, followed by a layer of Kaavi paste. Patterns were then carved into this wet layer, revealing the white plaster beneath.

The artwork was then cured for weeks, with local stones used to tap and polish the surface, increasing its life.

Today, Kaavi art is almost forgotten. Many local craftsmen are no longer familiar with its original techniques. However, efforts to conserve and revive this art are taken and stencil-work is done in some churches to conserve the art form. Organizations like MOCA are conducting workshops to reintroduce Kaavi art to the people. Although modern methods were used in this workshop, they bring much-needed attention to this forgotten tradition.

Next time you visit a Goan church, take a closer look at its walls. You might just find the timeless beauty of Kaavi Kale quietly waiting to tell its story.

Kaavi art of goa, traditional local craft by grounded, Goa Villas.

The Church of Our Lady of the Rosary, Picture Credits: Parnavi Bangar

Know more about Kaavi Art.

Know more about Goa and art in Goa.

know more about our projects in Goa or Toybox, Villa in Goa is available for Sale.

Owl house cafe In Aldona, Goa

The owl house cafe close to our Toybox Villa, available for sale now, has become a favourite spot for our office meet-ups and onsite lunches. Of all the cafes in Goa, this is special. It is the perfect spot for a calming afternoon after a busy day on site. The peaceful atmosphere of simple living, roof detailing and vibrant wall art & paintings feel refreshing.

What truly makes The Owl House Café special is that it's managed by adults with neurological conditions. Offering them a supportive environment. They also host courses, therapies, and training sessions for similar individuals.

They have a lovely souvenir shop at the back with handmade goods from bookmarks to jewellery. All made by differently able, giving them a platform with a supportive environment.

Owl House Cafe is the combination of great food, peaceful surroundings, and a heartwarming purpose. Here’s a glimpse of our recent office meetup there! If you're in Goa or you're living in Goa, this is our recommendation to enjoy the slow living life in Goa.

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FORGOTTEN BUT IN PLAIN SIGHT

A compelling statue of Abbe Faria has been standing in the middle of a public square in Panjim, for 75 years, depicting him hypnotizing a woman. At a liminal place, between the current Panjim city and the history of Goa, with a forgotten legacy.  

 

Abbe Faria

(31 May 1756 – 20 September 1819)

was a Goan Catholic priest and one of the pioneers in the scientific study of hypnotism. Born José Custódio de Faria in Candolim, Bardez, Goa, he moved to Lisbon with his father in 1771.

Convincing the King of Portugal to support his studies, he went to Rome to pursue the priesthood, earning a doctorate and another degree focused on the Holy Spirit.

 

Faria departed from the then-popular theory of "magnetic fluid" in hypnotism, emphasizing instead the power of suggestion and the concept of autosuggestion. He demonstrated that what he termed "nervous sleep" was a natural state, laying the groundwork for modern hypnotism.

Faria’s impact extended beyond his scientific work; he also inspired the character Abbé Faria in Alexandre Dumas' 1844 novel "The Count of Monte Cristo." In the novel, the character is an imprisoned priest who teaches the protagonist various skills, reflecting Faria's real-life intellectual legacy.

Interestingly, the statue's location across from the gaudy casino boats on the Mandovi River offers a striking contrast. This juxtaposition encourages tourists to consider Goa beyond its party image, appreciating its rich history and Panjim’s historic urban fabric. The statue is hard to miss for those living in Goa or driving into Panjim, forgotten but in plain sight.

Terracotta Goan finds in Mapusa market, north Goa

At Grounded, we design villas in Goa that embrace the cultural roots of the state. Each of our projects reflects the essence of living in Goa, connecting with the rich heritage and slow, peaceful ‘Sussegad’ lifestyle. You’ll find home objects familiar to Goa in every corner of our designs, from rooster-shaped water jugs to coconut shell spoons and charming terracotta figurines. 

To find these unique artifacts we love to go treasure hunting at the special Friday market of Mapusa in North Goa. A labyrinth of streets, the market is filled with local flavor and vigor. Village ladies travel from all over Goa to sell their wares, local produce, and home-cooked goodies. 

 

mapusa market, north goa

 

In the bylanes, there is a section dedicated to the local terracotta pottery only on Fridays. Along with the famous Goan terracotta roof figurines, one can find other lovely pieces of pottery like terracotta wall hangings, Ghumotts (terracotta musical instruments), piggy banks, pots, and a lot more. It is the pinnacle of local arts and crafts. The collection keeps changing as new designs and new pieces are made. Every item is handmade, showcasing craftsmanship and offering a glimpse into the traditional Goan way of life.

Terracotta pottery and figurines

Whether you’re looking for unique Goan home décor or simply want to immerse yourself in retail therapy, this market is a must-visit for finding Goan treasures in North Goa. Everything from local pottery to everyday life is available here in one place. 

Read more about the Mapusa market here

Read about the significance of Terracotta Figurines. 

South Goa Heritage Walk by MoCa

At Grounded, where our office has been in Goa since 2010, we often go on heritage walks and bird-watching expeditions as a team to get to know each other as well as to get to know Goa. This time, we ventured into South Goa, villages of Assolna and Velim for a heritage walk organized by the Museum of Christian Art. Headed by Clive Figueiredo and Noah Fernandes. Our walk began at the Holy Cross Chapel Baradi, with stunning views of the area that we were about to explore. Followed by St. Francis Xavier Church, Velim, and Regina Martyrum Church, Assolna. 

Goa has more spoken traditions than written records. One such cultural tradition makes Velim village, important for the locals. The Churches here are not as elaborate as the churches in the north or other parts of Goa but have a historical importance. We started with St. Francis Xavier Church, Velim established in the 19th century. The facade of this chapel has a bell tower at the top center which is neoclassical, and has minimal features having IHS insignia. The facade can also be counted as Art Deco in Goa because of the sunburst on the sides. 

As we went inside the Church we were briefed about the iconography associated with elaborate features of the structure. For example, in Asolna the majority of locals are shipbearers so the Our Lady in the church holds a silver or wooden carved ship in her hand. We also learned about dying features like the Pulpit. Which is not in use anymore and some churches are removing those elements. In this church, because the staircase on the other side of the wall leading to the pulpit is now removed, it just floats on the wall with no way to access it. 

 

Pulpit

 

As the time passes, both the churches have gone through some modifications. We learned how by observing the color, sometimes the material, and intricacy in ornamentation we can tell the time period of that object. Both the churches we visited were of a different time -so we could observe the variations in detail and changes done over time. 

Our final stop was Regina Martyrum Church, Assolna. There is photographic evidence of this church having a fort wall remains in its premises back in the day. This chapel was more elaborate and huge with its school premises, offices, cemetery, and the Cristo Rei monument! We learned about the church and its mosaic tiles, wooden carvings, and iconography. One of the most fascinating moments of the walk was exploring the closet of ceremonial items inside the church building. 

It was a very good effort by the Museum of Christian Art to bring together a group of interested people from different backgrounds. We were also accompanied by residents from the Museum of Christian Art Society for the walk. The heritage walk was not just for architects, it was a wonderful gathering of local enthusiasts, conservationists, and historians, all passionate about Goa's rich cultural fabric. Whether you're living in Goa or you are new to Goa, this heritage walk can help you connect with the city a little better.

Read more about South Goa and Goan Heritage

Déjà vu by hh art spaces

During a recent visit to HH Art Spaces in Aldona, Goa opened in 2014, I saw the ‘Déjà vu’ exhibition, which was a part of a few live performances. This exhibition, photographed by Shivani Gupta, with a focus on performances using masks as props beautifully captured the essence of live performances. The photographs preserved the emotions and energy of the performances, allowing viewers to engage with themes of identity and change even after the live acts ended. One photograph of the exhibit particularly stood out to me, it was Farah Naz Moon’s performance with a green paper sheet.

In this simple piece Called 'How to live together?’, the artist held a large sheet of green paper that moved with her breath and the wind, seemingly merging her with the background. The paper gently covered her face, blurring her identity while locating her presence in the space. Like she was becoming one with her surroundings, not by disappearing but by blending into the context around her.

How to live together?

This reminded me of our architectural practice- Grounded in Goa. When we design villas in Goa, especially with projects that engage with the natural beauty of the land like the House with Three Pavilions and Nivim, we strive for something similar. Architecture that doesn’t dominate but complements. We don’t hide the building behind metaphorical paper sheets, but we design in a way that responds to the environment. 

If you're in Goa and love art, be sure to visit HH Art Spaces in Aldona. Located beside a beautiful St. Thomas’ Church with a stunning view, they showcase exhibitions that bring together contemporary art and performance. It's a must-visit for art enthusiasts, young artists, and art collectors looking to explore something unique.

St. Thomas’ Church

Goan Monsoon Veggies

Living in Goa during the monsoon is the most calm and serene experience. The weather is windy and rain is just around the corner, raining without a warning. Rains put a halt to the fishing boats and festivals are also about to come. It is also the breeding season of fish and many people prefer to turn to a vegetarian diet. Whether you're tending to your own vegetable garden at your villa in Goa or you visit local markets like Panjim Market for grocery shopping, you will see a wild range of seasonal produce in the rainy season.

Markets in Goa transform into a wild vegetable garden, with exotic wild monsoon veggies that most city dwellers are not even aware of. Panjim market in the monsoons is taken over by Goan women selling local vegetables. These veggies are naturally grown in nature’s organic garden. They grow commonly in the state’s green patches and are rich in vitamins and minerals.

 

Panjim Market

 

These are some commonly known monsoon veggies in Goa: Naval Kol (German Tulip), Kurdu (Celosia), Haldi (turmeric) leaves, Chauli (black-eyed peas) leaves, Aalu (Colocasia), Telpat Ranbhaji (Wild Veggies), Neerfanas (Breadfruit), Kantoli (Spine gourd), Shirali (ridge gourd), and Vaghate or Ranmeva (Ceylon Caper).

The veggies are also a part of the local festivals and rituals like the Rishi Panchami and Ganesh Chaturthi. Where a special meal is prepared for pooja with these wild local monsoon veggies. Apart from vegetables, there are local mushrooms which have very good taste, some late mangoes, Ole Khajur (raw dates), and local fruits like Papaya, Pumpkin, and Kohla (Ash Gourd).

Monsoons in Goa bring a quiet beauty to everyday life. The rains refresh the land, and the markets fill with fresh, wild vegetables. It’s a season where everything slows down, and people come together to enjoy simple meals made from local produce. There’s a calm in the air, and a sense of connection to nature and tradition. It’s a reminder of the peaceful, meaningful moments that make life in Goa so special.

Amdavad ni Gufa

During my recent trip to Gujarat for the FOAID event in Ahmedabad, for a talk about our practice in Goa, Grounded. I visited ‘Amdavad Ni Gufa’ where art meets architecture quite literally. This extraordinary art gallery designed by B. V. Doshi, houses the works of the famous artist M. F. Husain. Also known as the Hussain-Doshi Gufa, the design of the space perfectly complements the art in it. The curves, openings, and enclosures create a unique environment with light and shadow playing beautifully throughout the space.

Amdavad Ni Gufa was born out of a conversation between Doshi and Husain that took place thirty years before the project began. The design was a response to the climate, exploring the benefits of underground spaces. The tortoise shell-shaped roof was computer-aided and employed local craftspeople. Made from ferro-cement and then covered with a mosaic of waste tiles and broken cutlery. These tiles reflect sunlight and help keep the interiors cooler than the outside.

Source: ©Hussain-Doshi Gufa

For art lovers visiting Ahmedabad, Amdavad Ni Gufa is a must-visit. It’s not just about the art on the walls; it’s about the entire experience of being in this space. The Gufa leaves a lasting impression, offering a cool, peaceful environment like an ancient cave of modern heritage.

Goa in Monsoon

pc: Sanjeet Wahi

Google might suggest that winter is the best time to be in Goa, but have you ever experienced Goa during the monsoons? The weather in Goa during this season is slow and peaceful.  Just taking a walk around gives you a glimpse into the everyday life in Goa.

Cloudy sky | Cool breeze | Green landscapes

You can watch people in their daily routines, cycling to places, fishing with a stick near creeks, and simply enjoying the weather. An evening visit to a nearby cafe can be a great way to end the day. Though the monsoons here can get heavy at times, a cup of coffee or tea by your window with a good book captures the essence of ‘Susegad’, the relaxed Goan lifestyle. A big plus is that Goa is less crowded with tourists during this off-season. Monsoon in Goa is a perfect escape from city life, offering a calm and natural retreat.

Exploring 'Indica: A Deep Natural History of the Indian Subcontinent'

Published in 2016, ‘Indica: A Deep Natural History of the Indian Subcontinent’ by Pranay Lal offers a journey through the natural history of the Indian subcontinent. This book stands out for its unique approach to explaining evolution and natural history in a manner that is both accessible and captivating to readers of all backgrounds. The book spans a wide range of topics, from micro to macro. Covering everything from ancient fossils to fish, diverse climates, and the animals that inhabit the Western ghats to the Deserts in the Indian subcontinent. 

 
 

The book uses the Earth Woman analogy. This imaginative concept reimagines the 4.6 billion-year-old Earth as a 46-year-old woman by astrophysicist Nigel Calder. Allowing readers to visualize the planet's evolution over a human lifespan, making the complex timeline of Earth's history more approachable. The highlights of the book include facts like the ferocious Rajasaurus, an Indian dinosaur possibly more formidable than the T. rex, and 70-million-year-old crocodile eggs discovered in Mumbai and Bengaluru having its unique climate due to a tectonic event that took place 88 million years ago.

 
 

Indica: A Deep Natural History of the Indian Subcontinent is a fascinating exploration of Earth's history, told through the lens of a region rich in natural heritage. If you are curious enough about the world around you, Pranay Lal's work is sure to enrich your understanding and appreciation of our planet. Living in Goa, this book makes me reflect on the climate and ecosystems around me. The awareness about natural heritage is essential for sustainability, making the book useful for understanding the environment around us. Join our channel Climate Woes for more climate-related insights.