Kamal Ghorui
Most of you must have been in Goa, but what stayed with you beyond the trip? Beaches, shacks, and parties will likely be the top answers. Now, if all goes as planned, Goa will also have ‘ghat aarti’ like other iconic religious places in India, which will give a push to religious tourism. As PTI reported, the Goa government has begun work on developing a ‘ghat aarti’ facility along the banks of the Mandovi River at Naroa village in North Goa. The initiative is being positioned as a spiritual riverfront experience on the lines of iconic religious destinations such as Haridwar, Varanasi and Nashik. The initiative is part of Goa’s broader push to strengthen religious and cultural tourism and is expected to create a new spiritual landmark along the state’s riverfronts. Earlier, State Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte told the Goa legislative assembly that the proposed ‘ghat aarti’ at Naroa has the potential to become a major attraction for both pilgrims and tourists.
Located on the banks of the Mandovi, Naroa village is home to the Shree Saptakoteshwar Temple, one of the most important Hindu shrines in the region. The temple was rebuilt by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and continues to hold deep religious significance for devotees in Goa and neighbouring areas. Officials said the site was chosen to integrate the riverfront ritual with an already established spiritual centre.Read more: 10 things to buy from Surajkund International Crafts Mela this year In a written reply during the recently concluded winter session of the state assembly, Khaunte said a work order worth INR 10.85 crore has been issued for the project. Construction began on October 1, 2025, and the facility is expected to be completed by May 29, subject to weather conditions. To ensure that visitors are facilitated with a proper and structured spiritual experience, the proposed “ghat aarti” facility will likely host regular evening rituals, akin to those carried out along the Ganga and Godavari riverfronts. Officials are of the view that this project will help raise awareness of Goa’s inland districts, which are sometimes overlooked by coastal tourism, even if specifics of the daily ceremonies have not yet been made public.Read more: “There seems to be some kind of anti-India hate campaign… but Indians tend to…”: A foreign traveller’s honest take on India
Places to visit in Goa
There is no doubt that Goa is known as the party capital of the country and is best known for its beaches.However, if you look beyond them, this destination also offers a rich mix of history, culture and natural beauty. So, those taking out time to explore the Mandovi riverfront, can also consider these destinations to use their time in the best possible way: Old Goa – Explore its historic, and beautiful, churches and UNESCO-listed heritage sites.Panaji – The state capital, known for its riverfront promenades and colonial-era architecture.Dudhsagar Waterfalls – One of India’s tallest waterfalls, located inland on the Goa–Karnataka border.Fontainhas – Goa’s Latin Quarter, celebrated for its colourful streets and Portuguese-style houses.Divar Island – A peaceful island on the Mandovi, offering a glimpse into traditional Goan village life.
