Fairs and Festivals of Daman and Diu:

The people of Daman and Diu love to celebrate a variety of festivals with enthusiasm and pomp. Spectacular dances and melodious songs characterise the festivals. The fusion of Indian and Portuguese customs and rituals observed during these festivals adds to the festive atmosphere. Here are some of the major ones:

• Garba Festival: The Garba festival is one of Daman and Diu's most important events. People rejoice by dancing in bright and colourful dresses and accessories for nine days at a time during this festival. The Goddess Amba is worshipped at the Garba Festival by various songs and devotional dances. When paying homage to Goddess Amba, traditional rituals and customs are observed. This festival, which takes place in October or November, brings people of various faiths and social backgrounds together to celebrate.

• Nariyal Poornima: This festival is significant for the Daman fishing community because it marks the end of the monsoon season and the beginning of the fishing season. This festival, which is organised by the Daman and Diu administration and the West Zone Cultural Centre, involves a variety of enjoyable activities such as water sports. The Coconut Food Festival, which is a must-see, is the highlight of the event.

• Gangaji Fair in Daman: This is a significant annual event held at the Somnath Mahadev Temple in the village of Dabhel, Daman, every year in March. It's dedicated to Lord Shiva, a well-known Hindu deity. A Shivalinga is said to have appeared here in the nineteenth century, at the behest of a monk who was a devout follower of Lord Shiva. To seek Lord Shiva's divine blessings, people bathe in the holy waters of the tank and perform various religious practises and rituals. The entire environment is infused with spirituality and divinity.

• Folk Dance Festival: One of the most important festivals in Daman and Diu is the Folk Dance Festival. Daman and Diu, as a Portuguese colony, have wonderful customs where east and west collide to create a new type of culture. The main attractions of the folk dance event in Daman and Diu are different types of dances such as Mando Dance, Verdigao Dance, and Vira Dance. This dance festival brings a vibrant and energising atmosphere to the region. Both the older and younger generations enjoy this dance festival. During the festival days, you can see both traditional and modern dance performances. Among the traditional dances, the Garba dance is one of the most well-known.

1. Jampore Beach, Daman- Jampore Beach, regarded as one of Daman's cleanest beaches, entices tourists with its calm atmosphere and serene views. The mud-colored blackish water sets it apart from other beaches around the world.This beach is located far from the city's hustle and bustle, making it a perfect place to relax and unwind. You may also participate in exciting water sports events.
2. Moti Daman Fort, Daman- The Moti Daman Fort, built by the Portuguese towards the end of the sixteenth century, is one of Daman's most famous monuments. Despite the fact that the fort has deteriorated and needs renovation, it remains one of the best places to visit in Daman, with massive walls, ten bastions, two gateways, and an Iberian church.
3. Naida Caves, Diu- The Naida Caves are one of Diu's most popular tourist attractions, situated just outside the city limits, just 3 kilometres from the main city. These natural cave formations are probably the result of man-made rock modifications over time by the Portuguese people, and they acted as base camps for the Indian Army during Operation Vijay, which aimed to retake Diu from the Portuguese.
4. Nagoa Beach, Diu- Nagoa Beach in Diu is a popular destination for visitors from all over the world because of its pristine beauty and swaying palm trees. The location is well connected to resorts, making it convenient for visitors to relax while still enjoying the scenery.
5. The Gangeshwar Temple, Diu- The Gangeshwar Temple is located in Fudam village, which is about 30 minutes from Diu. Lord Shiva is honoured in this temple. According to legend, the Pandavas, during their exile from Hastinapur, erected the five Shiva Lingas that can be found here.
6. Somnath Mahadev Temple, Daman- Somnath Mahadev Temple is a fine example of sacred architecture, with the calming sound of chants and beautiful scenery all around. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and provides tourists with spiritual solace. This temple's shivling is thought to have been installed in the 19th century and is considered the temple's main centre of spiritual offerings.
7. Diu Fort, Diu- One of the most popular places to visit in Diu is Fort Diu, which is situated right beside the sea or on the seashore. From the fort, you can get a surreal view of the horizons and hear the crashing sea waves on the fort walls. The Portuguese constructed the fort, and the jetty is still in use today. The fort was once an important stop on the trade route between Gujarat's Cambay, Surat, and Bharuch.
8. Devka Beach, Daman- Devka Beach, located near Daman, is a popular tourist destination. An amusement park and musical fountains line the beach. The amusement park is illuminated on festive days, particularly during Nariyal Poornima, which attracts large crowds of tourists and creates a spectacular sight to behold.
9. Lighthouse, Daman- This lighthouse is one of the best places to visit in Daman if you're interested in learning more about the city's lighting and navigation system. It provides tourists with an enthralling view of the shores and passing ships from the sea. You can get a fantastic view of the sunset from here, and you can also read about the whole process of sending signals to ships and vessels.
10. Jain Temple, Daman- The city of Daman is dotted with numerous temples, with the Jain temple being one of the most famous. Incorporate a visit to this temple into your Daman sightseeing tour to gain insight into the sect's cultural and religious beliefs. This temple is also known for its distinctive architecture, which includes 18th-century murals depicting Lord Mahavira's life.
11. INS Khukri Memorial, Diu- The INS Khukri Memorial was constructed to commemorate the sinking of the INS Khukri during the 1971 war between Pakistan and India. As the submarine was hit by torpedoes and began to sink, the 18 officers and 176 sailors on board were given orders to save their lives and surrender to the invaders. The soldiers, on the other hand, preferred death over surrendering to the enemies. Captain Mahendra Nath Mulla, the commanding officer, was later ceremonially awarded the Mahavir Chakra. The monument serves as a reminder of the brave soldiers to this day, and it attracts a large number of visitors each year.
12. Panikota Fort, Diu- Given its location, this white structure opposite the Diu Fort provides an island-like view. The Panikota Fort, a 16th-century ruin from the Portuguese period, was originally a Diu Jail. This historic fort, formerly known as Fortim-do-Mar, is located in the centre of the seas. As a result, a motorboat or a canoe will be needed to enter this attraction. Aside from that, the fort also has a nearby lighthouse and a chapel.
13. The Church of Bom Jesus, Daman- The Church of Bom Jesus in Daman was founded in 1603 and is considered one of the city's holiest sites. The church's architectural style is inspired by Portuguese architecture. The church has a carved doorway song, as well as ornate interiors and a high ceiling. Six statues depicting Roman art and architecture can be found in the cathedral. The church was founded during the Portuguese dynasty.
14. Dominican Monastery, Daman- This building was once a Catholic monastery, but it is now in ruins, with broken walls and ceilings. Scholars from all over the world conduct a variety of philosophical studies in this monastery. The engravings on the main altar are a visual marvel, and the walls are often decorated with exquisite paintings. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Daman, and it tells the story of its rise and fall leading to its present condition.
15. Nani Daman Fort, Daman- Nani Daman Fort is one of Daman's most fascinating tourist attractions. It is also known as the St. Jerome fort and is a small fort with large stone walls. The fort, which is located on the banks of the Daman Ganga, portrays Christian culture in many respects, including a nearby church, Our Lady of the Sea, and a massive statue of St. Jerome at the fort's entrance.
16. Sea Shell Museum, Diu- The Sea Shell Museum is one of the best places to visit in Diu, with an enthralling exhibition of artefacts and artefacts from Diu's history. The Sea Shell Museum has a large collection of various types of sea shells and is popular with children. It's a fun place to visit with your family and kids.