Goans
are deeply pious people and religion play an important role in the Goan
society. Hinduism and Christianity are the two major religions in Goa,
together constituting around 95% of the population. The Goan society
epitomizes the ethos of religious tolerance and despite the bitter
memories of the Inquisition, people with different religious persuasions
have peacefully co-existed throughout the ages.Hinduism
Hinduism is the dominant religion in Goa. A large number of prominent Hindu temples scatter across the length and breadth of Goa. The long rule of the Portuguese tried to crush the Hindus with widespread destruction of temples and forcefully converting thousands of Hindus. But Hinduism still survived in Goa and devotees clandestinely carried on worshipping their deities in makeshift temples. Ponda is regarded the cradle of Hinduism in Goa and there is a profusion of sacred Hindu temples in and around Goa.
Christianity
Christianity arrived on the Goan shores courtesy the priests accompanying the traders from Portugal. The missionaries preached Christianity and also contributed to the development of the native Konkani language. During the Inquisition, thousands of locals were converted to Christianity and that period witnessed a proliferation of churches in Goa. Besides being prominent religious institutions, churches play a prominent role in Goa's social fabric.
Islam
Goa has a minuscule Muslim population. During the reign of Sultan Adil Shah of Bijapur, Goa witnessed a proliferation of mosques and other Islamic monuments. The Safa Shahouri mosque in Ponda is the biggest mosque in Goa. The Muslim community in Goa celebrates their traditional festivals with religious fervor and devotion.
