Tag Archives: Goa

A Journey into the Psychedelic World of Goa, India

It all started in the ’60s, when the hippies first landed in India and reached Goa. They colonized the north coast, Anjuna, Vagator, Chapora and Arambol. From that moment, everything else changed. The natives are accustomed to long hair and girls dance naked on the beach, geting used to the sound of chillum drums and passed from hand to hand. Over the years, the flower children drop out the drums and started to experiment with new types of music, incorporating the sounds of India with the beginnings of what today is called the Psychedelic Trance Music.

A Journey into the Psychedelic World of Goa, India, Vagator Psychedelic Trance Music India Goa Chapora Anjuna

For three months a year, Goa is a heart that beats to the steady rhythm of the music played by the best artists of the genre. The earth pulsates beneath the feet of a thousand young people who abandon themselves to the rhythm and psychedelic drugs. In just a moment, the narrow streets are filled with Royal Enfield bullet and led by disarming beauty girls who wear skimpy clothes and leather. Men on the other hand, seem ready to battle like gladiators or Indian warriors in the middle of a tribal ritual.

A Journey into the Psychedelic World of Goa, India, Vagator Psychedelic Trance Music India Goa Chapora Anjuna

India: Goa, a new tourist destination for the gay community

India: Goa, a new tourist destination for the gay community, Swapnil Naik India Goa Department of TourismGoa is a state located on the southwest coast of India and a well-known tourist destination. More than 400 thousand tourists visit Goa annually.

In order to increase this figure and promote tourism, the government wants to make it as a gay-friendly destination.

This decision has provoked immediate and strong opposition from different religious authorities, especially by the Catholic Church and Hindu groups who have said that “gays are not welcome in Goa”.

Despite the homophobia expressed, the head of the Department of Tourism and local government, Swapnil Naik, said that Goa “Cannot ignore this market, which is an emerging trend worldwide.” And considering that the entry of tourists from the gay community, revitalize the area, hotels, and restaurants, it would be very beneficial for the economy.

India: Goa, a new tourist destination for the gay community, Swapnil Naik India Goa Department of TourismDattaram Sawant, a member of a Hindu right wing organization in the region, said that “in the past, Goa had a reputation for sex and drugs, we will not allow that again,” linking the visit of gay tourists to that image.

“Goa has already approved the drug, casinos and prostitution. Now, they want gays, lesbians and transsexuals. Who else will they allow to come here? ” said Bharat Swabhiman, a known religious leader in the region who believes that homosexuality “is treatable.”

Beyond the rejection that causes homosexuality in some radical groups, Goa opens as a new destination to enjoy for gay tourism.