As of 2001 India census, Mapusa had a population of 40,122. Males constitute 52% of the population and females 48%. Mapusa has an average literacy rate of 76%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 80%, and female literacy is 73%. In Mapusa, 11% of the population is under 6 years of age.

Shigmotsav or Shigmo: This is a grand five-day festival of colours, celebrated distinctively in the villages, corresponding with Holi or Spring Festival. Held for one-week up to the full-moon day in March, Shigmo is universally celebrated in Goa, but especially at Panaji, Mapusa, Vasco-da-Gama and Margao.

Shri Bodgeshwar zatra: It is a temple festival that takes place south of Mapusa, also celebrated in January.

Shri Mangesh: It is a 3-day festival in February that takes place in his temple in the Ponda district.

Janmashtami: It is another popular Hindu festival celebrated in Goa. Ritual bathing in the River Mandovi, to celebrate the birth of Krishna is common. (more…)

Mapusa is believed to be a derivation of the Konkani word ‘Map’ meaning ‘Measure’ and ‘Sa’ meaning ‘Fill Up’ and pronounced y the locals as ‘Mapsa’. Mapusa is a small town with several buildings in ramshackle. Travel to Mapusa, which gained popularity due to its famous Friday Market. The market was first described by a Dutch Chronicler as ‘Bazaar Grande’ in 1580 AD.

Mapusa also spelt at Mapuca, Mhapsa or Mapsa is a town in North Goa, India. It is situated 13 km north of the capital Panaji. The town is the headquarters of Bardez taluka. It is located on the main highway NH-17, linking Mumbai to Trivandrum. Under Portuguese rule, the town’s name was spelt Mapsa.

Mapusa is close to one of the main centres of Goa’s tourism industry, with its proximity to the beaches in north Goa. Mapusa’s proximity too many beaches in the north make it a suitable base during the tourist season (October to January). Because it is a mainly commercial town (for locals) with a large resident population, Mapusa has only a limited number of hotels and accommodation. (more…)

Mapusa Friday Market: Every Friday, the phenomenon known as Mapusa Market, when the permanent market in the town bulges at the seams, with seemingly every square inch of space occupied by sellers with only just enough room for the prospective buyers, the alleys between the regular stalls being occupied with temporary mats and boards.

From lottery tickets displayed in great swathes to barbers shops, the bazaar caters for almost every requirement imaginable. There is the fish street, dried fish of all possible variety and whole fresh fish from baby shark and squid to the ubiquitous bangda (mackerel). Fresh fruit and vegetables are gathered together and beautifully displayed, from huge sweet potatoes, and pumpkins and the local shiny red brown Moira bananas to the tiny fresh beans and other pulses.

Sri Kalika Temple: The Kalika temple is one of the most important Hindu monuments in North Goa. This famous temple is dedicated to Sri Kalika and is situated in the Village Kansarpal near Assonora, which is 14 Km from the Mapusa town. The Kalika temple represents a fine blend of aesthetics and architectural designs. (more…)

There is no dearth of economy and middle rung accommodation in Mapusa. Budget hotels, guesthouses and lodges offer rooms for as little as Rs 150 to Rs 500. There are plenty of small hotels near the Kadamba Bus Stand and some decent mid-rung hotels on Mapusa Road.

The GTDC Tourist Hotel near the main square has decent rooms starting at Rs 250. Keep in mind that hot water, toilets and air conditioning facilities will vary in budget hotels. The upper-rung hotels centre towards the north of the main square.

Away from the city, around the beaches are located a number of luxury resort complexes, guest houses and holiday apartments or cottages. Most of them come complete with a sea view and beach.

There is plenty of good accommodation available in the coastal resorts and villages just outside Mapusa, at the nearby beaches of Anjuna, Baga, Chapora and Calangute.The Goa Government’s Tourist Department (GTDC) runs mid range hotels on the sea front in the beach town of Calangute. (more…)

By Air: The Dabolim airport in Panjim is the nearest airport from Mapusa town.

By Road:All the buses traveling to and from Goa to Mumbai, Pune and a number of other destinations pass through Mapusa. Local buses ply to all the nearby beaches and other surrounding areas.

By Rail: The Tivim (Thivim) Railway station, 12 km away, is the nearest Railway station from Mapusa. There are rickshaws and tourist taxis available here to take you to the nearest beach hotel or resort.

Like other towns of Goa, Mapusa too has a variety of restaurants and eating places to suit every pocket and palate. Tuck in to genuine Goan fish curry and rice at one of the roadside shacks, savour spicy South Indian dishes, or play it safe with continental cuisine at one of Mapusa’s upmarket restaurants.

The beaches of Calangute, Baga and Anjuna also have shacks and restaurants with good eating out options. Bakeries around Mapusa have a mouth-watering array of croissants, breads, strudel, pastries and tarts; and the beaches usually have vendors selling fresh fruit and coconut water. (more…)

Mapusa isn’t really the place to shop, unless it is for fresh fish and seafood, vegetables, fruits, spices or household needs. The fascinating Mapusa market is the place for all those - and savvy housewives do all their shopping here. But for tourists and the kind of stuff they like to buy, the weekly flea market at Anjuna beach is the place to shop for sovenirs.

Over the years, the Anjuna flea market has graduated from a small time affair to an event and has become the place to hunt down bargains in traditional Goan furniture, handicrafts, antiques, some genuine, others not. (more…)

Shigmotsav or Shigmo: This is a grand five-day festival of colours, celebrated distinctively in the villages, corresponding with Holi or Spring Festival. Held for one-week up to the full-moon day in March, Shigmo is universally celebrated in Goa, but especially at Panaji, Mapusa, Vasco-da-Gama and Margao.

Mahashivratri: This is celebrated in the month of January /February in honour of Lord Shiva, the destroyer held at all the principal Shiva temple, such as the Rudershwar, Mangueshi and other temples. The devotees dedicate this entire day to the worship of Lord Shiva. During the night, the devotees remain awake, go to the temples and listen to the vedic recitals and the meanings.

Ram Navami: or the birthday of Lord Rama is celebrated in the month of March at Ramnath temple. (more…)