People of Daman
The population of Daman district 1,12,949 (2001 census) and the population density is 1583 persons per square kilometer. More than 68 percent of district population resides in villages (21 in number) whose main occupation is fishing, agriculture and working in non agriculture sector. Number of females per thousand male (sex ratio) in the district is 591. The literacy rate is 83.6 percent.The majority population is Hindus with Muslims and Christians making a significant presence. The tribals (schedule caste and tribe) constitute about 12 percent of total population. The religious customs of the majority population are no different from the people in the adjoining Gujarat area.
Culture and Language
Gujarati is the predominant language of this region and is the most widely spoken. The language of the official work is English. Hindi is understood by a vast majority of the people even in rural areas. English speaking professionals constitute a majority in business and hospitality trade. Only few can now speak the Portuguese language and it is a quaint dialect.
Daman boasts of a multi-faced cultural heritage – a fusion of tribal, urban, European and Indian culture. Customs of birth, marriage sacred thread, other ceremonies ad rituals are religiously observed. Tribal dances with caustic social comments are much in vogue. Various Portuguese dances are well preserved and still widely presented.
Fairs and Festivals
Fairs and Festivals are essence of Indian culture. This colorful cultural, social and economic panorama is the center of attraction and a rare combination, where the entire atmosphere is dazzlingly theatrical and lively. The main festival, Nariyal Poornima marks the season and other festivals like the tourism department to showcase the heritage and culture of this region has introduced Christmas. In Daman the various communities celebrate festivals like Holi, Diwali, mahashivratri, Id-ul-Fitr and there are other local observances too.
Gangaji Fair
The Somnath Madadev temple in the village of Dabhel is the venue of a grand fair and celebrations every year in March. It is believed that the present shivlinga miraculously appeared here in the 19th Century on the request of a monk who was a true devotee of Shiva. The existing temple was rebuilt in year 1972-73 and since then every year a fair is organized here which is visited by a large number of people from within the district as well as outside. Thousands having faith in the occasion congregate at somnath Mahadev, take their holy bath in the water tank, conduct the religious activities to invoke the blessings of lord Shiva.
Nariyal Poornima
Organized by the administration of Daman and Diu and West Zone Cultural Centre, Nariyal Poornima is a regional festival held at Daman every year. This festival is a magnificent spectacle of a variety of colorful water sports at the creek between Moti and Nani Daman and culturally enriched show put up by the west zone cultural centre in the month of august. One of the highlights is the coconut food festival organized as part of the celebration.
This festival commemorates the end of monsoon season and the commencement of the fishing season for the sea faring community of this coastal region. They look forward to resume sailing in the quest of action and adventure and livelihood. On the occasion of Nariyal Poornima, the people of Daman flock to the seashore to offer coconuts (Nariyal) to the mighty Gods who preside over wind and water. The strength of tradition and belief lends the atmosphere unique appeals and the day is marked by revelry joy and feasting. For details contact West Zone Culture Centre, Udaipur (Rajasthan) ph 0294-2523858 Email wzccom_jpl@sancharnet.in or Assistant Director of Tourism, Nani Daman Ph: 0260 2255104
Christmas
Daman celebrates the Christmas Festival as part of its tourism promotion program and people from far and wide come to witness the fascinating Portuguese dance, which have retained its rich tradition and form. The festivals are noted for their performances in tune with superb melody and accompanying music. The festival aims to promote the good will and fellowship. Houses are decorated all over to receive the infant Jesus. Bright and colorful Christmas lamps cheer up the nights. Daman explodes with light, laughter, and song and dance during the happy season of Christ’s nativity.