Mapusa Friday Market at Goa!

 The town of Mapusa has been the centre of the entire Bardez taluka since Portuguese rule. Its market complex was constructed by the Portuguese and said to be one of the most systematic in the state. The efficient planning and far sighted ness of Portuguese Engineers is the testimony to their engineering talents of those years.

It is said that the name Mapusa for the town came from the local Konkani words MAP...measure...SA...fill up. (In early days the grains were measured in the tins of various sizes known as PODD and PAILEE and commonly referred as MAP...measure). Even today, the local produce such as Rice, chillies, Kokum are sold by PODD maps at Mapusa Friday market.

The  Mapusa market is open everyday. It specializes on agricultural products like vegetables, fruits, plants and spices, but still you can also find the produce and the wares. There are no big brand names here  but in small local stores you can find nearly anything you may need. However, it wears a vibrant look on each Friday with vendors squatting in the middle of the market roads selling everything ranging from clothes, plastic ware, bottles and seasonal fruits, local delicacies like fish, seasonal fruits, homemade pickles, coarse rice, ornamental plants and even electronic items.This weekly market has become a tourist attraction because of the sheer amount and diversity in the things available for sale. 

Villagers from surrounding areas like Bastora, Moira, Tivim,Anjuna, Assagao, Siolim, Guirim, Verla, Parra, Pomburpa, Aldona, Ucassaim, Calangute, Pilerne, Nag and Saligao have always descended on Mapusa on Fridays for their purchases as well for selling the produce.  Nustyacho  Bazaar - the  ‘Fish Street’ is really much interesting and picturesque venue with the strong fish smell in the air. One will be able to buy dried salted fish, usual dried fish, boiled fish, fish-grill, marinade fish etc. You will be able to purchase the specialties of Goan cuisine and cold drinks called Sarbat of various flavors.  Even the authentic Goan spice blends and goan sausages are sold here. So also Toddy and feni - perennial favourites among locals and tourists alike are also sold in plenty on Fridays. During April and May,  people visit the market to buy raw mangoes, spices like Goan red chillies, coarse rice, pulses, local variety of bananas and dry fish, to stock up for the monsoon.

The great popularity of Mapusa as a market center grew out of local festivals which were dedicated to BODGESHWAR deity. The location of the Friday market at the center of commercial activity and its proximity to the religious site has caused this place to develop to its current scope and size. After the liberation, scenario of the present market has changed over the years. The number of local Goan traders and business men are decreasing. It is captured by hawkers like Lamanis and Tupkaris, who sell various wares such as bangles, trinkets, handmade bags and items like costume jewellery with embroidered work. Rajasthanis are also involved in the sale of sweets and electronic items and Gujaratis trade in clothes and fancy articles. Vendors from Karnataka occupy the fruit and vegetable market. It is said that there are more than a 1000 migrant hawkers. There are few  Chonekars - the Goan vendors still in the business selling hot PEANUTS! gold smiths maintaining their occupation, trading in gold ornaments.

This colorful and vibrant Mapusa market is usually opened from early morning till late night. The market never sleeps, come rain or peak . Urba Luxury service apartments, Porvorim are located about 11 kilometers from Mapusa. It is a ten minute drive by car or regular buses are available from Porvorim to Mapusa. One can stay at BARDEZ apartment and a trip to Mapusa could be arranged.