One of the beach village situated in the north Goa is named after the Russian fraternity and known as a Little Russia, what more proof does one require to establish that the Russians prefer Goa above all the travel destination in the world. But the question here is, why? What is the reason behind the Russians obsession with Goa and Goans? Yes, Goans, cause there are many Russians who have settled down in Goa and half of them are engaged in the business activities of various types.
This article is compiled by use with the help of an information about Russians in Goa from the various sources, and our efforts remain to make sure that we provide you with the correct information but in-car you find any piece of information is not correct, please do let us know and we will do our best to set it right. Now let us dive into the Story.
In the Northern part of Goa, it is common to see white-skinned and blonde-haired tourists soaking the sun while lying in the beach. They have been here for quite some time, perhaps several decades.
Their influence is so much that a village of Morjim is now called “Little Russia”. The association between the Russians and Goa is not new. Goa seems to be a little home to the Russians. Although a lot of people around the globe are fascinated by the laid back and free-spiritedness of Goa, it still witnesses the highest number of Russian tourists, this may be due to a lot of reasons.
In the Northern part of Goa, it is common to see white-skinned and blonde-haired tourists soaking the sun while lying on the beach. They have been here for quite some time, perhaps several decades.
The main reason why Russians travel to Goa is due to its enjoyable and laidback nature. The rise in the economy and availability of Charter flights that land directly to Goa are also the apparent reasons of Russians flocking to this tiny state.
It is a known fact that in terms of living and affordability, Goa is a much better place and people of Goa are the most hospitable in the world.
Russians visit Goa often as tourists to escape the harsh weather conditions in their native and also attend the big music festivals and rave parties that Goa is known for. The hidden motive as to why the Russians are attracted to these parties is due to the availability of drugs, alcohol, and sex.
A large percentage of Russian tourists consist of restless youth who visit Goa for obtaining drugs. And another portion of them consists of people coming to Goa to escape the societal norms and search for inner peace. Russia has strict policies and freedom is limited, which makes Goa a fascinating place for them to live without any restrictions.
According to DW, this is what a Russian tourist had to tell on what makes Goa so unique: “From my personal experience I can tell that Goa gives you such a great feeling of freedom which is great for Russians. For 70 years we used to live in a country where freedom was a legend. …you couldn’t talk to anyone freely. You couldn’t travel freely. You always had to obey some rules. And then you go to Goa – no one is asking anything. I think this is a very special spirit of Goa.”
In the recent scenario and according to Wikipedia, an estimated 3,500 Russians land in Goa every 10 days during the tourist season. Parts of Morjim, Baga, Colva are flooded with these tourists and has a touch of Moscow to it.
The menus, road signs, and instructions are written in Russian for them. Many Russians have settled in Goa for good and have set-up various business and bought lands around the area.
The menus, road signs, and instructions are written in Russian for them. Many Russians have settled in Goa for good and have set-up various business and bought lands around the area.
With such large settlements of these Russians, a lot of issues are being raised. With rumors of drug and sex rackets run by the so-called “Russian Mafia” the locals are worried about their safety and the authenticity of the state. Goa does seem to have a dark side of rave parties and supply of illegal drugs, and with cases of rape and abuse during these times.
Dr. A. Xavier, President of the Indo-German Friendship Society in Goa is convinced that the “Russian mafia” is presently the strongest criminal group in Goa and is facilitated by the local politicians. “Surely the majority of the Russians coming to Goa have nothing to do with the mafia. But it is there,” alleged Xavier. “In my opinion, this Russian mafia is severely disturbing the Goan society; without the protection of the government of Goa, the Russian mafia wouldn’t have a chance here in Goa. The main people responsible for this situation are the Goans themselves.”
The rise in the economy and availability of Charter flights that land directly to Goa are also the apparent reasons of Russians flocking to this tiny state.
Contradicting the same, Ralph De Souza, President of the Tourism and Travel Association of Goa, argues that Goa is still safe. He denies that a so-called “mafia” is active in Goa. He further stated that no such incident of mafia existence has come to light and crimes occurring are stray incidents.
Locals allege that Russian settled around are setting-up business and are taking the means of livelihood from the locals. There have been many instances of violent behavior between both parties in the past. The Indian Government, on suspecting however are taking measures by reducing the visa validity period to keep a check on the illegal activities.
The association between the Russians and Goa is not new. Goa seems to be a little home to the Russians.
But the fact remains that the numbers of Russians living in Goa are significant to matter. They bring out a whole new essence and flavor to Goa which makes it even more magical. They also contribute a large share to the tourism industry and help build a reputation of international destination for the world.
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