Goa Liberation Day is celebrated on December 19 annually as a reminder that the state of Goa got its freedom from the Portuguese after a long time. Goa state remained under the control for 450 years. Goa got its freedom after the entire country was already freed from British rule.
Goa was liberated from Portuguese rule on December 19, 1961.
Goa Liberation Day History
Goa had been under Portuguese rule for 450 years and it was in 1947 that India attained freedom but the Goa and other territories are under Portuguese colonization.
Goa Liberation Day is celebrated on the occasion when the state finally got freedom from Portuguese hegemony. After being liberated from Portuguese rule, Goa received statehood in the year 1987.
Goa Liberation Day Significance
Before Goa attained its statehood, there was confusion and discussion that if Goa should be merged with Maharashtra. The majority of people living in Goa opposed the merger and it remained a Union Territory till the year 1987, it became India’s 25th state afterward.
The state celebrates Goa Liberation Day full of enthusiasm and conducts various events as well. The state celebration includes a torch procession that proceeds through three different locations and ends at Azad Maidan, Panaji. The participants in the march pay homage to the freedom fighters.