Goa Statehood Day 2024: Get to know why we celebrate it on May 30, its history, significance, and more

Goa Statehood Day 2024, May 30: The day marks the integration of Goa as the official state into the Indian Union after centuries of Portuguese colonial rule.

Goa Statehood Day is celebrated annually on May 30. (Source: X/Piyush Goyal)

37th Goa Statehood Day, May 30, 2024: Situated on the west coast of India, Goa is the smallest state by area and a popular tourist destination, renowned for its breathtaking beaches.

It was a Portuguese colony for over 450 years until it was liberated by India in 1961 and was given the status of union territory along with Daman and Diu in 1987. However, later in 1987, Goa was granted statehood, making it the 25th state of the Indian Union.

On Goa’s statehood day, I convey my greetings to all the residents of Goa. Goa is a land of great natural beauty and vibrant culture. The people of Goa are known for their progressive values and hospitality. Goa has made remarkable progress on several human development indices.…

— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) May 30, 2024

To mark the same, we celebrate Goa Statehood Day. This year, as we’ll celebrate its 37th Statehood Day, here is all you need to know about the day, its history, and its significance.

Goa Statehood Day 2024: Date and History

Goa Statehood Day is celebrated annually on May 30, commemorating the day when Goa was declared a state separate from Daman and Diu in 1987. This year, in 2024, the day falls on a Thursday.

Story continues below this ad

Goa Statehood Day 2024: Goa, which was a Portuguese colony for over 450 years, is quite a popular tourist destination. (Source: Freepik)

The history of Goa dates back to 1510, when Alfonso de Albuquerque conquered the region, defeating Adil Shah of Bijapur. For the next 400 years, Goa remained under Portuguese rule. The Indian government then requested that the Portuguese cede their territories, but the Portuguese refused. In response, the Indian government launched Operation Vijay in 1961, annexing the Daman and Diu islands and Goa to the Indian mainland. This marked the end of Portuguese rule in Goa.

On May 30, 1987, the territory was split, and Goa was formed as the 25th state of the Republic of India. Panaji was designated as the capital of Goa, and Konkani was declared the official language. Since then, Goa Statehood Day has been observed annually on May 30.

Goa Statehood Day 2024: Significance and Celebrations

The significance of this day lies in the fact that it marks the official integration of Goa as an official state into the Indian Union after centuries of Portuguese colonial rule. It is celebrated by various cultural events and celebrations across the state to honour Goa’s rich heritage and the sacrifices made during the struggle for liberation from Portuguese rule.

On the occasion of the #GoaStatehoodDay, my warmest wishes to all fellow Goans as we proudly mark the historic milestone when Goa became the 25th state of India.

This day commemorates our rich heritage, cultural diversity and the spirit of our people. Let us pledge to continue… pic.twitter.com/9bsuyzQUy1

— Dr. Pramod Sawant (Modi Ka Parivar) (@DrPramodPSawant) May 30, 2024