A haunting story can never be ignored. It has to be followed by some more experiences and stories. Whether one believes in the supernatural or can't wrap their head around these eerie tales, they have always been intriguing. In recent times, some stories spread like wildfire thanks to social media.
Jessica Faleiro is the author of 'Afterlife: Ghost Stories from Goa' and she has been to different venues to talk about her book which led to even more interesting conversations. “That was the most significant thing for me—everybody has a story. If it’s not their own, it’s an anecdote from someone else’s life. You realize how common this supernatural really is in our society. Everywhere I spoke—colleges and gatherings—people didn’t feel odd about sharing their experiences. They’d raise their hands during the talks or come up to me quietly afterwards to share their stories," she recollects.
For All Souls Day, families remember their deceased members, but there’s also this strong culture of storytelling that needs to be preserved. The themes of shared experiences and collective memory are universal, one hears about haunted houses, haunted families, cemeteries.
The supernatural is not merely entertaining but a
vital aspect of Goan culture
that deserves to be shared
and celebrated. In a land rich with tradition and haunted stories, it seems the echoes of the past will continue to resonate, reminding all of the thin veil that separates the living from the spirits that linger just beyond one’s understanding.
Places that gives one chills down the spine:
NH 17: The National Highway 66 which was formerly known as NH 17 connects Pernem to Canacona. While the highway is busy throughout the day, the quiet nights can get one to feel a bit eerie. Most travellers especially bikers avoid carrying any meats on their journey. They have been several stories about sightings of old women standing alone on the roads at different junctions.
Old GMC, Panjim: A bustling city has a rich history too and Panjim provides many stories. A venue for the International Film Festival of India, the Old GMC is one of the oldest medical colleges in Asia which also houses Inox, has chilling stories. The late night show goers often find popcorn strewn at the beginning of the show or feel someone kicking their seats when no one is seated behind them.
Borim Bridge: Connecting Ponda to Margao, there are stories that many children were kidnapped and sacrificed while building this bridge. People reported incidents of seeing someone jumping in the river when no one actually jumped. One is cautioned not to stop their vehicles especially at night on the bridge.
Three Kings Chapel, Cansaulim: Rumoured to be one of the most haunted places in Goa, urban legend has it that one doesn't dare to stay here past Sunset. Named after the Three Wise Men, there are tales of spooky sounds. Now whether this is true or just to put fright in the minds of lovers and miscreants, one will never know.
Mopa Airport: The latest place to join the list of most haunted places in Goa is the recently built Mopa Airport. According to local stories, people have seen a mysterious lady crying loudly, goat herders with goats on the runway and even hand luggage being mysteriously marked for checking on departure.
D'Mello House, Raia: An abandoned mansion in Santimol, Raia, is a local folklore about two brothers who had a disputes over the ancestral property and tragically lost their lives. People have claimed to hear screaming and many paranormal activities.