Daman and Diu

Introduction

Daman and Diu is the union territory of India. It is located in the western part of India. It is distributed into two subdivisions: Daman and Diu. Before 2020, it served as a separate union territory but later on, it was merged with the nearby union territory i.e., Dadra and Nagar Haveli. 

History

In 1987, it became a union territory along with Goa. But when Goa got the status of a state, it separated from Daman and Diu. Later, the parliament passed the legislation to merge the Dadra and Nagar Haveli with Daman and Diu in 2019, and finally, in 2020, both territories were unified and became a single independent union territory of India. 

Fairs and festivals

The people of Daman and Diu celebrate with zeal and grandeur. The two festivals that are majorly celebrated such as the folk dance festival and the Garba festival. Dressing up very elegantly is the main factor while celebrating festivals.

Geography

The union territory is spread over a 112 km² of area. It covers the smallest land in India. The area covered by the Daman district is 40 km² and Diu covers 72 km² of the area. Its boundary is surrounded by Gujarat and the Arabian sea.

Demographics

The Daman and Diu had a 242,911 population, of which 618 females are found per 1000 males. The Hinduism religion is the leading religious g Muslims Muslims is the second leading religious group in Daman and Diu.

Culture

The culture of Daman and Diu is a blend of Indian, tribal, and Portuguese cultures. The culture is the main attraction of tourists. The traditional attire is very vibrant and colorful because it is influenced by the Gujarati costume. The women's traditional attire is Ghaghra along with a blouse and odhani, and the men's attire is a kurta or shirt with Pajama.

Languages

The main language of the union territory is Gujarati, while additional languages are Hindi and English. Gujarati is used by the majority of people, while Hindi and English are the other most spoken languages. These three languages are taught in schools.

Tourism

Daman and Diu comprised several beautiful locations like elegant churches, sun-kissed beaches, colonial forts, and religious sites. 

The popular churches are the Church of St. Francis of Assisi, Bom Jesus, and St. Paul Church.

The religious sites are Gangeshwar Temple and Somnath Mahadev Temple. The beaches in the region are really beautiful and favorable such as sunset point, Devka beach, Jampore beach, Jallandhar Beach, Nagoa Beach, and Ghoghla beach. The place is the best place for vacations. 

Education

The literacy rate of Daman and Diu is 87.1%, of which the female literacy rate is 79.5% and the male literacy rate is 91.5%. 

Dances and music

Dance and music are a valuable part of their lifestyle. Mando dance, Vira dance, and Verdigao dance are the popular folk dances of Daman and Diu. The popular music style is the Mando style. 

Cuisine

The seafood and Parsee dishes are widely popular in Daman and Diu, and the cuisine of Daman and Diu varied in the flavor of Gujarat. The popular dishes are crabs, lobsters, Val Nascido, Parsi kheema, puri, Lapse, fish Koliwada, Dudh-plag, chicken bullet, Cozido, Val Nascido, Chokha with saag, and curry.