Its church, St. Michael's Church, Anjuna, founded in 1595, is dedicated to S. Miguel, and celebrates the feasts of S. Miguel (29 September) and Nossa Senhora Advogada (second week of January). There are three large chapels in the parish: the one to S. Antonio (Praias), to Nossa Senhora de Saude (Mazalvaddo), and to Nossa Senhora de Piedade (Grande Chinvar). The chapel at Vagator became the church of the new parish of Vagator, dedicated to S. Antonio, in the twentieth century.
History
Like all of Goa, Anjuna was long held by the Portuguese. In 1950, it had a population of 5,688 [2] and, in 2011, it had 9,636.
Historian Teresa Albuquerque reports that the village's name is derived from the Arabic word 'Hanjuman' (meaning Merchant Guild). Others say it comes from an Arabic word for "change" - as people used to arrive at Anjuna from the sea looking to change money.
It became a destination on the hippie trail during the late 1960s.[3]
Activities
Anjuna is famous for trance parties held on its beach during the tourist season (October - April).
Anjuna also hosts the famous flea market (every Wednesday and Saturday), in which products from all over India, as well as from foreigners, are sold, ranging from fruits to jewelry, to clothes, to hashish and electronic devices. On Wednesdays, there is a day market which starts in the morning and ends at 7:30 pm and on Saturdays, there is a night market.[4]
Attractions close to Anjuna Beach include the Anjuna flea market and Chapora Fort which can be seen even from the beach.[8]
Gallery
Anjuna flea market runs from dawn till dusk every Wednesday.
A typical Shack Hotel at Anjuna beach
Panoramic view of Anjuna Beach
Anjuna hill
Anjuna waterfront
In popular culture
Above & Beyond's record labels, Anjunabeats and Anjunadeep, as well as their radio show, 'Anjunabeats Worldwide,' all make reference to Anjuna. In 2009, they also released a track called 'Anjunabeach.' Anjuna beach is also famous for the hippie lifestyle.[citation needed]