Goa Liberation Day 2023

Every year on 19th December, we celebrate the Goa Liberation Day in India, as it marks the official day Goa became a part of the country. Unlike the rest of India, Goa and the current union territory of Daman and Diu were under the rule of the Portuguese. Therefore, even when India gained its freedom from the British in 1947, Goa was still under colonial rule. Finally, on 19th December 1961, with the help of the Indian armed forces, Goa was liberated from Portuguese rule after 451 years of strict regime. On the same day, it became a part of India. 

The Portuguese invaded Goa in 1510, and their four centuries-long rule heavily influenced the Goan culture. To regain control over the state, 30,000 Indian troops were sent to Goa under the mission named ‘Operation Vijay’. This year marks the 62nd anniversary of Goa’s liberation. 

To celebrate this day of freedom, President Draupadi Murmu took to the social media site named ‘X’ to greet the citizens of Goa. She mentioned the bravery of the Indian soldiers who sacrificed their lives to free Goa. The Chief Minister of Goa, Mr Pramod Sawant, also paid tribute to the state’s freedom fighters today. Every year, Goans unite to celebrate this day with great joy and enthusiasm. Special programs are organised to celebrate the final victory of India over European colonisation.