NULLCON GOA- WORK HARD, PARTY HARDER

Nullcon Goa 2013 is an International Information and Security Conference to be held from 26^th February to 2^nd March, 2013. This global event invites students, professionals and buyers for a two-day training followed by conferences on various topics. From aspiring professionals to existing CXOs, Goa becomes the gathering point for all those interested in IT. This year’s program will be held at the Bogmallo Beach Resort, Goa. It’s amongst one of the oldest and most famous  hotels in Goa.

A range of activities and events are all set to impress you at Nullcon 2013. With the help of exhibits and prototype events, understand and recreate your brand with just the perfect IT solutions. At the conferences, listen to eminent speakers from the sector address the issues of information security. Watch out for MP Janardhan Swamy sharing his insights on Security & Politics. 

If you are a part of the e-commerce sector and worried about security and mitigating risk, you will find a number of revolutionary ideas at the exhibitions that might suit your need. A one of its kind portal, Nullcon shall also maintain a booth for submitting and distributing resumes of delegates at the event.

Popular with engineering students, Nullcon offers an array of trainings that will provide valuable knowledge of the field. Listed below are some of the important trainings at the event.

1. Xtreme Android Hacking
2. Penetration Testing SmartGrid and SCADA
3. Reverse Engineering and Malware Analysis
4. Mobile Application and Hacking: Attack and Defence
5. Cyber Warfare Intelligence and Intrusions Operations

Nullcon is organised by the registered NGO, Null, that aims at creating awareness and providing information security solutions. An event that claims to be one platform for free flow expert knowledge and ideas has enjoyed tremendous success for four times in a row. With everything from updated information, latest technologies and exhibitions to job opportunities, expert trainings and excellent conferences all under one roof, Nullcon is indeed one completely integrated event dedicated to information and security.

Some time off your schedule, an efficiently planned trip (just click here!), and you are all set for unlimited gyan for your enterprise or company.

Remember, “all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy” so when you are in Goa, don’t miss out on the fun. Register for the event now and turn your trip to Goa in to a delightful and worthwhile one in a just few east steps with MakeMyTrip’s travel solutions. 

Exploring Portuguese Goa

The Portuguese arrived in Goa over 500 years ago, and have left their own unique footprint on this beautiful corner of India. The Portuguese influence can be seen all over Goa, from the distinctive food of Goa to the churches and decorated ceramic tiles. But nowhere is the European feel more prevalent than in the heart of Old Goa.

Located near the new capital of Goa, Panjim, Old Goa was once home to a population that exceeded that of London’s at the time. The Portuguese ruled here from the 16th to 18th century, but were forced to abandon it due to a plague, leaving it a ghost town for many years. Even though people have now returned, it still feels like you are walking through a deserted old town in Western Europe.

While most Goa tourists skip the old town for the beaches and parties, to me it was my favourite part of this small state. Walking through the paved streets, I almost forgot that I was in India, and was transported to another place and time.

Churches of Goa

Originally there were over 60 churches in Goa, only seven of which remain in the old town. The centre of Old Goa is the Se de Santa Catarina, a stunning cathedral built in the 17th century. The cathedral houses the famous Golden Bell, the biggest in Goa, and is adorned by some beautiful paintings. Even though I am not Christian, I still felt like lighting a candle here and laying some flowers amongst the gilded walls.

Another beautiful Church of Saint Francis of Assisi is decorated in stunning golden carved wood. Behind the church the former convent now houses the Archeological Museum that has an interesting range of portraits and some Hindu sculptures.

My personal favourite was the world heritage site of the Basilica of Bom Jesus. One of the more curious religious sites in India, the church houses the body of Goa’s patron saint, St Francis Xavier. For the macabre hearted, you can see the mausoleum where the saint is housed, or visit once every ten years when his body can actually be viewed. While pilgrims flock to the church to receive the healing powers of St Francis Xavier, the Basilica itself is one of the best examples of baroque architecture in India. 

There are many other churches to view around Old Goa, but for me the true beauty of this town is its atmosphere. It reminds me of small villages in Europe, with towering cathedrals overlooking the serenity of a town steeped in history. Looking around at some of the ruins, you can almost hear the bells ringing and Christian hymns being sung centuries ago.

The Portuguese influence can still be seen all over Goa. One of the most famous living reminders is the Goa Carnival, which showcases the diverse culture of Goa and its people. This festival in Goa is one of the most vibrant reminders of this state’s history. It is right here in the abandoned heart of Old Goa that the Portuguese remain.

The Vibrant Goa Carnival

When I think of Goa, I immediately think of lying by the beach on a hammock under a swaying palm tree. After all with some of the best beaches in India, Goa is the obvious holiday destination for most people seeking some well-deserved rest and relaxation any time of the year.

But this beautiful state also has a lively culture that is showcased in the annual Goa Carnival, which will be held this year from 9^th to 12^th February. The Goa Carnival was established in 1961 by the Portuguese, who ruled this state for over 500 years, to celebrate Goan culture and traditions. Originally a Christian event celebrated before Lent, it has now absorbed traditions from many other religions that thrive in the region, including Hinduism. This makes it a unique event that brings together different cultures and combines them into one large festival.  

Goa being the party-capital of India, it is no surprise then that this celebration of Goa is a colourful and vibrant event. Even King Momo, the King of Carnivals, joins in, and orders everyone to party! For four days, the festival takes over the streets with lively processions and brightly decorated floats. Each float has a different theme, showcasing different aspects of Goan culture with detailed costumes, lots of feathers, wacky masks and plenty of glitter.

It’s hard to feel left out at this inclusive festival. If you forget to bring along a costume, you’re bound to find someone in the street to paint your face so you fit right in.

There is also plenty of music of Goa to be heard, with the strumming of Spanish guitars on street corners accompanied by local singers. Various styles of dances are performed, and there are balls where everyone can join in. Everywhere you go, there is a feeling of festivity in the air. 

Of course, food is an important aspect during this festival of Goa. After all, the food of Goa is famous worldwide for its unique combination of Portuguese and Indian flavours. There’s plenty of mouth-watering fresh seafood native to this seaside state. Food stalls are available along the streets, and of course the many beachside restaurants serve their own specialties. Who can resist a spicy and sour Goan fish curry?

Heading out to the villages during Goa Carnival, you can see the true diversity of the region. Each village has its own style and joins in the Goan festival with their own individual traditions, dancing around oil lamps and dressing up as they have for years.

The carnival attracts Goa tourists from both India and abroad.  For regular visitors to Goa, it is an opportunity to venture past the golden sands of Anjuna, Colva or Palolem beach. For new visitors, it gives them the opportunity to explore the colour, sounds and energy of Goan culture.

“Sunburned” in Goa

Sun, Sand, Sea. Come December, and Goa is the place to be!

If there’s one place where time stands still, where music is the only religion, and where you can let go of all your inhibitions and be whoever you want to be…it is here.

December is already here and the sandy shores of Goa are gearing up for a musical extravaganza that enthrals partygoers from across the globe. Running in its 6th consecutive year, the Sunburn Music Festival kicks off on the beaches of Candolim on 27^th, 28^th and 29^th December 2012. With 7 different stages and over 90 artists, this isn’t Asia’s biggest music festival for no reason. This electronic extravaganza has in the past attracted the likes of Paul van Dyk, Richard Durand, BT, Axwell, Ferry Corsten, Nadia Ali and many others. Keeping with tradition, this year’s line-up includes some of the biggest electronic stars including Dutch artist Sander Van Doorn, Fedde Le Grand, Brian Transeau aka BT, house DJ Roger Sanchez, French funk/disco artist Norman Doray and Indian artists such as Jalabee Cartel, Reggae Rajah, DJ Shaan et al.

Aptly described as “a cocktail of dance and music galore”, the Sunburn Festival guarantees wild parties, adrenalin gushing music and an experience of a lifetime. The ambience is of one big open discotheque with artists performing round the clock. Going beyond music, the three-day festival is a synergy of entertainment, sports, food, and shopping and promises unlimited fun. And if you still haven’t had enough, the “After Dark” parties that begin post 10 pm are a culmination of the day’s celebrations and guarantee a 24-hour music hangover. This one is worth attending if nothing else but to brag about later with friends back home!

To add to the excitement, this year Sunburn will stretch from Christmas Eve till New Year’s Day. The opening gig, “Windsong”, will take place on 24^th and 25^th December and includes an eclectic line-up of musical acts from across the country. The closing event on New Year’s Day will see the launch of Percept’s inaugural Superstar New Year’s Eve Gig. What’s more, each of these events is set to create history as they go live on digital platforms to over 80 countries!

A mecca for EDM lovers (electronic dance music) the planning for this annual pilgrimage begins months in advance. Goa’s love for electronic music dates back to the late 1960s and its many beaches have been thronged with tourists whose love for music draws them to this destination year on year. This is your chance to be a part of this exciting music festival; so go ahead and book your flight tickets and holiday packages and prepare to get “Sunburned”!

ABOUT The AUTHOR
	Shreya Sachar is a travel writer by profession. When not writing she’s busy in the kitchen creating treats from around the world. Grant her one wish and she would do nothing but travel. Her favourite places are Goa, Turkey and San Francisco.

Goa-aaah!

There is something mysteriously mesmerizing about the environment of Goa. People find it hard to explore the fact which propels them to party hard here. Inadvertently or rather luckily, the time we landed was post sunset and I could recall the famous tagline associated with Goa "where the sun never sets". The resort we chose to stay at was a magnificent property, surrounded by lush green fields and seemed to be an ideal place for discerning travelers like us who wanted nothing more than being in the lap of fun, excitement and contentment for the next few days. The resort was conveniently located in the heart of South Goa and a few minutes drive would take us to some of the most stunning places known.

Our unplanned itinerary mentioned nothing explicit about the places we needed to cover in a span of three days. Yet, we set ourselves for a fun day ahead and went off on bikes, scooties and whatever two wheeler we could get to lay our hands on (this is one place where you will find vehicles far too easily than even petrol and oil) to some unknown destination and ultimately reached a beach called Candolim. This is a popular beach situated about 14 kms from Panaji which may not be the most happening beach around but yet a traveller's paradise who longs for peace and relaxation amidst cool winds on a beach with an enthralling view.

The next morning was a bit lethargic after the late night joy ride and saw most of us getting up late. Though the welcome to a new day wasn't too encouraging as the early morning charm had given way to a more harsh noon yet we managed to beat that by outsmarting the weather gods and immersed ourselves completely in the hotel swimming pool. Setting ourselves perfectly for a great day ahead, none of us imagined that it would be one of the best days of our lives. We visited the most happening place in Goa - Anjuna Beach which has gained its popularity owing to the night parties at Curlies. This place offers an extremely romantic ambience day and night and can aptly be called "a poet's delight". While the enchanting music sets up the tone up and would get you in a party mode, the cool evening breeze is sufficient to pacify and relax the soul. We placed our tired bodies on the shacks to avail the most pleasurable sight ever. That was our last night in Goa, so we made it a point to make the most of it.

Recollecting all those moments, after the euphoria, I am here, at the airport, stagnant. Can't believe that we have come to an end of a memorable trip, whose memories would remain etched in our minds and hearts forever.