From tradition to treasure: Inside Goa’s vibrant Tibetan market at Calangute

From intricate silver artifacts to vibrant prayer flags, Goa’s Tibetan Market in Calangute is a lively hub where craftsmanship and culture come alive, offering visitors a unique shopping experience steeped in history and tradition.The Tibetan Market, with over 70 stalls selling handicrafts, souvenirs, silver artifacts, precious stones, embroidery items, and unique home décor products, has become a must-visit for tourists and locals alike.“The Tibetan market has been set up for over 40 years in Calangute and it has mostly Tibetans who sell wares from different places,” explains Nawang, a vendor at the market who has been selling silver items for over 10 years. He shares with pride, “My parents started selling souvenirs some 25 years ago at the market and now I have continued it. During season time in Goa, we get a lot of customers, and in the off-season, we go back to our families based in other parts of India,” he says, as he gets ready to attend to a customer.Souvenirs starting at Rs 50 onwards attract a lot of tourists to the Tibetan market. Samir Kumar, along with his friends, visited the market, where they picked up a few prayer flags and other home décor items. “My sister and mother will love the bead necklaces which I have picked up for them,” he says. “There are also a lot of prayer flags which can be gifted to friends and family.” Most of the items are handmade, while some silver jewellery is sourced from different parts of the world — Italy, Indonesia, and Thailand.It is believed that the Tibetan market was a way for the refugees to sustain themselves and earn a living. “To buy the items here, one has to check them properly,” shares a foreigner who was window shopping at the market. “Some of the artwork on jewellery is very intricate and detailed, though you have to be sure you get the right rate,” he adds.