Margao is the largest and the oldest city as well as the commercial capital of the Indian state of Goa. It is also the administrative headquarters of South Goa District and the Salcete Taluka.Margao is the second largest city in Goa after Vasco da Gama.
Margao was once a Hindu religious center with a number of temples and dharmshalas. The name Margaon is regarded a derivative of Mathgram which literally means 'the village of temples.' After the Portuguese invasion, the temples gave way to the spawning of majestic churches and palaces.
Margao is also the cultural capital of Goa and has the Ravindra Bhavan Cultural Centre, which was inaugurated by the Chief Minister of Goa in July 2008. It also consists of Goa's biggest sports stadium, Fatorda, as well as the biggest theatre, the Metropole. Margao is also popular for its Dindi festival, which is celebrated at the Vithal Rakhumai temple on the second day after Diwali. The feast at the Holy Spirit Church, known as the Purumetache, is also a major attraction.