Last Updated: Goa Liberation Day 2020: A 36-hour 'Operation Vijay' That Changed The History Of Goa Goa Liberation Day is observed on December 19 in India every year as it was the day when Goa was freed from 450 years of Portuguese rule While India got independence on August 15, 1947, Goa was still under Portuguese rule. However, on December 19, 1961, after a series of futile negotiations, a brief military operation of 36 hours led to the liberation of Goa and forced Portugal to concede after 450 years of rule. Since then, this date is observed as Goa Liberation Day. PM Modi's tweet on Goa Liberation Day On the special occasion of Goa Liberation Day, greetings and best wishes to my sisters and brothers of Goa. We recall with pride the bravery of those who worked hard to free Goa. Praying for the continuous progress of the state in the years to come.