Panjim, Goa – 24th May 2025 The Goa College of Home Science, Panjim, was transformed into a vibrant hub of celebration, music, food and cultural unity as it hosted the first-ever Marius Fernandes Day, an event that will go down as a landmark moment in Goa’s cultural calendar. This groundbreaking celebration was held in conjunction with the Purumentachem Fest – Goa’s traditional Festival of Provisions – marking the onset of the monsoon season with flavor, festivity, and deep-rooted community spirit.
The historic day began with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp by Dean Suresh Kunkalikar, joined by Festakar Marius Fernandes, cultural supporter Maria Goretti Fernandes, senior journalist Prakash Kamat, cultural activists Dominic D’Souza and Luciano Almeida. The moment set the tone for a day that would blend tradition with innovation and celebration with heartfelt recognition.
Culture came alive on stage
as the festivities opened with a captivating ponti dance by students of Goa College of Home Science with Rajwi Naik and group, bringing a splash of color and rhythm to the stage. This was followed by the unique cultural segment titled “Balcãoacheo Gozalli” – an intergenerational Goan dialogue moderated by Dr. Gwendolyn de Ornelas and enriched by the insights of historian Prajal Shankardande and academic Dr. Glenis Mendonca. The conversation touched on topics of identity, community memory and the changing face of Goan traditions.
Honoring Festakar as a Cultural Warrior, Dean Suresh Kunkalikar, in a deeply symbolic gesture, felicitated Marius Fernandes with a one-of-a-kind memento – a slate inscribed with recognition of 24th May to be observed as Festacar Marius Fernandes Day annually, for his 101 inclusive, community-driven festivals, Known for reinventing the concept of festivals by removing alcohol, chief guests, sponsors, competitions and barriers to participation, Fernandes has become synonymous with the spirit of inclusive celebration.
In an emotional highlight,
Dr. Gwendolyn de Ornelas was awarded a symbolic Doctorate of Community Service by the Goencho Festakar team. The honour recognized her selfless voluntary work across three years, contributing tirelessly to cultural research, education and community outreach. The recognition was met with a standing ovation.
A workshop was held on medicinal herbal tea, locally known as khodo, usually drunk as remedy for colds and fevers by Samita Sameer kolvalkar.
A Dazzling Cultural Programme unfolded as the afternoon unfolded, the campus echoed with music, laughter, and applause. The ever-energetic young Barretto brothers, Abner 8 years of age and Asher 6 years of age, delivered a crowd-pleasing set of Goan classics and contemporary tunes, accompanied by the soulful guitar of
Dr. Glenis Mendonca, vocals by Renald Mendonca and harmonies from Linda Braganza and John Lino. It was an electrifying reminder that Goa’s youth are not only preserving tradition but reimagining it.
The symbolic anthem of Festacar Marius Fernandes Festam, the iconic Kottieacho Nach, conceptualized by Festacar Marius Fernandes, in Succorro, was a most awaited and the participants were the guests, vendors, disabled community, choreographed and led by Gwendolyn De Ornelas, all enjoyed and felt a sense of Goa of yesteryears.
Food, Flavors and Festive Nostalgia as No Goan celebration is complete without food and the Purumentachem Fest brought the soul of Goan kitchens to the college grounds. An array of stalls featured monsoon staples like dried fish, pickles, homemade sweets, local spices, and chillies. From sorpotel to prawns molho , the aroma of traditional dishes drew students, faculty and guests to sample and reminisce. Local artisans and vendors proudly showcased their wares, rekindling the spirit of old village markets and encouraging sustainable, local economies.
A Festival Rooted in Purpose
as the celebration wasn’t just about looking back—it was about forging a way forward. The day stood as a model of how educational institutions can partner with grassroots cultural innovators to keep traditions alive while engaging the next generation. The festival emphasized inclusion, environmental sensitivity and local pride—principles central to Marius Fernandes’ philosophy.
As Marius Fernandes Day concluded amid cheers, hugs, and hopeful eyes, one thing was clear: this was not the end, but the beginning of a new tradition. One that honours Goa’s diverse heritage, celebrates ordinary heroes and plants seeds for stronger, more connected communities.
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