The Inclusive and Accessible Mogachem Fest celebrating Festakar Marius Fernandes Day was held with great enthusiasm at Tia Maria’s Village Bistro in Caranzalem, showcasing Goa’s rich culture, heritage, music, cuisine and spirit of inclusivity.
The festival commenced with the traditional lighting of the lamp by noted horticulturalist Miguel Braganza, senior journalist Prakash Kamat, Konkani theatre artist Gemma Fernandes, President of DRAG Avelino D’sa, host Carmo Baretto, Dr. Ramesh Kumar and Festakar Marius Fernandes.
Speaking during the event, Miguel Braganza reflected on the inspiring life of Festakar’s late mother, Antonetta Fernandes, highlighting her immense influence on the family’s journey from Kenya to the United Kingdom and eventually back to Goa. He remarked that the people’s festival movement would not have achieved its remarkable milestone of 108 festivals across Goa without her guidance, values and support.
The Balcaocho Gozzali session, curated by Dr. Gwendolyn de Ornelas, featured an engaging interaction with host Carmo Baretto, who shared his inspiring journey as a restaurateur and the challenges he overcame while building his vision of serving authentic Goan cuisine and hospitality to visitors from around the world.
A lively Karyashala session saw Rukshana demonstrate the traditional method of opening and cleaning a large jackfruit, while the energetic Caranzalem Sunshine Band entertained guests with popular Konkani songs, adding a festive spirit to the gathering.
The event also marked the formal release of the book Let’s Colour – Festakar’s Goan Festivals by Miguel Braganza and Prakash Kamat. The publication is now available online for readers worldwide.
Highlighting the importance of inclusivity and traditional craftsmanship, visually impaired artisan Rama Parsekar, along with Sabina D’Cunha, demonstrated the art of weaving jackfruit leaves into mollam. Santan Rebello also conducted a workshop on weaving traditional cane chairs known as Roteassão.
Educator Sukhada Marathe from Assagao shared her inspiring journey of resilience after surviving a severe spinal injury in 2019. She spoke about transforming personal challenges into motivation to inspire others through education and creativity.
Guests were later served a delicious Goan fish thali at a nominal rate as a goodwill gesture by host Carmo Baretto, further strengthening the warm and community-focused atmosphere of the festival.
The Mogachem Fest once again successfully celebrated Goa’s living traditions through storytelling, music, food, art, craftsmanship and inclusive participation, continuing Festakar Marius Fernandes’ long-standing mission of preserving and promoting Goa’s people and cultural heritage.
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