The Goa Open Arts Festival 2026 will feature a compelling solo performance titled ‘Eggsistential Cracksis’ by participating artist Asavari Gurav on 23 February at 6:30 p.m. The play will be staged at Live Box, located at the Old GMC Complex in Panaji. ‘Eggsistential Cracksis’ is described as a thought-provoking solo exploration of existential themes, brought to life through raw and immersive artistic expression. Through this performance, Asavari Gurav offers her distinct creative perspective, challenging perceptions and encouraging introspection among audiences.
The production forms part of the larger Goa Open Arts Festival 2026, scheduled from 20–25 February, which celebrates diverse artistic practices including visual art, music, film and performance. Media representatives and audiences are invited to witness this engaging solo act at the Live Box performance space as the festival continues to spotlight emerging and established voices from Goa’s vibrant creative community.
Goa Open Arts Foundation has announced the third edition of the Goa Open Arts Festival 2026, scheduled from 20–25 February at the Old GMC Complex in Panjim. The biennial festival will once again transform the capital city into a vibrant hub of visual art, music, performance, film screenings and hands-on workshops open to audiences of all ages. Building on the success of its previous editions, the festival continues its vision of creating a collaborative space for Goa’s creative community to exchange ideas and showcase new work. Conceived as an artist-led initiative, Goa Open Arts offers opportunities for practitioners to present both curated and independently developed projects. Among the highlights of the 2026 edition are two special exhibitions. ‘Threads Through Time: Textile Art from Goa’, curated by Sitara Chowfla, will present traditional and contemporary textile practices from across the state. ‘What Remains: Lens Based Work’, a photography exhibition conceived in collaboration with Museo Camera, will explore storytelling through visual narratives. The festival will also showcase a special exhibition by Iranian-French artist Christine Khonjie, whose practice draws upon themes of ancient history, mythology and shamanism, reflecting her deep-rooted connection to Goa. The main exhibition will feature works by Bhisaji Gadekar, Kaamna Patel, Mrinal Bahukhandi, Owl House Art Collective, Ragini Deshpande and several others.
Three new programmes add further dimension to this year’s edition. The LiveBox performance space will host theatre, music, poetry and a specially curated evening of Queer Performance Art. Expanding its engagement with younger audiences, the festival introduces a SkatePark and a Children’s Pavilion, offering interactive workshops and creative activities for children and young adults. The weekend segment of the festival will feature nine music acts by Goa-based artists, including Goa Jazz Academy, JazzMaTazz, Lojal and Mannequin Disorder, alongside over 15 feature-length and short films curated as part of the film programme. The 2026 edition is shaped by four curators: Nariyal Paani (Music), Anveer Mehta (Skatepark), Sachin Chatte (Film) and Avril Stormy Unger (Queer Programme). The foundation also announced its key sponsors for the 2026 programme. IFB Spice Secrets returns as the main sponsor for the second time, supporting the festival’s culinary offerings. RMZ Foundation joins as a key sponsor, enabling the Children’s Pavilion and Skate Park. The Entertainment Society of Goa returns as the primary venue partner. Founded in 2019 by Prashant Panjiar, Gopika Chowfla, Sitara Chowfla and Diptej Vernekar, Goa Open Arts is a not-for-profit, artist-led foundation dedicated to nurturing creative practices across the state through grants, exhibitions, mentorship and public programmes. As its flagship initiative, the Goa Open Arts Festival continues to celebrate Goa’s evolving artistic landscape while fostering dialogue, collaboration and community engagement. The festival invites art lovers, families, and visitors to join in Panjim this February for a homegrown celebration of creativity and possibility.
The Indian women’s cricket team scripted history by securing a 2-1 T20I series victory against Australia women’s national cricket team after a thrilling 17-run win in the third and final match at Adelaide Oval on Saturday. This remarkable triumph marks only the second time that India women’s national cricket team have won a bilateral T20I series against Australia. The Women in Blue last achieved this feat in 2016, when the side led by Mithali Raj clinched a 2-1 series win on Australian soil. Back in 2016, the visiting Indian team won the opening match by five wickets and followed it up with a 10-run victory via the DLS method to seal the series. Australia, however, avoided a whitewash with a 15-run win in the final game.
With this latest triumph, India once again demonstrated resilience and composure under pressure, ending a decade-long wait for a T20I series win over one of the strongest teams in women’s cricket.
Priyanka Chopra has once again proven why she is considered India’s global fashion icon. The actress recently stepped out for the promotional tour of her upcoming action film, transforming the red carpet into a pirate-core runway with three stunning ensembles. Her first look featured the elegant Datt Tidal Gown, inspired by sea elements. The off-shoulder white gown showcased delicate lace detailing and soft tidal patterns that reflected beachside aesthetics. Feminine and graceful, the outfit was priced at Rs 69,132 and styled with gold hoop earrings and a statement ring, keeping the look minimal yet impactful. For another appearance, Priyanka embraced modern glamour in a structured white gown featuring bold cut-outs and a thigh-high slit. The silhouette highlighted sophistication while maintaining the dramatic pirate-core theme through its fluid design and confident styling.
The final look made the biggest statement — an electric blue sheer gown from Altuzarra’s Fall/Winter 2025 couture collection. The outfit featured a structured top with a prominent bow neckline, paired with a completely see-through skirt that added a bold, edgy appeal. She elevated the look with a Judith Leiber Bali Parrot Clutch and Christian Louboutin Hot Chick Pumps in burnt copper tones. With corsets, sheer silhouettes, dramatic textures, and statement accessories, Priyanka Chopra once again demonstrated how theatrical fashion storytelling can redefine celebrity style. In an era where red-carpet looks often feel predictable, she continues to push boundaries and command attention with confidence and elegance.
PANAJI, GOA: In a heartfelt initiative to promote inclusion and empowerment, the Disability Rights Association of Goa (DRAG) organised its Annual Get-Together, EMPOWER 2026, on Sunday, February 8, 2026, at Shubham Jinn Ashram, Agacaim — a meditation and holistic healing centre run by the Pilar Fathers. The programme was held from 9:30 am to 4:00 pm and brought together persons with disabilities for a day filled with learning, interaction, and celebration. More than just an event, EMPOWER 2026 was envisioned as a safe and welcoming space where participants could feel included, heard, and empowered. The day featured interactive sessions on personality development, kitchen gardening, health awareness, mental well-being, and disability rights. Fun games, shared meals, and engaging activities further encouraged bonding and confidence-building among attendees. Participation in the programme was free of cost, ensuring that financial constraints did not hinder anyone from attending. To enhance accessibility, transport facilities were arranged from Panjim Bus Stand and Agacaim Market for participants who required assistance.
Fr. Hilario Fernandes, SFX, Director of the Centre, inaugurated the programme by reminding participants of their importance as God’s creations. Through religious reflections and quotes, he emphasised that their relationship with God and their inherent dignity matter far more than their disabilities or societal perceptions. Mithali Naik and her daughter Gargi from Giggle Gardeners, Borim, conducted an engaging session on kitchen gardening. They demonstrated hands-on techniques, including the correct proportion of soil mixing for a healthy and sustainable garden. Ms. Terrency Luis and Ms. Vivian highlighted the importance of a balanced diet for maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle. They also conducted health check-ups for all participants as part of the awareness initiative. Avelino de Sa, President of DRAG, elaborated on the provisions of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, urging participants to understand and assert their rights. Fr. Ivan D’Mello, SFX, delivered an insightful session on mental health, guiding participants through simple breathing exercises to help them let go of past experiences. He explained that dwelling on past challenges can affect the present and future, encouraging everyone to focus on healing and self-growth. The programme concluded with a thanksgiving Mass, where participants expressed gratitude for the Association’s continued support since its inception. Through EMPOWER 2026, DRAG reinforced the message that self-growth, dignity, and belonging are rights — not privileges — and that true empowerment begins when communities come together to learn, support, and uplift one another.
