Category: Events in Goa

Events in Goa

NoMoZo 7.0 Turns Porvorim into a Living Showcase of Sustainable Innovation

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

Transforming Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Marg into a vibrant, people-centric public space, the seventh edition of NoMoZo (No-Motor Zone) was held in Porvorim on Sunday, January 11, 2026. The annual initiative once again demonstrated how reduced vehicular movement, community participation and innovation can reimagine urban living in a more sustainable and inclusive way.

Organised under the leadership of Shri Rohan Khaunte, Hon’ble Minister for Information Technology, Electronics & Communications (DITE&C), Tourism, Printing & Stationery and MLA of Porvorim, NoMoZo 7.0 brought together citizens, startups, students and institutions on a common platform. GTDC Chairman and MLA Saligao Shri Kedar J. Naik was also present at the event. Renowned actor Shri Manoj Bajpayee attended as the Chief Guest, adding further prominence to the occasion.

A key highlight of NoMoZo 7.0 was the strong focus on sustainability and responsible innovation. The Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, set up an engaging stall that showcased the State’s vision for Regenerative Tourism. Through informative displays, the stall highlighted responsible travel practices aimed at creating positive social, cultural and environmental impacts while encouraging deeper engagement with Goa’s communities, heritage and natural ecosystems.

The Tourism Department’s presence also highlighted major cultural initiatives, including Carnaval and other new tourism offerings, along with a preview of the upcoming Shigmo festival—one of Goa’s most vibrant and deeply rooted cultural celebrations. This integrated approach reflected Goa Tourism’s commitment to sustainability, culture and community participation, positioning the State as a year-round, experience-driven destination.

Adding a cultural dimension to the event, a dedicated heritage zone showcased the work of local artisans, including traditional Goan earthen pots, offering visitors a glimpse into Goa’s living craft traditions and indigenous skills.

Innovation and entrepreneurship were at the heart of NoMoZo 7.0. The Startup & IT Promotion Cell (SITPC) under the Department of Information Technology, Electronics and Communications (DITE&C) curated a dedicated space for startups and student entrepreneurs to showcase cutting-edge solutions and emerging ideas.

Students participating under the Campus Innovation Scheme presented projects addressing real-world challenges through technology and sustainability. Don Bosco College of Engineering students showcased ‘Synapse-Connect: A Neuro-Muscular Signal Integration Framework’, focused on advanced human–machine interaction, and a sustainability-driven project on processing and testing recyclable materials for 3D printing applications.

From Agnel Institute of Technology and Design, the ‘Innovator’s Squad’ presented a smart jacket designed to assist visually impaired individuals with obstacle detection and navigation, while another team showcased AI Aaji, a voice assistant aimed at providing real-time updates and user support.

Several startups added further depth to the showcase. Sevaco presented a mobile application connecting busy individuals with verified students for everyday tasks. Burraa highlighted its Go-Out app that helps users discover and book curated experiences. Asier Solutions showcased STEM skill-building courses, while DigiWiz demonstrated its work in robotics, drone kits, IoT hardware and home automation.

NoMoZo 7.0 successfully highlighted how innovation, technology and entrepreneurship are driving Goa’s growth. The diverse exhibits and strong community participation reinforced the State’s emergence as a hub for sustainable, technology-driven and socially responsible solutions—demonstrating that when people reclaim public spaces, meaningful change follows.

Events in Goa

Goa Forest Diversity Festival 2026 to Celebrate Nature, Culture and Community at Art Park, Campal

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

The Goa Forest Diversity Festival 2026 will be held from 17th to 19th January at Art Park, Campal, Panaji. The three-day festival is being organised by the Goa Forest Development Corporation Ltd. (GFDC) with the aim of celebrating Goa’s rich forest heritage, biodiversity and indigenous knowledge systems, while fostering a deeper connection between nature and local communities.

Dr. Deviya Rane, while briefing the media, stated that the festival is envisioned as more than just an event. She described it as a celebration of Goa’s forests and the cultural, ecological and social values rooted within them. Against the backdrop of growing environmental challenges, the festival aims to promote conservation awareness in an engaging, inclusive and accessible manner for people of all age groups.

She outlined three key objectives of the Goa Forest Diversity Festival: to educate and sensitise citizens, particularly children and youth, about forest conservation and biodiversity; to celebrate traditional wisdom, culture and sustainable practices rooted in forest ecosystems; and to foster a shared sense of responsibility towards protecting and preserving Goa’s natural heritage.

Over the course of three days, the festival will offer a vibrant mix of education, culture and celebration. One of the major highlights will be the Angon Experience, an immersive traditional space that brings indigenous practices to life through live demonstrations, storytelling and interactive sessions. Dr. Rane described Angon as a signature attraction that will offer visitors rare insights into sustainable forest-based living.

The festival will also feature authentic tribal cuisine, showcasing traditional forest-based food practices and flavours. A Green Bazaar will be set up to display eco-friendly products, forest produce and items that promote sustainable living.

Cultural performances will form a key component of the festival programme, including traditional folk dances such as Morulo, Jagor acts, Fugdi and other regional performances. A special musical performance by Sonia Shirsat is scheduled on Day 1, while band performances will take place on Day 2 and Day 3.

The festival will also spotlight inclusion through performances such as the Goff Dance on Wheels by the Disability Alliance for Inclusive Goa, along with impactful theatre productions like “Mhaka Naka Plastic”, which convey strong messages on conservation and social responsibility.

Dr. Rane emphasised that the Goa Forest Diversity Festival is a one-of-its-kind initiative, thoughtfully curated to bring together conservation, culture, inclusion and community engagement on a single platform. She also revealed that a special surprise element has been planned and will be unveiled during the inaugural ceremony.

Appealing to the media, Dr. Rane sought their continued support in spreading awareness about the festival and encouraging public participation, highlighting the vital role of media in taking the message of conservation beyond the venue and into homes across Goa.

Citizens are invited to visit Art Park, Campal, from 17th to 19th January 2026 and be part of this unique celebration of nature, culture and community.

Events in Goa

Back in Time: Retro-Themed Market Brings Nostalgia, Music & Goan Flavours Together

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

The Back in Time – Retro Themed Market invites the community to rewind the clock and relive the charm of a bygone era through music, fashion, food and shared memories. Designed as a joyful celebration of nostalgia, the market blends vintage aesthetics with meaningful community engagement, creating a space where the past and present meet seamlessly.

Visitors are encouraged to step out in their finest retro avatars — from bell bottoms and polka dots to vintage sarees and old-school swagger — with a special Best Dressed Retro Look prize adding a playful edge to the experience. Music forms the heart of the evening, as sing-along sessions with Peter Savio and timeless retro hits transport audiences back to the golden age of melody and rhythm, inviting everyone to dance, hum along and relive cherished moments.

Beyond nostalgia, the market also champions conscious living through its preloved sale initiative built on the principles of Relove, Reduce and Reuse. By giving preloved items a new life, the event promotes sustainable shopping while reminding visitors that style and responsibility can go hand in hand.

Adding a deeply personal touch is the community wall, where attendees are invited to share what they miss most about the old days — sparking conversations, memories and connections across generations. Local Goan vendors complete the experience with authentic food, traditional snacks, handcrafted goods and unique finds, reinforcing the importance of supporting local talent and culture.

More than just a market, Back in Time is a celebration of memories, music and mindful choices — a space where families, friends and communities come together to honour the past while shaping a more connected and sustainable present.

Events in Goa

Sunshine Art and Literature Festival (SALF) 2026 Opens with Creativity, Culture and Celebration

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

The Sunshine Art and Literature Festival (SALF) 2026 commenced with a vibrant and thoughtfully curated opening day that celebrated creativity, culture and youthful expression. The festival opened with a warm welcome to guests and participants, followed by engaging student performances that reflected artistic diversity, confidence and imagination, setting the tone for the days ahead.

The opening day was made even more special by the esteemed presence of Mr. Jackie Shroff ji and Mrs. Sulakshana Sawant ji, whose participation brought warmth, inspiration and a sense of occasion to the festival. Their interaction with students and visitors added a memorable personal touch to the celebrations.

Throughout the day, the festival grounds came alive with thoughtfully designed stalls showcasing food, crafts, games and student-led initiatives, creating a space that encouraged interaction, discovery and creativity. Visitors explored ideas, flavours and artistic expressions while engaging with the vibrant energy that defined the festival.

A series of enriching sessions added depth to Day 1, with discussions and workshops on preserving heritage, filmmaking, Kaavi art, public speaking, podcasting and a young author’s interview offering valuable insights and inspiration. These sessions reflected SALF’s commitment to nurturing dialogue, creativity and learning across disciplines.

Day 1 marked a strong and promising beginning for SALF 2026, leaving visitors inspired and eager for what lies ahead. With its blend of art, literature, culture and youthful energy, the Sunshine Art and Literature Festival continues to shape itself as a meaningful platform for expression, exchange and celebration.

Events in Goa

‘Festa do Povo’ Returns to Panaji for Third Edition of Community-Led Festival

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

Festa do Povo, which translates to ‘Festival of the People’, returns to Panaji this January for its third edition, reaffirming its vision of creating shared civic spaces rooted in community participation. Scheduled for January 24 and 25, the festival will unfold along the mangrove-lined pedestrian spine at Patto Plaza, bringing together residents, artists, performers, and food curators to celebrate the city’s culture, heritage, and everyday life.

Conceived around the principle of being of the people, by the people, and for the people, Festa do Povo is a community-led initiative supported by the Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP) and Imagine Panaji. Since its inception in 2023, residents from several city wards—particularly those living in Panaji’s historic neighbourhoods—have played an active role in shaping the festival’s planning and programming.

The two-day festival celebrates Panaji as a nearly 200-year-old city, drawing inspiration from its neighbourhoods, people, and the quiet social bonds that define everyday life. Through music, dance, food, storytelling, and interactive spaces, Festa do Povo reimagines the city as a common civic space where everyone belongs.

The programme will feature a diverse range of performances spread across both days, including a temple drum medley associated with Shigmo, lamp dance, brass band performances, jazz, Bharatnatyam, children’s choir presentations, band performances, dancers, and educational trails. An art corner and a dedicated children’s zone will ensure that the festival remains inclusive and engaging for all age groups.

Food plays a central role in the celebration, with stalls curated by established city restaurants as well as home chefs, offering visitors a taste of Goa’s rich and diverse culinary traditions.

Adding to the festival’s intimate and reflective character, informal storytelling sessions inspired by Goa’s folklore will take place across different corners of the venue, set against the serene mangrove backdrop of Patto Plaza.

Conceived as an open celebration of life in the city, Festa do Povo is free and open to all, with no entry fee, inviting everyone to come together, slow down, and rediscover Panaji through the lens of community, culture, and shared belonging.