Category: Events in Goa

Events in Goa

‘Shivshahichi Garjana’ Brings Shivaji Maharaj’s Legacy Alive in Mapusa

Tanisha Cardozo

Mapusa witnessed a grand celebration of history and culture as the Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, presented “Shivshahichi Garjana” to commemorate Shiv Jayanti. Held at Shree Bodgeshwar Ground, the event transformed the venue into a vibrant stage of storytelling, bringing to life the journey and legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

    The large-scale production featured over 150 artistes performing on a specially designed revolving stage, creating an immersive theatrical experience for the audience. Through powerful performances and dramatic sequences, the event captured key moments from Shivaji Maharaj’s life, highlighting his courage, leadership, and connection with Goa and its people.

    Tourism Minister Rohan A. Khaunte emphasised the importance of presenting history in engaging and contemporary formats, noting that such initiatives help connect younger generations with India’s rich heritage. The event also saw the presence of key dignitaries, including Joshua D’Souza, Priya Mishal, and officials from GTDC, reflecting strong institutional support for cultural initiatives in the state.

    A standout moment of the evening was the spectacular drone show featuring 300 drones. The sky lit up with synchronised formations depicting iconic symbols such as the Bhagwa Flag, Raigad Fort, and the coronation of Shivaji Maharaj. The visual display added a modern and captivating dimension to the historical tribute.

    The performances were further elevated by the portrayal of Shivaji Maharaj by Shantanu Moghe and Jijamata by Alka Kubal, whose powerful enactments brought emotional depth and authenticity to the production.

    The event drew a large and enthusiastic crowd, underlining the deep cultural connection and reverence for Shivaji Maharaj among the people of Goa. “Shivshahichi Garjana” not only celebrated a historic figure but also showcased Goa’s commitment to blending tradition with innovation, creating memorable experiences for both residents and visitors.

    Events in Goa

    Eggsistential Cracksis’: Asavari Gurav’s Solo Play to Take the Stage at Goa Open Arts Festival 2026

    Swara Bodke

    Written by Intern Swara Bodke || Team Allycaral

    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.

    Events in Goa

    Goa Open Arts Festival 2026 Returns to Celebrate Goa’s Creative Spirit

    Swara Bodke

    Written by Intern Swara Bodke || Team Allycaral

    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.

    Events in Goa

    Goa Carnaval 2026 Ends on a High Note with Massive Statewide Participation

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    Written by Intern Rency Gomes || Team Allycaral 

    Department of Tourism, Government of Goa successfully concluded the vibrant celebrations of Goa Carnaval 2026, held across Panaji, Porvorim, Margao, Vasco, Mapusa and Morjim, drawing enthusiastic participation from residents and visitors alike.


    Over the multi-city celebrations, the streets of Goa transformed into spectacular avenues of colour, music and movement. Thousands of domestic and international tourists gathered to experience one of India’s most iconic cultural festivals. A notable number of international visitors attended the celebrations, many witnessing the grandeur of Carnaval for the first time, while others returned to relive its unmistakable festive spirit.

    The Minister for Tourism, Rohan A. Khaunte, said the successful execution of the festival reflected the collective efforts of artists, communities and government agencies. He highlighted that the large turnout demonstrated Goa’s strong global appeal and its capability to host cultural events of such scale with efficiency and vibrancy. From creatively designed floats to disciplined event management, he noted that Carnaval 2026 set a strong benchmark while ensuring celebrations remained vibrant, safe and memorable.

    Director of Tourism, Kedar Naik, emphasised that Goa Carnaval continues to evolve as a flagship cultural offering, strengthening the state’s positioning as a year-round destination. He added that the enthusiastic international participation reaffirmed the vision of promoting experiential tourism while empowering local talent and communities.

    At each centre, the parades were led by the much-loved King Momo, whose ceremonial proclamation set the tone for days of celebration. Elaborately designed floats reflected themes ranging from Goa’s cultural heritage and environmental awareness to social messaging and contemporary creativity, showcasing the imagination and craftsmanship of local artists and community groups.

    Traditional folk performances, cultural dances, live music, street acts and choreographed showcases captivated audiences across age groups. The seamless blend of heritage and modern expression reinforced Goa’s identity as a destination offering living culture alongside scenic beauty.

    Robust arrangements for crowd management, infrastructure support, safety measures and visitor facilitation ensured smooth and secure celebrations across all centres. As the curtains close on Goa Carnaval 2026, the festival leaves behind lasting memories while reinforcing the state’s standing as a premier cultural destination on the global tourism map.

    Events in Goa

    QUT Music Students Collaborate with Goa Jazz Academy for Special Performance in Guirim

    Tanisha Cardozo

    Student musicians from Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Australia, joined hands with students of the Goa Jazz Academy (GJA) to present a special collaborative music show on the evening of February 13. Hosted at the academy’s campus in Guirim, near Mapusa, the event reflected a vibrant spirit of exchange, listening and experimentation.

    The performance was the culmination of several days of intensive workshops and rehearsals, during which students from both institutions worked together in mixed ensembles. They composed, arranged and refined original pieces, drawing from diverse musical influences and individual creative styles. The final presentation featured fresh compositions shaped through shared artistic processes, offering audiences an engaging and dynamic musical experience.

    The collaboration highlighted the value of international partnerships in music education, creating opportunities for students to expand their artistic horizons and learn from one another. According to Divya Gupta, co-founder of the Goa Jazz Academy, the initiative not only fostered creative growth but also showcased new work created entirely by the students themselves.

    The evening stood as a testament to the power of music in building bridges across cultures, reinforcing the role of collaborative learning in nurturing the next generation of musicians.