Category: Events in Goa

Events in Goa

Traffic Advisory: Road Closures and Parking Arrangements for IFFI Float Parade and Rehearsals in Panaji

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

The Panaji Traffic Police has issued a comprehensive advisory for residents and commuters in view of the upcoming IFFI Float Parade and its rehearsal. On 18th November 2025, the stretch of D.B.B. Marg from the old Secretariat to Kala Academy will be closed for vehicular traffic from 15:00 to 17:00 hrs during the parade rehearsal. On 20th November, float assemblies will begin at Merces Junction on Panaji–Old Goa Service Road, with Promotional and State floats assembling near Divja Circle.

All floats will line up at the Starting Point at Old GMC via D.B.B. Marg (left side lane, incoming) from 13:00 hrs. Floats parked at Merces Junction will proceed via KTC Panaji to the line-up area. The parade will culminate near Kala Academy, Campal, after which the floats will be parked at the Football Ground on D.B.B. Marg until further instructions from traffic authorities. In addition, Inox Lane (Gen. Bernard Guedes Road) will remain closed for all vehicular traffic from 20th to 28th November 2025.

For incoming traffic, vehicles entering Panaji during the rehearsal and parade should follow designated diversion routes including the new Patto Bridge via Divja Circle and Dayanand Bandodkar statue, or via the new Mala Bridge for traffic from Bambolim. City buses will be suspended on parade routes during the event. Traffic from Ribandar will be diverted via the Ribandar Causeway and NH-748. Outgoing traffic, including route buses from Miramar, will be diverted via Campal Ganesh/Kala Academy, Fire Brigade Junction, St. Inez, Caculo Island, 18th June Road, and Church Square. Heavy and commercial vehicles are restricted from entering the city between 07:00 and 21:00 hrs, and tourist buses from Dona Paula will be restricted beyond Miramar Circle after 13:00 hrs.

Designated parking zones for vehicles with passes include PVR Inox Multiplex, Kala Academy (S1 & S2 pick-up/drop), and Market Lane (S4 Media). Vehicles without passes will be directed to EDC Plaza/MLCP and KTC Bus Stand for North Goa traffic, and via GMC Bambolim–Goa University–Miramar for South Goa traffic. No-parking zones have been declared along Jose Falcao Road, Joao Castro Road, Match Corner to Casa International (M.G. Road), Caculo Island to St. Inez Junction, Church Square to Cortin Foot Bridge, and Down the Road Pub to Match Corner.

Commuters are advised to follow the traffic guidelines, use alternate routes, and plan their travel in advance to avoid inconvenience during the IFFI Float Parade and rehearsals.

Events in Goa

Goa Journalist Awards 2025 Presented by CM Dr. Pramod Sawant on National Press Day

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant presented the Goa Journalist Awards 2025 to nine distinguished journalists on the occasion of National Press Day at the Institute of Menezes Braganza Hall, Panaji. The event celebrated and acknowledged the contributions of media professionals who have demonstrated outstanding commitment to public-interest journalism throughout the year. The Best Editor Award on National Integration and Communal Harmony was conferred upon Shri Pandurang Gaonkar, while Shri Ajay Buva was recognised for his impactful rural reporting. Ms Ramandeep Kaur received the award for reporting in public health and hygiene, highlighting her work in bringing key health-related issues to the forefront. Smt Vibha Verma was honoured for reporting with special reference to women, children, and social issues.

In the field of sports journalism, Shri Marcus Mergulhao was awarded for his consistent and insightful sports reporting. Ms Gauree Malkarnekar received recognition for her remarkable work in reporting on art and culture, while Shri Rajtilak Naik was awarded in the category of Photojournalism for producing the Best Photograph of the Year. Ms Christine Machado was felicitated for excellence in reporting on education, and Shri Sameep Narvekar was honoured for his reporting on achievements of the Government. Their contributions represented a diverse spectrum of journalistic impact, reflecting the evolving needs of society and the essential role of the press in shaping informed public discourse.

The event was graced by Commissioner-cum-Secretary (Information & Publicity) Shri Sarpreet Singh Gill, IAS, Director of the Department of Information & Publicity Shri Dipak Bandekar, and Goa Union of Journalists President Shri Rajtilak Naik. The occasion underscored the government’s recognition of the media’s role in upholding democratic values, promoting accountability, and serving as a bridge between the public and policymakers. The ceremony reaffirmed the importance of responsible journalism and celebrated the dedication of individuals who continue to pursue truth, awareness, and social progress through their work.

Events in Goa

International Film Festival of India 2025: Embracing Accessibility for All

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

The International Film Festival of India returns to celebrate the joy of cinema from November 20 to 28, 2025, bringing together filmmakers, artists, industry professionals, and movie lovers from around the world. This year, the festival expands its vision by placing accessibility at the heart of its cultural celebration, ensuring that the magic of cinema is open to everyone.

Designed with inclusivity in mind, the festival grounds feature wheelchair-friendly spaces throughout the venue, allowing seamless movement and comfortable viewing experiences. Sign-language interpreters will be present across key sessions, screenings, and interactive events, ensuring that the deaf and hard-of-hearing community can fully engage with conversations, presentations, and moments that define IFFI each year.

With improved elevator access and thoughtfully designed pathways, the festival ensures that guests of all mobility levels can enjoy the full IFFI experience without barriers. More than just a showcase of films, IFFI 2025 stands as a celebration of community, diversity, and shared storytelling.

By embracing accessibility, the festival reaffirms that cinema is not only an art form but a universal language meant to be experienced and enjoyed by all.

Events in Goa

Social Impact Conclave Goa 2025 Showcases Digital Responsibility, Neighbourhood Bonds & Community Values

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

The Social Impact Conclave Goa 2025, hosted by Voice Up and co-hosted by the Rights of Neighbours Campaign, brought together influencers, youth leaders, and community voices to reflect on the evolving role of digital creators in shaping society. The event opened with remarks by Mr. Muzammil, a member of SIO, who expressed that the conclave was designed to create voices capable of influencing society with empathy and responsibility. He reminded participants that true influence lies not in popularity but in impact, compassion, and accountability, qualities that every digital creator must uphold in today’s fast-paced online world.

The keynote address was delivered by veteran journalist Shree Prakash Kamat, who explored the immense power influencers hold in shaping public thought. He emphasised that content must be rooted in constitutional values and civic conscience to contribute meaningfully to society. Warning that purposeless content easily descends into trolling, he urged creators to maintain integrity and consistency in the values they represent, using their platforms thoughtfully and responsibly.

One of the most engaging sessions, “Good Neighbours Build a Society,” was led by Dr. Aisha Fidha of GIO. She reflected on the warmth, trust, and solidarity that once characterised neighbourhood life in India, where communities functioned as extended families. Dr. Fidha explained how urban lifestyles and rising individualism have created what she termed “urban coldness,” leaving people emotionally distant despite physical proximity. She highlighted the physical consequences of weakened community bonds—such as increased stress, disturbed sleep, and reduced emergency safety—as well as psychological effects, including loneliness, anxiety, and social withdrawal. She stressed that neighbourhoods are the first unit of society, and strong neighbourly connections are essential for both social harmony and human well-being.

The programme concluded with a thought-provoking address by Mr. Asif Hussain, Chairman of the Board of Innovative Education. He spoke about the responsibility influencers carry in shaping society’s moral and emotional landscape. In a powerful remark, he said that “mankind should be heroes, but we have reduced ourselves to zeros,” pointing to humanity’s role in conflicts, environmental degradation, and social chaos. Yet he reminded the audience that positive change is always possible, and that even the darkest moments eventually give way to light. Mr. Hussain encouraged influencers to use their platforms for constructive storytelling by creating reels, videos, and short films that inspire transformation. Urging the youth of Goa to rise to the occasion, he emphasised that meaningful change begins with consistent small efforts, saying, “Boond boond se banta hai samandar.”

A total of 24 influencers and change-makers were honoured during the event for their contributions to society through digital media. Among them, Mr. Yunus Shaikh and Mr. Usman Khan Pathan received special recognition for their exceptional work in driving social awareness and promoting impactful causes through their digital skills. Their dedication stood out as an example of how online influence can be used to create real-world change.

Events in Goa

Aamir Khan Headlines Fireside Chat at IFFI 2025: “The Narrative Architect of Social Transformation”

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

Aamir Khan’s presence at the 56th International Film Festival of India adds a rare and compelling dimension to this year’s celebration of cinema. Appearing for a special Fireside Chat titled “The Narrative Architect of Social Transformation,” Aamir brings with him decades of experience in crafting stories that resonate far beyond the screen. Known for his unwavering commitment to socially rooted narratives, he has consistently challenged mainstream cinema to be more introspective, more accountable, and more willing to spark uncomfortable yet necessary conversations. This session offers audiences a closer look at the intention and responsibility that guide his work—how he approaches each film not just as entertainment, but as an opportunity to shift perspectives and inspire collective dialogue.

The conversation, moderated by acclaimed film critic and writer Baradwaj Rangan, invites a thoughtful exploration of storytelling, purpose, and the evolving role of cinema in shaping culture. Aamir reflects on the choices that have defined his filmography, the meticulous process behind building narratives with impact, and the emotional and creative demands of aligning art with meaningful social commentary. As he speaks about the challenges of balancing artistic expression with public expectation, he also emphasizes the transformative potential that cinema holds when crafted with sincerity and awareness.

The Fireside Chat becomes more than a festival highlight—it becomes a timely reflection on the intersection between creativity and conscience. At a moment when audiences are seeking stories that resonate with truth and depth, Aamir Khan’s insights reaffirm the powerful link between filmmaking and societal change. Hosted at the iconic Kala Academy in Goa, the event captures the essence of what IFFI continues to champion: cinema not just as an art form, but as a catalyst for progress, empathy, and enduring conversation.