Category: Events in Goa

Events in Goa

National Petalists Day Celebrated in Goa, Marking 10 Years of Inclusive Livelihoods for Adults with Intellectual Disabilities

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Written by Intern Rency Gomes | Team Allycaral 

Goa | Craftizen Foundation celebrated National Petalists Day in Goa at the Museum of Goa, marking 10 years of the Petalists Livelihood Programme — a pioneering initiative that enables adults with intellectual disabilities to engage in meaningful, creative livelihoods.


The event brought together Petalists, partner organisations, caregivers, educators, and government representatives to celebrate a decade of collaboration, creativity, and inclusion. National Petalists Day is envisioned as a two-month celebration that began on December 3, the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, and continues with events across Bengaluru, Pune, Lucknow, Hyderabad, and Goa, highlighting the abilities, talents, and contributions of adults with intellectual disabilities.

Launched in 2016, the Petalists Livelihood Programme focuses on creating structured and dignified livelihood opportunities through craft-based work. Across vocational centres, Petalists create handcrafted products using recycled temple flowers and other craft forms, combining therapeutic engagement with skill development and income pathways. Over the past decade, the programme has grown into one of India’s largest collaborative livelihood models in the disability sector, supporting more than 3,000 adults with intellectual disabilities across 100+ partner organisations in 11 states.

In Goa, the programme has created sustained livelihood opportunities through strong partnerships with local organisations, trainers, and caregivers. These collaborations have enabled adults with intellectual disabilities to participate meaningfully in creative work while building confidence, skills, and social inclusion.

The Goa celebration was graced by Varsha Naik, Director, Department for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Government of Goa, as Chief Guest, along with Taha Haaziq, Secretary, Goa State Commission for Persons with Disabilities. Their presence highlighted the importance of institutional support in strengthening inclusive livelihood ecosystems.

Other dignitaries and special guests included Prakash Kamat, senior journalist and social worker; Avelino de Sa, Founder and President, Disability Rights Association of Goa (DRAG); Mayura Balasubramanian, Founder and CEO, Craftizen Foundation; Vineet Saraiwala, Founder, Atypical Advantage; and Kumaraswamy, Director – Livelihoods, Craftizen Foundation. Leaders from partner organisations, parents, caregivers, trainers, and Petalists were also present.

A key highlight of the event was the active participation of Petalists, caregivers, and partner organisations, who shared their journeys and experiences with the programme. Creative group activities, artisan engagement, and a celebratory cake-cutting marked the milestone, reinforcing the inclusive and participatory spirit of National Petalists Day.

Aligned with International Flower Day on January 19, National Petalists Day is envisioned as a month-long national movement rather than a single-day event. The 2026 campaign began with an online launch on December 3 and continues with celebrations across Hyderabad, Goa, Lucknow, Pune, and Bengaluru.

Speaking at the event, Mayura Balasubramanian expressed gratitude to partner organisations whose continued commitment has enabled the programme to scale and sustain its impact over the past decade.

The Goa celebration concluded with closing remarks by Kumaraswamy and Sagarika Prabhu Gaonkar, Zonal Manager – Goa, Craftizen Foundation, who thanked the Petalists, partners, caregivers, and guests, reaffirming Craftizen’s belief that inclusive livelihoods thrive through collaboration, shared ownership, and community engagement.

Events in Goa

7th Adivasi Vidhyarthi Sammelan Organised at Ravindra Bhavan, Margao

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Written by Intern Rency Gomes || Team Allycaral 

Minister for Tribal Welfare, Dr. Ramesh Tawadkar, attended the day-long 7th Adivasi Vidhyarthi Sammelan, organised by the Directorate of Tribal Welfare, at Ravindra Bhavan, Margao.


The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Director of Sports Dr. Ajay Gaude, Director of Tribal Welfare Nilesh Dhiagodkar, Chairman of the Goa State Scheduled Tribes Finance & Development Corporation Ltd. Vasudev Gaunkar, and President of the North Goa Zilla Panchayat Dhaku Madkaikar, along with other officials and representatives.

The Sammelan focused on motivating tribal students, highlighting educational opportunities, and reinforcing the government’s commitment towards the academic, social, and overall development of students from tribal communities.

The programme served as a platform for interaction between students and policymakers, aiming to strengthen awareness about welfare schemes and initiatives designed for the upliftment of Scheduled Tribe students in Goa.

Events in Goa

When Sunidhi Chauhan Took Over Goa: A Night of Nostalgia, Energy, and Collective Joy

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Intern Swara Bodke || Team Allycaral

On January 25, 2026, at the 1919 Sportz Cricket Stadium in Verna, Goa, the state experienced more than just a live concert—it witnessed a shared emotional journey powered by music. Sunidhi Chauhan’s performance transformed the venue into a space where memories, energy and collective happiness flowed freely, cutting across age groups and generations.

As soon as Sunidhi Chauhan took the stage, the atmosphere shifted. Her powerful vocals ignited the crowd, and the response was instant and overwhelming. From Gen Z audiences capturing every beat on their phones to millennials singing along with nostalgia-filled smiles, the concert felt like a living archive of shared musical moments. Social media quickly reflected the mood of the night, filled with reels, stories, shaky videos, hoarse voices and wide smiles, all echoing the same sentiment—the vibe was unmatched.

The performance seamlessly moved between emotions. Soulful tracks created moments of stillness, reflection and deep connection, while iconic high-energy numbers sent waves of excitement through the crowd. People danced without hesitation, sang without worrying about perfection and allowed themselves to be fully present in the moment. For a few hours, differences in age or background dissolved, replaced by a shared rhythm and collective joy.

What made the night especially memorable was the personal connection Sunidhi Chauhan established with the audience. Her stage presence was confident, magnetic and deeply engaging, making it feel less like a performance and more like a celebration shared between artist and audience. The energy flowed effortlessly from the stage to the crowd and back again, creating an atmosphere of unity and warmth.

For younger fans, the concert was a chance to experience live the music they had grown up hearing through playlists and reels. For others, it was a reminder of school days, road trips, house parties and simpler times. Together, the experience reinforced the idea that good music does not fade with time—it grows alongside the people who listen to it.

That night in Goa became a pause from routine, stress and deadlines. It was about dancing with strangers who felt like friends, about feeling alive through music, and about carrying home memories that would resurface every time a Sunidhi Chauhan song played again. The concert was not just an event; it was a moment—one that will live on in tired legs, full hearts and unforgettable melodies.

Events in Goa

First-Ever Zaddachem Fest Brings Pilar Together in a Celebration of Unity and Culture

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Intern Swara Bodke || Team Allycaral

History was created in Pilar on Republic Day 2026 as Clube Marius Festacar hosted the first-ever Zaddachem Fest (Festival of Trees) at the Milroc Colina complex. Curated by renowned linguist and cultural curator Dr. Gwendolyn de Ornelas, the festival brought together Goans and visitors from across India and beyond for a day rooted in heritage, nature, music, food, and community bonding.

Deeply anchored in Goan values of ekvott (unity) and inclusivity, Zaddachem Fest stood out as a people-centric celebration. With no sponsors or chief guests, the festival ensured that the spotlight remained firmly on collective participation, shared heritage, and community spirit.

The day began with a heritage and nature walk led by Dr. Suresh Kunkalikar, Dean of the Goa College of Agriculture, along with noted horticulturist Miguel Braganza. Participants were introduced to medicinal plants and herbs growing within the complex, highlighting the importance of traditional knowledge and biodiversity. This was followed by a Kadha workshop conducted by Dr. Ornelas, where she demonstrated traditional herbal brewing methods and explained the health benefits of local remedies used for colds and coughs.

Cultural performances added warmth and vibrancy to the festival, with music by the Barreto Brothers, the D’sa family, Russell Barreto, and Linda Diniz Braganza. A highlight of the day was the flagship coconut shell dance led by Dr. Ornelas, which drew enthusiastic participation and applause from the gathering.

Senior journalist Prakash Kamat hosted an engaging Bolcaoancheo Gozalli, joined by coordinator Avelino D’sa and resource persons Sabina De Cunha, Rama Parsekar, and Rosita Heredia. The session encouraged meaningful conversations, storytelling, and intergenerational exchange.

Following a traditional homemade Goan lunch, the programme continued with awareness sessions by the Goa Police on cybercrime, talks by local health officers on healthy eating habits, and a presentation on garbage management involving residents of the Milroc Colina complex.

Speaking about the event, Festacar Marius Fernandes said that Zaddachem Fest was not merely a celebration but a reminder of the unity and shared values that bind Goans together, whether in Goa or abroad. He added that Milroc Colina’s lush gardens and open spaces provided the perfect setting for the festival’s historic first edition.

Serving as a cultural bridge, Zaddachem Fest encouraged participants to reconnect with their roots, language, and traditions while embracing Goa’s rich multicultural identity, leaving behind a strong message of unity, sustainability, and community-driven celebration.

Events in Goa

Basic TV Anchoring Workshop Opens Registrations for Aspiring Media Professionals

Tanisha Cardozo

A Basic TV Anchoring Workshop has been announced with the aim of introducing aspiring anchors and media enthusiasts to the fundamentals of confident speaking and on-camera presentation. Designed as a compact yet intensive two-hour session, the workshop focuses on building essential broadcast skills through guided instruction and practical insights.

Participants will be introduced to the basics of TV anchoring, including voice modulation, clear diction, effective body language and confidence while facing the camera. The session is structured to help beginners understand how communication, posture and expression come together in a broadcast environment, offering a strong foundation for those interested in media and television careers.

The workshop is open to students, beginners, aspiring anchors and media enthusiasts who wish to explore the fundamentals of anchoring or improve their on-camera presence. With a limited intake of only ten participants, the programme aims to ensure personalised attention and interactive learning.

By combining theoretical understanding with practical orientation, the workshop seeks to equip participants with the confidence and clarity required to take their first steps into the world of television anchoring and media presentation.

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