The Lairai Jatra Shirgao 2025 is indeed special as it has been declared a state festival, elevating its significance and showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Goa on a larger platform. This declaration not only highlights the festival’s importance but also ensures its promotion and support from the state government.
As a state festival, the Lairai Jatra Shirgao 2025 is expected to draw larger crowds, both local and international, thereby boosting tourism and cultural exchange. The state’s recognition of this festival underscores its commitment to preserving and promoting Goan traditions and cultural identity.
The declaration as a state festival also implies that the event will be organized with greater resources and infrastructure, ensuring a more vibrant and engaging experience for participants. It will likely feature a wider array of cultural performances, traditional rituals, and community activities, making it a truly immersive experience.
Moreover, this recognition can lead to increased media coverage and publicity, further enhancing the festival’s reputation and appeal. It presents an opportunity for Goa to showcase its unique cultural practices and traditions to a broader audience, potentially attracting new visitors and enthusiasts.
In essence, the Lairai Jatra Shirgao 2025, as a state festival, is set to be a grand celebration that not only honors Goddess Lairai but also serves as a testament to Goa’s rich cultural heritage and community spirit. It promises to be an unforgettable experience, filled with devotion, culture, and joy, reflecting the essence of Goan traditions.
Get ready to join the buzz at the Goa College of Agriculture’s Honey Fest, celebrating a century of fests curated by the inimitable Festakar Marius Fernandes. This special event blends agriculture, culture, sustainability, and community spirit, taking place on April 12, 2025, from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
Fest Highlights:
Festakarachi Pasoi: A heritage walk led by Festakar Marius Fernandes, exploring bee-friendly flora and witnessing the hiving of stingless bees.
Lighting of the Lamp: A symbolic opening ceremony featuring respected names from agriculture and academia.
Opening Performance: A vibrant “Kottieacho Nach” dance piece choreographed by Dr. Gwendolyn de Ornelas.
Special Milestone: A surprise tribute to mark the 100th Fest milestone curated by Festakar Marius.
Interactive Talks: Engaging conversations on bee management, honey packaging, and branding.
Workshops: Hands-on sessions on beehive installation and care, and Goan honey Batica cooking demo.
Cultural Showcases: Fashion show, Konkani skit, traditional performances, and a surprise quiz on bees and honey.
Join the Celebration! Dean Dr. Suresh Kunkalikar shared, “This event is a unique blend of education and celebration — highlighting the vital role of bees in agriculture while honoring local culture and knowledge.”
Festakar Marius Fernandes added, “A hundred fests later, we’re still rooted in the same idea: inclusion, sustainability, and community joy.”
Event Details:
Date: April 12, 2025
Time: 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Venue: Goa College of Agriculture, Old Goa
Mark Your Calendars! Don’t miss this opportunity to join the Honey Fest celebration, learn about the importance of bees, and experience the rich cultural heritage of Goa.
The spirit of Goa came alive on 5th April 2025 at the Goa College of Home Science with the successful debut of the Khoshi Lokanchem Fest – the Happy People’s Festival – curated by Festakar Marius Fernandes and hosted by Principal Dr. Mahesh Pai. This marked Festakar’s 99th inclusive festival, celebrating Goa’s vibrant heritage, culture, food, music, and people.
The day began with the symbolic Festakar Pasoi – a special knowledge-sharing walk around the college’s loom and textile laboratory, led by Marius Fernandes and Principal Dr. Pai. Dignitaries including Miguel Braganza, Alexyz, Avelino D’sa, Nicole Suares, Willy Goes, Sheryl Afonso, Louella Dias, and Fatima Bertha Fernandes joined in the ceremonial lamp lighting. Principal Dr. Pai officially opened the festival with a warm welcome, a presentation of a Kunbi shawl and a plant to Festakar.
Book Launch – “Across Three Continents: Legacy of Antonetta Fernandes”
The festival also witnessed the heartfelt launch of Across Three Continents: Legacy of Antonetta Fernandes, a powerful debut by Nicole Suares, published by Dr. Gwendolyn de Ornelas. Noted writer Willy Goes emphasized the importance of preserving family legacies through documentation.
Culture in Conversation & Performance
A midday highlight was the Ghumot Gozalli, a spirited discussion between Marius Fernandes and journalist Nicole Suares on the future of the Ghumot – Goa’s state instrument. In a festive moment, Dr. Pai cut a Ghumot-shaped cake while the Sunshine Band performed the traditional Konkani birthday song.
Making their debut were the 5G – Global Goan Girls’ Ghumot Group with a vibrant performance of Goa Beach by Kuljeet Bhamra, choreographed by Ragwi Raju Naik.
Goan Flavours, Health and Community Wellness
In the Bolcãocheo Gozalli sessions, Professor Sheryl Afonso led insightful talks with Dr. Gwendolyn de Ornelas on women’s health and nutrition, followed by a session with Suman Goswami on sugar-free Goan treats like sweet potato neureos and Ragi Tizaan.
A sugar-free food workshop was complemented by a bustling bazaar with over 20 stalls offering local sweets, plants, seasonal produce, and crafts.
Workshops, Inclusion & Artistic Showcases
Counsellor Louella Dias introduced a student flash mob, followed by impactful workshops on accessibility, inclusion, and diversity by Prakash Kamat. A traditional Diuli dance and a Kunbi saree draping demonstration by Dr. Charlotte Facho Lourenco, featuring Dr. Gwendolyn de Ornelas as the model, showcased Goa’s living textile heritage.
In a later Bolcãocheo Gozalli, Dr. Pai and Prakash Kamat discussed building an inclusive future for Goa.
The staff of the college—teaching and non-teaching—took the stage with Goenchim Noketram, choreographed by Louella Dias. The much-loved Kottieacho Nach, choreographed by Dr. Gwendolyn de Ornelas and conceptualized by Festakar Marius, brought the community together in a joyous cultural anthem.
Live music by Dr. Glenis Mendonca (guitar) and Renald Mendonca (violin) filled the air with beloved Konkani melodies, followed by a spirited closing performance by the Sunshine Band.
In her vote of thanks, Professor Sheryl Afonso acknowledged all contributors and participants. Festakar Marius Fernandes reflected, “Khoshi Lokanchem Fest brought together diverse voices, traditions and talents, building a people-powered platform where Goa’s legacy meets contemporary relevance.”
Looking Ahead – The 100th Festival!
The grand milestone – the 100th Fest – will take place on 12th April 2025 at the Goa College of Agriculture, Old Goa with the HONEY Fest, promising to inspire future generations through joy, collaboration, and cultural pride.
Gudi Padwa, marking the beginning of the Marathi New Year, was joyfully celebrated at Smt. Sunandabai Bandodakar School, Salvador de Mundo, Porvorim The festivities commenced with the worship of Chaitragauri, accompanied by the creation of a traditional Chaitrangan rangoli, featuring 33 auspicious symbols.
The program aimed to educate students about the significance of seasonal fruits and their impact on health. The importance of wild spring fruits like lime, karvande, charoli, cashew, jackfruit, mango, and kokum was explained. These fruits were offered as prasad, along with dal and panhe. In addition to this there was also neem chutney was prepared and served to the students as it is has healthy properties.
Students were introduced to traditional arts like rangoli and cooking. The program also highlighted the significance of summer drinks like panhe and kokum sharbat.This celebration not only marked the beginning of the new year but also provided a unique opportunity for students to connect with their cultural heritage and adopt healthy habits.
*Panaji, 22 March 2025* : The streets of Panaji came alive with colour, music, and traditional Goan culture as the much-awaited Shigmotsav Parade took place in the capital city on March 22. The annual festival, known for its vibrant floats, lively folk performances, and captivating traditional music, delivered an evening of grand celebrations that reflected Goa’s rich cultural heritage.
The Shigmotsav Parade in Panaji organised by the Panaji Shigmotsav Committee in association with the Department of Tourism, showcased mesmerizing performances by various troupes, including Romtamel, traditional Goan folk dances such as Ghodemodni, Kunbi dance, Tonya Mel, Goff, Morulo, Dhangar Dance along with the fancy-dress performances. The parade also featured intricately designed floats that depicted captivating scenes from mythology.
The event saw the presence of esteemed dignitaries, including Hon’ble Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant; Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte; Mayor, Corporation of City of Panaji, Shri Rohit Monserrate; President, BJP Goa Pradesh, Shri. Damu Naik; Director Tourism, Shri Kedar Naik, and office bearers of Panaji Shigmotsav Committee graced the occasion.
Tourism Minister Shri Rohan A. Khaunte expressed his excitement about the festivities, stating, “These vibrant festivities draw participants from various places who share our unique cultural expressions, adding to the event’s lively atmosphere. While offering visitors an immersive experience of Goa’s heritage, such festivals also create valuable opportunities for locals to earn by setting up stalls, selling traditional crafts, and offering authentic cuisine. This blend of cultural celebration and economic opportunity not only helps preserve traditions for future generations but also attracts both domestic and international tourists eager to explore Goa’s cultural richness. By playing a vital role in Regenerative Tourism and highlighting Goa beyond beaches, festivals contribute significantly to the state’s tourism landscape.”
Director of Tourism, Shri Kedar Naik, remarked, “Shigmotsav is one of Goa’s most cherished festivals, showcasing our rich traditions and vibrant community spirit. The energy, creativity, and dedication shown by our local artists and performers have once again made this celebration memorable”
Crowds lined the streets of Panaji to witness a dazzling display of brightly decorated floats, lively drumbeats, and energetic dance performances as the Shigmotsav Parade unfolded. The parade delighted spectators with its colourful displays, creative themes, and enthusiastic participants who kept the festive spirit alive throughout the evening.
