Category: International

International

Leicester Goans Rock the Ekvottachem Fest: A Celebration of Unity and Culture

Tanisha Cardozo

On August 23, 2025, Leicester came alive with the sights, sounds, and flavours of Goa. The Ekvottachem Fest, meaning “Festival of Unity”, made its debut in the UK city, bringing together hundreds of Goans for a joyous celebration of heritage and community.

Organised by Festacar Marius Fernandes, known for his community-led events, the festival marked his third event in Leicester and his 103rd people’s festival globally, showcasing his unwavering commitment to keeping Goan culture alive beyond borders.

The day kicked off with Fr. John Tavares lighting the ceremonial lamp, a powerful symbol of unity, faith, and shared culture. The crowd then welcomed the exciting launch of Salcette Beatz, a dynamic band of young Goan musicians from Leicester, setting the tone with infectious rhythms that blended tradition and youth energy.

Festival curator Marius Fernandes led a unique Pasoi — a traditional walk where he engaged the audience with vibrant stories of Goa’s past. Highlighting instruments like the Ghumot, he brought to life the forgotten narratives that define Goan identity.

This wasn’t just a stroll — it was a walk through memory lane.

The cultural stage lit up with performances that tugged at the heartstrings of every Goan in attendance. The Kottiacho Nach, a traditional dance using coconut shells, mesmerized the crowd with its rhythm and grace.

Local chefs and home cooks served homemade Goan food, including a hands-on workshop on Atol, a traditional Goan sweet that had both young and old rolling their sleeves up.

The energy peaked when Manjit Singh, Leicester’s very own Guinness World Record holder, performed his iconic stunt — lifting a 50-kilo weight with his ears. The crowd gasped, cheered, and celebrated this fusion of strength, identity, and performance art.

The Ekvottachem Fest wasn’t just another cultural event — it was a reminder of what happens when community comes together with pride, passion, and purpose.

As Goans danced, ate, and celebrated together thousands of miles from home, the message was clear:
Unity lives on, wherever the heart of Goa beats.

International

First-Ever Ekvottachem Fest Unites Leicester’s Goans in a Celebration of Culture and Community

Tanisha Cardozo

Leicester, UK – 21st August 2025: A historic cultural milestone will be marked in Leicester this August with the city’s first-ever Ekvottachem Fest – a people-powered celebration of Goan identity, togetherness, and tradition. Held at John Bosco Hall from 6:00 pm onwards, the festival is the brainchild of globally renowned Festakar Marius Fernandes, the visionary behind over 100 grassroots cultural festivals around the world.

What is Ekvottachem Fest?

Rooted in the Goan word “ekvott”, meaning unity, the festival brings the Goan community together in a celebration that transcends borders. True to its ethos, the event is completely community-driven – with no sponsors, no VIP guests, and no commercial backing. Instead, it shines a spotlight on shared heritage, volunteer spirit, and cultural pride.

Festival Highlights Include:

  • Balcaoacho Gozalli – Goan-style chats capturing the essence of village balcaos (balconies), promoting intergenerational storytelling.
  • Kottiacho Nach – A vibrant traditional coconut shell dance conceptualised by Dr. Gwendolyn de Ornelas.
  • Festacarachi Pasoi – A Leicester-style heritage walk inspired by Goa’s rich history.
  • Karyashala – Interactive workshops teaching the making of traditional Goan sweets.
  • Goenche Jevonn – An authentic Goan food experience.
  • Live Music & Dance Performances – Celebrating Goan rhythms and local talents.

One of the festival’s major highlights will be the launch of “Saxtti Beats”, a youth-led Goan music band based in Leicester. This debut symbolises the vibrant energy of the next generation carrying forward the cultural torch.

The Leicester edition marks Marius Fernandes’ 103rd community festival globally, and the third in the UK, under his visionary movement: “Festakar Without Borders”. Past editions have empowered communities across continents to celebrate their culture without the constraints of commercialisation.

Local cultural champions Espirito Roy Sequeira, Melba Fernandes, Elvina Maria Fernandes, Steven Gonsalves, and Jancia Da Silva Almeida have played a pivotal role in shaping and supporting this event.

Beyond the festivities, Ekvottachem Fest is a call to UK-based Goans – especially the youth – to reconnect with their language, roots, and traditions, while embracing the diversity and inclusivity of modern Leicester.

As Festakar Marius Fernandes says:

“Goans everywhere share a common bond of unity. Whether in Goa, the UK, or anywhere in the world, our heritage, values, and togetherness are what keep our community strong.”

The Ekvottachem Fest is not just a one-day event – it’s the beginning of a cultural reawakening for Goans in the UK and beyond.

📍Event Details:
 Ekvottachem Fest – Festival of Unity
 📅 Saturday, 23 August 2025
🕕 6:00 PM onwards
📌 John Bosco Hall, Leicester
🎟️ Entry: Free

International

The White House to Launch Official TikTok Account

allycaralgoa

In a bid to strengthen its digital presence and directly engage with younger audiences, the White House has announced plans to launch its official TikTok account.

The decision comes at a time when TikTok continues to dominate global social media trends, particularly among Gen Z and millennials. With more than a billion active users worldwide, the platform has become a powerful communication tool, shaping conversations, trends, and even political discourse.

The move, however, is not without controversy. For years, U.S. lawmakers have debated TikTok’s data security, with concerns surrounding its ownership and the handling of user information. Despite these concerns, the Biden administration appears to be recognizing TikTok’s unmatched influence as a medium to spread messages, policies, and campaigns to a wider, younger audience.

Reports suggest that the official TikTok account will be used to highlight government initiatives, policy updates, and behind-the-scenes insights, in a format that appeals to the platform’s short-form, visually engaging content style.

This initiative reflects the growing importance of digital strategies in governance and politics, where connecting with diverse demographics requires embracing new-age communication platforms.

As the White House prepares to go live on TikTok, the announcement has sparked discussions worldwide—whether this is a clever communication strategy or a risky gamble amid security concerns remains to be seen.

International

Zakir Khan Creates History at Madison Square Garden with Hindi Comedy Show

allycaralgoa

In a historic first, stand-up comedian Zakir Khan etched his name into the global entertainment map by becoming the first Indian to headline a Hindi-language comedy show at the iconic Madison Square Garden in New York.

The 37-year-old comedian from Indore, known for his relatable “sakht launda” persona and heartfelt storytelling, drew a sold-out crowd of 6,000 fans, proving the universal appeal of Indian humour.

Sharing his emotional journey on Instagram, Zakir described it as a “big day,” expressing how overwhelming it was to make thousands laugh in Hindi at such a legendary venue. He extended heartfelt gratitude to his friends, team, and fans for making the milestone possible.

The show was part of Zakir’s North America tour, where he was joined by fellow comedian Tanmay Bhat. The performance blended observational humour, emotional depth, and his signature poetic shayari. Ahead of the big night, Zakir’s poster lit up Times Square billboards, and he made appearances on US media outlets, discussing the importance of performing in Hindi on such a prestigious stage.

Adding to the celebratory mood, Zakir even joined celebrity chef Vikas Khanna for a fun cooking session, bringing together two cultural icons of India in New York.

With this achievement, Zakir Khan has not only elevated Indian stand-up comedy but also demonstrated the power of Hindi as a global performance language. His Madison Square Garden triumph stands as a proud chapter in the journey of Indian entertainment going international.

International

Dubai’s Smart Palms: Blending Technology, Sustainability & Comfort

allycaralgoa

Dubai, a city renowned for its futuristic vision, has once again redefined urban innovation with the introduction of Smart Palms—solar-powered trees designed to merge comfort, connectivity, and sustainability. 🌤️🌴

These high-tech structures harvest solar energy during the day and store it, enabling 24/7 functionality. Each Smart Palm offers a wide range of services:

  • Free high-speed Wi-Fi for residents and tourists
  • Multiple charging ports for phones, tablets, and devices
  • Eco-friendly LED lighting that reduces carbon footprint
  • Interactive digital information screens for navigation and city updates
  • Shaded resting spots to beat the desert heat

Strategically located across Dubai’s beaches, parks, and public spaces, Smart Palms serve not just as a utility but also as a symbol of the city’s commitment to green energy and smart infrastructure.

By integrating renewable energy into daily life, Dubai demonstrates how cities can adopt eco-friendly solutions while offering world-class amenities. The Smart Palm stands tall as both a technological marvel and a sustainability icon.