Category: International

International

Leicester Hosts First-Ever Inclusive Ekvottachem Fest Celebrating Goan Culture, Unity & Community

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo

On Saturday, 23rd August 2025, Leicester will become the stage for a historic cultural milestone — the first-ever Ekvottachem Fest, an inclusive celebration of Goan culture, heritage, and togetherness. This unique grassroots festival will be held at St John Bosco Hall from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM, and best of all, it’s free and open to all.

✨ Curated by Festakar Marius Fernandes

With 101 festivals already under his belt, community-builder Marius Fernandes (affectionately called “Festakar”) brings his festival-making magic to Leicester for the very first time. His mission is simple but powerful: use festivals as tools for inclusion, joy, and connection.

“This is not just a festival,” says Marius. “It’s a gathering of hearts — no barriers, no tickets, no exclusion.”

🎭 What’s Happening at Ekvottachem Fest?

  • Kottieacho Nach: A traditional Goan coconut dance choreographed by Dr. Gwendolyn de Ornelas
  • Ghumtacho Avaz: A musical journey with the ancient Goan percussion instrument, the ghumot
  • Karyshala: Interactive workshops and creative spaces for all ages
  • Festakarachi Pasoi: An exhibit tracing Marius’s 100+ festivals
  • Balcaoacho Gozalli: Balcony-style chats reflecting on memory, identity, and belonging
  • Goenchem Jevonn: A delicious Goan food experience
  • Goan-Inspired Fashion Show: Celebrating traditional and modern Goan designs

🎶 Leicester Sunshine Band – Debut Performance

A highlight of the evening will be the launch of the Leicester Sunshine Band – a multicultural music ensemble formed specially for the festival. Their music will symbolize harmony, creativity, and community.

🕊️ Why It Matters

The Ekvottachem Fest is not just about culture — it’s about inclusion, heritage, identity, and joy. In a world where people often feel divided, this festival invites everyone — Goan or not — to come together, share stories, and dance in celebration of diversity.

📌 Event Details

📍 Venue: St John Bosco Hall, Leicester
📅 Date: Saturday, 23rd August 2025
🕕 Time: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
🎟️ Entry: Absolutely FREE | All are warmly welcome – the Festakar way!

International

Tutug Kambuhan: Bali’s Sacred Celebration of a Baby’s First Laugh

allycaralgoa

Bali, known for its lush landscapes and deeply spiritual culture, holds countless sacred ceremonies that mark different stages of human life. One of the most touching among these is Tutug Kambuhan—the celebration of a baby’s first laugh.

To most of the world, a baby’s first laugh is a charming, joyful milestone. But in Bali, it’s seen as something far deeper. Tutug Kambuhan marks the moment when the baby’s soul is believed to fully settle into the human world. It’s considered a sign that the child is now ready to begin life on Earth in a conscious, connected way.

Families in Bali often hold a small, sacred ceremony to honour this moment. Traditional offerings—flowers, incense, and food—are presented to the ancestral spirits and gods, asking for protection, health, and happiness for the child.

It’s a day filled with blessings, love, and shared joy among family members. There might be chanting, a family feast, and even lighthearted performances. It’s not just about the child’s giggle—it’s about the spirit of life itself laughing back.

Balinese culture treats every stage of life as sacred. From the baby’s birth, first touch with the Earth, to their first step and word—each is a ceremony, a rite of passage. Tutug Kambuhan reflects the island’s deep respect for spirituality, family, and the invisible threads that connect soul and world.

It reminds us that in some cultures, even the smallest moments are deeply meaningful. A laugh isn’t just sound—it’s a soul’s arrival.

International

Japan Tops 95,000 Centenarians Amid Growing Demographic Crisis

Tanisha Cardozo

Japan has reached a new milestone in longevity, with over 95,119 people aged 100 or older, nearly 90% of whom are women, according to data released by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare on September 1, 2024. This figure marks an increase of 2,980 centenarians from the previous year and highlights the rapid pace of aging in the nation.

The number of elderly (aged 65 and above) also hit a record 36.25 million, now accounting for 29.3% of the population. These trends place Japan firmly at the top among countries with more than 100,000 citizens in terms of elderly population proportion. Meanwhile, Japan’s total population continues to decline, now standing at 124 million—down 595,000 from the previous year—due to low birth rates and high longevity.

A Looming Economic Concern

The increasing number of elderly citizens is placing unprecedented pressure on Japan’s social welfare and healthcare systems. The shrinking labor force is struggling to support the growing retired population, leading to concerns over long-term economic sustainability.

To combat the demographic imbalance, the Japanese government has implemented measures such as raising the retirement age. Starting fiscal year 2025, the standard retirement age will officially be 65 for all employers. However, experts note that these efforts have so far had limited impact on reversing the decline.

Why It Matters

Japan’s demographic dilemma is a warning for other aging nations. As countries across Europe and Asia begin to experience similar trends, Japan offers a live case study of the challenges and potential solutions facing aging societies worldwide.

Will policy changes come fast enough to support Japan’s aging population, or will economic and social pressures continue to mount? The answer may shape the global conversation on aging and sustainability.

International

Adv. Amit Palekar Meets Indian High Commission Official in UK, Celebrates Goan Artists at Reading, UK

allycaralgoa

In a significant step toward engaging with the Goan diaspora, AAP Goa President Adv. Amit Palekar recently concluded a meaningful visit to the United Kingdom.

During the visit, he met Mr. Clayton Barreto, official at the Indian High Commission in the UK, who has Goan roots.

Adding to this engagement, Adv. Palekar was honoured to be invited to Reading, UK, for a celebration of Goan artists. The event brought together thousands of Goans whose hearts, despite living miles away, remain deeply connected to Goa.

He emphasized that such cultural gatherings play a vital role in keeping the Goan identity alive abroad and reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring diaspora voices are heard in Goa’s policymaking.

International

Yo Yo Honey Singh Launches Luxury Watch Line ‘YO YO WATCHES’ in Dubai

allycaralgoa

In a bold leap from beats to branding, Indian music icon Yo Yo Honey Singh has officially launched YO YO WATCHES, his debut luxury watch collection, in a dazzling reveal event in Dubai.

The collection, created in collaboration with Indian watch giant Titan and the premium platform Opul, reflects Singh’s signature fusion of urban swagger and elegant craftsmanship.

The high-profile Dubai launch was strategic — a nod to the city’s luxury lifestyle, global visibility, and strong NRI community. Limited edition timepieces were unveiled in an event that blended style, rhythm, and stardom, true to Singh’s persona.

“This is not just a line of watches. This is the beginning of a global lifestyle brand that celebrates Indian energy and ambition,” Singh said at the launch.

Each timepiece features bold design, state-of-the-art detailing, and unapologetic individuality — making it not just a fashion accessory but a statement of attitude.

YO YO WATCHES marks the start of a new chapter for the rapper, extending his influence into the world of fashion, luxury, and lifestyle branding with plans for global expansion.