Events in Goa

Bonderam Festival 2025 Brings Divar Alive with Colour, Culture, and Celebration


Divar Island, 23rd August 2025 – The picturesque island of Divar came alive with vibrant colours, music, and festivities as thousands gathered to celebrate the 41st edition of Bonderam, Goa’s biggest monsoon festival. Organized by the Piedade Youth Association with the support of the Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, and the Directorate of Art & Culture, the festival once again showcased Divar’s unique cultural traditions and youthful spirit.

The event was graced by Chief guest Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte as the Chief Guest, MLA Cumbarjua, Shri Rajesh Faldessai as the Guest of Honor, MLA Curtorim, Shri Aleixo Reginaldo Lourenco, Fr Simao Rodrigues Parish Priest of Divar, Fr Leslie Gomes Asst Parish Priest of Divar, Sarpanch Goltim Navelim Divar, Shri Mario Pinto, Director Alcon Victor Group Varun Albuquerque and other dignitaries who joined the people of Divar in celebrating the festival.

Speaking on the occasion, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte said, “Bonderam is a living example of Goa’s vibrant traditions being celebrated with youthful energy. Festivals like these not only preserve our heritage but also strengthen community bonds while drawing tourists to experience Goa beyond beaches.”

Director of Tourism, Shri Kedar Naik added, “The enthusiasm witnessed at Bonderam reflects the true spirit of community-led celebrations. The Department of Tourism remains committed to supporting such festivals that highlight Goa’s culture, promote regenerative tourism, and give visitors a chance to engage with authentic local traditions.”

The celebrations began at dawn with the Alvorada, where a brass band marched across the island, setting the tone for the day. By the afternoon, the Traditional Flag March at Divar Center drew in large crowds, reviving the age-old spirit of unity and festivity that the event symbolizes.

Adding to the cultural charm, the All-Goa Fancy Dress Competition at Asilo Grounds delighted audiences with creativity, humour, and flair, while the much-awaited Float Parade saw the island streets transform into a spectacular canvas of colour and imagination.

As evening descended, the celebrations peaked with live entertainment featuring electrifying performances by popular acts including Junktion, 24K India, and headliner Ryan Nogar. Hosted by Ayesha Barretto and Joed Almeida, the event brought together music lovers, locals, and visitors, creating an atmosphere of joy and togetherness.

With music, dance, and revelry lasting late into the night, Bonderam 2025 once again proved why it continues to be one of Goa’s most iconic and eagerly awaited monsoon festivals.

National

Maharashtra Govt Grants ₹25,000 Each to 1,800 Bhajani Mandals for Ganesh Festival


In a significant cultural initiative, the Maharashtra government has announced financial assistance of ₹25,000 each to 1,800 bhajani mandals ahead of the Ganesh festival.

Bhajani mandals, groups that perform devotional songs and music, are an inseparable part of Ganesh Chaturthi festivities across Maharashtra. Their performances create a spiritual and festive atmosphere, drawing communities together in devotion and celebration.

The financial aid aims to support these traditional groups, many of which operate with limited resources. With this grant, the government seeks to encourage cultural preservation, empower local artists, and ensure that the tradition of bhajans continues to enrich Ganesh Utsav celebrations.

The Ganesh festival, which brings millions of devotees together every year, is not only a religious occasion but also a display of Maharashtra’s cultural heritage. The assistance to bhajani mandals underlines the government’s effort to strengthen grassroots cultural participation while uplifting community-led traditions.

With this support, the upcoming Ganesh Chaturthi promises to be both spiritually enriching and culturally vibrant.

EduConnect

PM SHRI Government High School Morpirla Felicitated by Infosys SpringBoard at Mysore


Mysore | August 2025 — A moment of pride and recognition for PM SHRI Government High School Morpirla, a school dedicated to the education of 100% tribal students in Goa. The school was recently felicitated by Infosys SpringBoard at the Infosys campus in Mysore for its outstanding utilization of digital tablets under the SpringBoard program.

Representing the school at the event were teachers Mr. Sumant Bandekar and Ms. Cassy Carneiro, along with students Pratik Velip, Rohit Gaonkar, and Sahil Gaonkar. The award was presented in acknowledgment of their consistent and effective integration of digital learning in the classroom using the tablets provided by Infosys.

This achievement reflects the school’s commitment to making education accessible, inclusive, and future-ready for its students. The Infosys SpringBoard program, which aims to bridge digital divides in education, has been successfully embraced by PM SHRI GHS Morpirla to enhance both teaching and learning experiences.

During the felicitation event, students and teachers participated in various interactive sessions and talks with dignitaries, gaining exposure and inspiration. They also had the opportunity to engage with cutting-edge educational resources, strengthening their knowledge in technology and innovation.

The impact of the tab utilization program is clearly visible:

  • Improved academic performance
  • Increased student engagement
  • Enhanced digital literacy
  • Boosted confidence among tribal youth

The felicitation is not just an award — it is a testament to the school’s vision of leveraging technology for educational empowerment and breaking barriers in tribal education.

PM SHRI Government High School Morpirla continues to be a beacon of change, proving that with dedication and the right resources, every student can thrive.

Films

Veteran Actor Achyut Potdar Passes Away at 91; A Life of Service, Passion & Cinema


The Indian film and television industry mourns the loss of veteran actor Achyut Potdar, who passed away on Monday at the age of 91. He breathed his last at Jupiter Hospital, Thane, after reportedly battling health-related issues. His final rites are scheduled to take place today, August 19, 2025, in Thane.

Potdar was widely recognized for his memorable roles in acclaimed films like 3 Idiots, Ardh Satya, Yeh Dillagi and popular TV shows such as Wagle Ki Duniya, Majha Hoshil Na, Mrs. Tendulkar and Bharat Ki Khoj. Marathi GEC television channels and Bollywood colleagues alike have paid heartfelt tributes to the veteran actor.

What made Achyut Potdar’s journey unique was his unconventional entry into the world of cinema. Without any formal training in acting, he began his career at the age of 44. Prior to that, he had an illustrious career in multiple fields — he served in the Indian Army through the Emergency Commission and retired in 1967 with the rank of Captain. He later worked as a professor in Rewa, Madhya Pradesh, and subsequently joined Indian Oil Corporation, where he served for 25 years before retiring in 1992 as an executive.

Even while managing a demanding job, Potdar never let go of his passion for dramatics. He performed in plays, theatre productions, and cultural activities, slowly making his way into cinema and television. His dignified screen presence, authenticity, and versatility made him a dependable supporting actor across decades.

Achyut Potdar’s career is a testament to the fact that passion knows no age or boundaries. His life story continues to inspire generations, both inside and outside the entertainment industry.

💐 Team Allycaral extends heartfelt condolences to his family, colleagues, and fans.

Entertainment

Aryan Khan Drops First Look of Debut Directorial Series The Bads of Bollywood*; Karan Johar Pens Emotional Note


The wait is finally over. Aryan Khan, son of superstar Shah Rukh Khan, unveiled the first look of his much-anticipated directorial debut, The Ba**ds of Bollywood*. The reveal immediately set social media abuzz, with industry friends and fans flooding timelines with support.

Among the most heartfelt tributes came from Karan Johar, who shared childhood stills of Aryan from Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, writing:
“Love… @aryan is my first born from my heart and am so proud of his sincerity! His relentless hard work and how his mind works with mainstream masala and cool narrative energy in equal measure. … #badsofbollywood is on its way … hope you’re ready for this mega ride!”

Johar’s connection with the Khan family goes back decades, and his praise only amplified the anticipation. In fact, in a recent podcast, Karan had already hinted at Aryan’s talent:
“I have a huge belief in Aryan Khan’s directorial talent… If there is a King, there will be a Prince.”

The series stars Bobby Deol, Sahher Bambba, Lakshya, Manoj Pahwa, Mona Singh, Manish Chaudhari, Raghav Juyal, Anya Singh, Vijayant Kohli, and Gautami Kapoor. Early reports suggest it blends a nostalgic nod to old Hindi cinema with a cheeky, irreverent new-age narrative — signaling a generational storytelling shift.

🎥 The preview drops on August 20, with The Ba**ds of Bollywood* set to stream on Netflix soon after.

This marks a defining moment for Aryan Khan, who has chosen to step behind the camera rather than in front of it — carving his own identity in the world of cinema.

📖 Stay tuned for updates on Allycaral.com | Follow @allycaralgoa for Bollywood’s latest buzz