Tag: #asia

Events in Goa

Goa Welcomes the World as Carnaval 2026 is Flagged Off in Panaji

Tanisha Cardozo

The capital city of Panaji transformed into a dazzling spectacle of colour, music and celebration as Goa Carnaval 2026 was officially flagged off on February 14. The grand ceremony was led by Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, alongside Member of Parliament Sadanand Shet Tanavade, Tourism Minister Rohan A. Khaunte, Chairman GTDC Kedar J Naik, CCP Mayor Shri Rohit Monserrate, Director of Tourism Kedar Naik and Managing Director GTDC Kuldeep Arolkar, among other dignitaries.

Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister emphasised that the festival reflects Goa’s inclusive and welcoming spirit, uniting people across cultures through celebration. He highlighted that such events not only strengthen the State’s cultural identity but also enhance its global visibility as a vibrant tourism destination. The strong turnout of international visitors, many attending for the first time, reaffirmed Goa’s growing appeal in experiential and cultural tourism.

Tourism Minister Rohan A. Khaunte described Carnaval as a living expression of Goa’s heritage and community spirit. He noted that the festival plays a vital role in promoting Goa beyond its beaches, spotlighting its traditions, artistic talent and immersive cultural experiences while supporting local performers and communities.

The ceremonial flag-off witnessed an overwhelming public response, with streets lined by residents and tourists from across India and abroad. The atmosphere shifted instantly as King Momo made his grand entrance, declaring the start of days filled with revelry and joy. His traditional entourage set the tone for the procession that followed.

Elaborately designed floats rolled through the heart of Panaji, each narrating stories of Goa’s rich past and contemporary aspirations. Themes ranged from cultural heritage to social awareness and festive traditions. Traditional folk performances blended seamlessly with high-energy musical acts, transforming the city into a moving theatre of rhythm and colour.

Behind the scenes, the Department of Tourism ensured enhanced infrastructure, crowd management systems and visitor facilitation measures to provide a safe and seamless experience for all attendees. The coordinated efforts of local artists, cultural groups and multiple stakeholders were evident in the precision and vibrancy of the parade.

As the celebrations continue across Margao, Vasco, Mapusa and Morjim in the coming days, Carnaval 2026 promises to carry its festive momentum across the State. More than just a parade, it stands as a cultural statement — reinforcing Goa’s position as a welcoming, diverse and globally admired destination where tradition and modernity dance together on the streets.

International

South Korea, China to Discuss Lifting Decade-Long Ban on K-Pop and K-Dramas

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral International Desk

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has said that Seoul and Beijing will hold working-level consultations on China’s long-standing unofficial restrictions on Korean cultural content, including K-pop and K-dramas. The restrictions, which have been in place for more than a decade, have made South Korean music and television dramas either unavailable or difficult to access on Chinese media platforms.

Speaking to reporters in Shanghai following meetings with senior Chinese officials, President Lee said restoring trust between the two countries would be the most important task in bilateral relations. He added that both sides had agreed to discuss the gradual expansion of cultural exchanges, though no concrete commitments were announced regarding the immediate availability of Korean content in China.

A South Korean presidential spokesperson confirmed that Lee and Chinese President Xi Jinping had shared a consensus on expanding cultural cooperation in a phased manner. Echoing this view, a spokesperson from China’s foreign ministry said both sides had agreed to carry out “orderly, healthy, and beneficial cultural exchanges.”

Lee described his recent summit with Xi Jinping as an opportunity to reset ties, stating that he hoped 2026 would become the first year of full-scale restoration of Korea-China relations. The visit marked Lee’s first trip to Beijing since taking office in June and comes amid broader efforts by Seoul to stabilise regional diplomacy.

Beyond cultural exchange, Lee also raised concerns over China’s construction of maritime structures in waters between the two countries. While Beijing maintains that the structures are for fish-farming purposes, South Korea has expressed security concerns. Both leaders agreed to continue constructive dialogue on the issue.

Regional security was another key focus of the discussions, particularly in the context of North Korea. Lee said he had asked President Xi to play a mediating role in Seoul’s attempts to engage Pyongyang diplomatically. Xi reportedly cautioned that patience would be required in any discussions involving nuclear-armed North Korea.

The proposed consultations on cultural exchange are being closely watched, especially by fans of Korean pop culture, as any easing of restrictions could signal a significant shift in China’s approach to Korean music, television, and entertainment after years of limited access.

Events in Goa

Raponkarcho Sea Food Festival 2025 Celebrates Goa’s Fishing Heritage in Arambol

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

The Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, will organise the Raponkarcho Sea Food Festival 2025 from December 28 to 30 at the Main Parking Area, Arambol, highlighting Goa’s rich seafood heritage, traditional fishing culture and vibrant coastal lifestyle. The three-day festival aims to offer visitors an immersive cultural experience rooted in local cuisine, music and community participation.

The festival will feature traditional Goan seafood cuisine stalls, cultural programmes and live musical performances, with entry free for all visitors. Programmes will begin daily from 6.00 pm, while the inaugural ceremony will take place on December 28 at 5.30 pm in the presence of Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant, Tourism Minister Shri Rohan Ashok Khaunte, senior government officials and representatives from the tourism sector.

Speaking ahead of the festival, Tourism Minister Shri Rohan Ashok Khaunte said fishing has been central to Goa’s way of life for generations and continues to shape its coastal communities and food culture. He noted that the festival provides a platform to honour the skills of the fishing community while promoting authentic Goan seafood and strengthening cultural tourism through community-led initiatives.

Director of Tourism Shri Kedar Naik stated that the festival has been curated to bring together cuisine, music and cultural engagement in a festive setting, with Arambol serving as an ideal venue to showcase Goa’s cultural diversity and local traditions.

The opening night on December 28 will feature a musical line-up led by iconic Goan singer Lorna, along with performances by Purple Rain, Black Slade and Afroz Sayyed. December 29 will see performances by Gravity, Brainwash, 24K India and Teri Miko, while the festival will conclude on December 30 with performances by Forefront, The Imperial, Usman and Sartek.

Through initiatives like the Raponkarcho Sea Food Festival, the Department of Tourism continues to promote Goa’s traditional cuisine, cultural expressions and community participation, enhancing the festive tourism experience during the year-end season.

Special Occasion

It’s 11.11: Singles’ Day 2025

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

It’s 11.11: Singles’ Day 2025 marks one of the most anticipated dates on the global calendar — a day that blends shopping, self-love, and cultural celebration. What started in the 1990s as a lighthearted student holiday in China has become the world’s largest online shopping event. The date, 11.11, chosen for its four solitary digits, symbolizes individuality and self-empowerment.

By 2009, Alibaba transformed Singles’ Day into a shopping spectacle, encouraging people to treat themselves. Over time, it expanded far beyond China’s borders. In 2025, Singles’ Day has grown into a multi-week retail extravaganza, with discounts, livestreams, and global participation from major platforms like JD.com, Lazada, and Shopee. This year’s festival features advanced AI-driven recommendations, virtual influencers, and interactive shopping experiences that redefine digital commerce.

But 11.11 isn’t just about shopping — it’s about cultural expression. On the same day in South Korea, millions celebrate Pepero Day, exchanging slender, chocolate-dipped biscuits that resemble the four “1”s in the date. What began as a simple marketing campaign in the 1990s has become a national day of affection, where couples, friends, and even classmates gift Pepero sticks to show love and appreciation.

In 2025, Pepero Day has gone global, with Stray Kids taking center stage as the official global ambassadors for Pepero. Their campaign — “Show Your Love with Pepero” — has captivated fans worldwide, featuring special edition packaging, pop-up events, and global marketing spanning cities from Seoul to New York. The K-pop group’s energy and connection with Gen Z have amplified Pepero Day’s reach, transforming it from a local tradition into an international celebration of love and friendship.

Together, Singles’ Day and Pepero Day turn November 11 into a global celebration of connection in every form — self-love, friendship, and romance. While shoppers in China fill virtual carts, people in South Korea fill hearts (and hands) with chocolate. The parallel celebrations highlight how one date can carry entirely different yet harmonious meanings across cultures.

In 2025, Singles’ Day reflects changing consumer behavior. With economic challenges reshaping spending habits, shoppers are becoming more mindful, prioritizing essentials, personal care, and quiet luxury. Livestream hosts and influencers continue to play a major role, blending entertainment and commerce, while sustainability takes center stage with eco-friendly packaging and greener logistics.

From shopping carts to chocolate boxes, November 11 symbolizes the joy of giving — to others and to oneself. It’s 11.11, and the world is celebrating in its own unique way — with deals, with love, and with a shared sense of connection that transcends borders.

Travel

Mumbai Tops Time Out’s 2025 List as the Happiest City in Asia

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Travel Desk

Happiness means different things to different people, but sometimes, numbers tell a story of their own. According to Time Out’s City Life Index 2025, Mumbai has been named the happiest city in Asia, with an overwhelming 94% of residents saying that their city makes them happy. The global survey, which asked over 18,000 people across the world about their cities, measured factors such as culture, nightlife, food, quality of life, and overall positivity.

The findings reveal that 89% of Mumbaikars feel happier in Mumbai than anywhere else, 88% say people in the city seem cheerful, and 87% believe happiness in Mumbai has grown recently. Experts point to Mumbai’s entertainment scene, diverse street food, and dynamic career opportunities as key drivers of this positivity. But perhaps more than anything, it’s the city’s deep sense of belonging, resilience, and community spirit that makes it stand out.

“Mumbai has always been more than just a city — it’s an emotion,” said one respondent. “Even in its chaos, there’s connection. Everyone’s chasing dreams together.”

Following Mumbai in the rankings are Beijing and Shanghai, where 93% and 92% of locals, respectively, reported feeling happy in their cities. Both scored high on safety, culture, and convenience and have been recognized as top destinations for Gen Z professionals due to their innovation and modern lifestyle.

Chiang Mai in Thailand and Hanoi in Vietnam also made it to the top five, each with 88% of residents saying their city makes them happy. Both cities were praised for their slower pace of life, community-driven living, and green environments — appealing to those seeking balance and connection.

Not all megacities fared equally well. Tokyo, Seoul, and Singapore ranked lower, with Tokyo recording just 70% of residents saying they feel happy in their city — a figure that experts link to long working hours and high pressure.

The top 10 happiest cities in Asia for 2025 are:

  1. Mumbai, India
  2. Beijing, China
  3. Shanghai, China
  4. Chiang Mai, Thailand
  5. Hanoi, Vietnam
  6. Jakarta, Indonesia
  7. Hong Kong
  8. Bangkok, Thailand
  9. Singapore
  10. Seoul, South Korea

The results underline that the happiest cities are not necessarily the richest or most modern, but those with a strong sense of community and joy in everyday life. In 2025, Mumbai’s blend of ambition, culture, and connection has made it a symbol of urban happiness — proving that in the city of dreams, the biggest dream of all is simply to belong.