Tag: Celebration

Events in Goa

Cross-Cultural Magic in Goa: Korea’s Ms. Jaewon Kim Performs Vande Mataram

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

Goa experienced a beautiful moment of cross-cultural harmony at the inaugural ceremony of the WAVES Film Bazaar when Korea’s Ms. Jaewon Kim, Member of the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea, took the stage to perform a soulful rendition of Vande Mataram. As India celebrates the 150th anniversary of its national song, her gesture resonated deeply with the audience.

The hall rose in an emotional standing ovation as her voice carried sincerity, respect, and warmth, creating a rare moment of cultural connection. The atmosphere shifted from formal celebration to a shared experience of admiration and unity as her performance honoured India’s heritage with genuine gratitude.

Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Dr. L. Murugan praised Ms. Kim for singing the full version of Vande Mataram, acknowledging the effort and respect behind her gesture. The performance beautifully reflected the growing bonds between India and South Korea, showing how music transcends differences and brings cultures together.

Adding to the sense of shared artistry, Ms. Kim also sang a Korean song for the gathering, offering the audience a glimpse into her own culture. With filmmakers, creators, and delegates from around the world present, her performance stood out as a gentle reminder that art flows freely across borders, touching hearts and strengthening friendships in the most unexpected and meaningful ways.

Special Occasion

Celebrate National Princess Day: Be Royal for a Day!

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

National Princess Day is a celebration of imagination, confidence, and the belief that anyone can feel like royalty for a day. It is dedicated to the idea that a princess can come from anywhere and that true royalty shines through kindness, authenticity, and joy. Many people dream of being a princess or meeting one, and this holiday taps into that timeless sense of wonder. It invites everyone to pamper themselves, embrace their fabulous side, and let a little fairytale magic into their lives.

For many, the world of princesses begins with beloved characters like Snow White, who first graced screens in 1937. Since then, countless princesses—from Rapunzel to Sleeping Beauty, and more recently Elsa and Moana—have captured hearts around the world. These modern heroines teach that being a princess isn’t just about beauty but also courage, independence, and staying true to who you are.

While most people associate princesses with Disney, National Princess Day was actually created by Nest Family Entertainment and Rich Animation Studios, the team behind The Swan Princess. Based on the Russian folk tale of Swan Lake, this hand-drawn animated franchise grew into a series of films that inspired a holiday devoted to imagination and joy. Their aim was to help children and adults alike celebrate the kindness, creativity, and magic that princess characters often embody.

There are countless ways to enjoy National Princess Day. Some choose to host dress-up parties, reenact fairytales, or put on small theatre performances at home. Adults may celebrate by discussing real historical princesses who made an impact, or by watching favorite films and documentaries about royalty, including those inspired by Princess Diana, whose legacy continues to touch hearts around the world. Others might plan princess-themed gatherings with sparkling décor, pink cocktails, crowns, or simply moments of self-care that make them feel cherished.

Whatever the activity, the purpose of the day remains the same: to celebrate the magic within yourself. It’s a reminder to stand tall, move with grace, speak with confidence, and embrace everything that makes you special. National Princess Day invites everyone to live with a little more sparkle and to honor the princesses—real or imagined—who inspire us every day.

Goan Personalities

Goa Mandrem MLA Jit Arolkar Pens a Heartfelt Note: Celebrating My Daughters — Drithi & Druthi! ✨🎂

allycaralgoa

Today is a deeply emotional and joyous day for Goa Mandrem MLA Jit Arolkar, as he celebrates the birthdays of his two precious daughters — Drithi & Druthi.


With a heart overflowing with love and gratitude, he shares a touching message that reflects the bond he cherishes with his children.

“Today, my heart is full as I celebrate the birthdays of my two precious daughters. Your love, innocence, and strength inspire me every single day. May God guide your path and bless your lives with joy, good health, and endless success. You both are my pride and my greatest blessing.”

Behind the responsibilities of public life lies a devoted father whose world revolves around the laughter, dreams, and happiness of his daughters.
Drithi & Druthi bring a unique warmth into his life — a reminder of humility, love, and purpose.

This heartfelt note is not just a birthday wish; it is a celebration of fatherhood, gratitude, and the blessings that children bring.
As they grow, MLA Arolkar prays that they walk the path of kindness, courage, and success — guided by God’s grace and surrounded by love.

Today, he celebrates them… and the beautiful journey they share as a family. 💫💖

Human Interest

“Am I Still Dreaming?” — Palash Muchhal Celebrates Fiancée Smriti Mandhana’s Historic World Cup Win

Tanisha Cardozo

After India’s women’s cricket team created history by winning their first-ever ODI World Cup title against South Africa, the nation erupted in joy — and so did Smriti Mandhana’s fiancé, filmmaker and music composer Palash Muchhal. The emotional victory unfolded on November 2 at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai, where Mandhana played a key role in leading the team to their maiden championship glory.

Soon after the win, Palash Muchhal took to Instagram to share a heartwarming moment with Smriti. In the picture, the Indian opener is seen draped in the tricolour, proudly holding the glittering World Cup trophy, while Palash stands beside her with his arm around her shoulders. Captioning the photo, he wrote, “Am I still dreaming?”, a simple yet touching expression of pride and disbelief at her monumental achievement.

Just days before the final, Muchhal had shared another celebratory post following India’s dramatic victory over Australia in the semifinals, captioning it, “This part of my life right here is called… happiness.”

Last month, Palash Muchhal confirmed his wedding to Smriti Mandhana at a press event in Indore. When asked about their relationship, he hinted at the upcoming nuptials with a smile, saying, “She will soon become the daughter-in-law of Indore… that is all I want to say. I have given you the headline.”

According to reports, the couple will begin their wedding celebrations on November 20 in Sangli, Maharashtra. The two have reportedly been dating since 2019 but kept their relationship private until making it Instagram official last year.

Palash Muchhal, known for composing music for several Bollywood films alongside his sister Palak Muchhal, is currently directing his film Raju Bajewala, featuring Avika Gor and Chandan Roy. With Smriti Mandhana’s career soaring and their wedding on the horizon, both are entering a new chapter in life filled with celebration, pride, and love — marking a fairytale moment where sports and art come beautifully together.

Special Occasion

The Spirit of Halloween: When the Veil Thins

Tanisha Cardozo

Long before carved pumpkins and trick-or-treaters filled the streets, Halloween began with a fire.

Over 2,000 years ago, the ancient Celts celebrated Samhain (pronounced sow-in), marking the end of the harvest season and the beginning of the dark half of the year. The Celts believed that on this night — October 31st — the boundary between the world of the living and the realm of the dead grew thin. Spirits were thought to walk among the living, bringing omens, blessings, or mischief. To ward off harm, people lit great bonfires, wore disguises, and left offerings of food for wandering souls.

When Christianity spread across Europe, the Church reinterpreted the pagan festival as All Hallows’ Eve, the night before All Saints’ Day (November 1). Over time, “All Hallows’ Eve” became “Halloween.”

As centuries passed, Halloween evolved — blending ancient rituals with newer traditions. Immigrants from Ireland and Scotland brought their customs to America in the 19th century. Pumpkins replaced turnips for carving lanterns, and the idea of going door to door — first for prayers, later for sweets — gave rise to the beloved “trick-or-treat.”

Today, Halloween is a vibrant mix of ancient beliefs, community celebration, and creative expression. Children dress as heroes or monsters, homes glow with jack-o’-lanterns, and stories of ghosts and legends come alive once again.

Yet, beneath the fun and festivity, Halloween still carries echoes of its origins — a time to honor change, remember the past, and acknowledge the mystery that connects us all.

Some say the veil never truly closes. That for one night each year, the past breathes again — not in the bonfires or the costumes, but in the quiet moments between laughter and silence.

So when the clock strikes midnight on Halloween, and you hear a whisper in the dark — don’t be afraid. It might just be an old spirit, still walking home.

When the veil thins, the walls between worlds shudder — and something waits in the shadows, watching you breathe.