Tag: Community

Events in Goa

Serendipity Arts Festival Transforms Panaji’s Art Park into a Hub of Art, Food, and Community

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Panaji, December 2025: The Serendipity Arts Festival (SAF), Asia’s largest multidisciplinary art festival, has once again turned Panaji’s Art Park along the riverfront into a dynamic cultural hub. Visitors of all ages have been immersed in a vibrant blend of art, workshops, culinary experiences, and entertainment.

The festival space is thoughtfully designed to cater to varied interests. The western end features the photography exhibits in Feeling Home. Where is Home?, with works ranging from Assavri Kulkarni’s tribal portraits to Anurag Banerjee’s homage to Bombay, drawing visitors into diverse worlds through the lens. Moving inward, the buzz grows louder with interactive workshops, storytelling sessions, and a showcase of Goan culinary traditions.

SAF’s colourful stalls and installations make the festival appealing to schools and families alike. Surekha Gaonkar, a teacher from Bal Bharati Vidyamandir, Ribandar, brought 73 students from standards 1 to 3, saying, “We come to help students learn something new while having fun. There’s so much to do here.”

Students like Nisha Fernandes of Chubby Cheeks High School were equally enthused, exploring workshops such as Changing Charpai and creative storytelling sessions. “It was my first time here, and I had a lot of fun. The Hive workshop helped us learn limericks and poetry, and the charpai installation was fun to climb and play on,” she shared.

Parents, too, found the festival a perfect opportunity to engage with their children while enjoying a safe and relaxing environment. Upen Kumar from Margao said, “I registered my son for storytelling and workshops on emotions and musical instruments while browsing the stalls. Every amenity, from washrooms to guidance, was well taken care of.”

The Serendipity Arts Festival continues to offer an inclusive, engaging, and educational experience, blending celebration, learning, and community bonding in the heart of Panaji.

Social

Public Conference in Margao Urges Revival of Neighbourhood Bonds for an Ideal Society

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

Margao, Goa – A public conference on “Ideal Neighbourhood – Ideal Society” organised by Jamat-e-Islami Goa was held at Adarsh Convention Hall, marking the conclusion of a 10-day nationwide campaign aimed at strengthening neighbourhood relations and restoring social harmony. The event witnessed the participation of prominent religious leaders, social workers, and community representatives, including Fr. Ramiro Luis of Majorda Village, Meenaz Banu, Swamini Gopikananda Saraswati of Chinmaya Krishna Ashram, Fr. Gabriel Coutinho of Navelim Village, Asif Hussain, President of JIH Goa, Shaikh Bashir, President of the Association of All Goa Muslim Jamaats, and Chief Guest Salim Engineer, Vice President of JIH India.

The conference highlighted a pressing concern in contemporary society: although people live physically close to one another, emotional distance and social disconnect have grown significantly. Speakers observed that technology and social media, while enabling global connections, have reduced meaningful interactions with neighbours. This erosion of everyday bonds, they cautioned, undermines the very foundation of society.

The discussions emphasized that neighbourhoods are the building blocks of a peaceful nation. Simple gestures such as courtesy, cooperation, offering help, and showing kindness play a decisive role in nurturing trust and unity. All religions and value systems, the speakers affirmed, emphasize compassion, responsibility, and care for one’s neighbours.

Participants also reflected on rising individualism, insecurity, and the decline in mutual respect. They urged citizens to counter these trends by reviving empathy, strengthening communication, and engaging more actively with local communities. Healthy neighbourhood ties, it was noted, contribute directly to social harmony, justice, and collective well-being.

The conference concluded with a strong call to action for people to consciously rebuild neighbourhood relationships, organize local community activities, and embrace attitudes of patience, forgiveness, and goodwill—values deemed essential for shaping an ideal society.

Human Interest

Lisbon: A Meeting of Rivers, Roads and Roots – A Story by Marius Festakar

Tanisha Cardozo

Sailing into Lisbon on my cruise felt like entering a living history book. As the ship glided up the broad Tagus River, the city revealed itself — church spires, tiled façades, and the iconic sweep of the 25 de Abril Bridge. It reminded me that, like Goa, Lisbon treats the sea not as a boundary but a bridge — one that connects cultures, faiths, and communities across oceans.

Walking through the Alfama quarter, I was overcome by a sense of familiarity. The winding cobbled streets, azulejo-tiled buildings, and the haunting strains of fado evoked the same nostalgia I’ve experienced during Goa’s festas. Standing at the Castelo de São Jorge, gazing over the red rooftops spilling toward the river, I thought of the ships that once sailed east — many bound for Goa — shaping our cuisine, architecture, and shared traditions.

Transport in Lisbon was not just functional; it was part of the story. I climbed aboard the yellow Tram 28 — its wooden frame squealing as it negotiated narrow alleys and steep hills, brushing past miradouros and historic churches. Later, I switched to a tuk-tuk — a playful, modern twist on mobility. The driver, lively and knowledgeable, pointed out secret viewpoints and offered stories that felt deeply personal. In those moments, I saw Lisbon’s two faces: one grounded in heritage, the other moving forward with energy.

One of the places that touched me deeply was the Church of St. Anthony, built near the saint’s birthplace. St. Anthony is beloved in both Lisbon and Goa. We celebrate his feast with music, prayer, and devotion back home. Standing in that church, I was reminded that traditions travel — just as I’ve carried stories, songs, and festivals between Lisbon and Goa.

For over 25 years, through 103 people’s festivals across Goa, I’ve worked to showcase our community’s resilience and joy. In Lisbon, I saw a kindred spirit — a city that respects its past while embracing the present. Sipping a pastel de nata with a bold bica, I thought of how sharing a Goan Doce de Grao at our festivals is more than hospitality — it’s a cultural handshake, a bite-sized story.

As the ship pulled away at sunset, Lisbon did not feel like a mere stop on the map. It felt like a mirror to my own path as Marius Festakar — a journey rooted in tradition, shaped by the sea, and driven by a deep desire to keep our heritage alive, accessible, and inclusive.

Events in Goa

Festacar Celebrates 100th Edition in Style at Goa’s First Historic Honey Fest Old Goa, April 12, 2025

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The 100th edition of Festacar unfolded in vibrant fashion at the first-ever Honey Fest, held at the Goa College of Agriculture, Old Goa. A landmark celebration of culture, ecology, and community, the event brought together students, faculty, cultural figures, and beekeepers from across the state.

The day began with the lively Festacarachi Pasoi—a walk through the scenic college campus that captured the festive spirit of the occasion. This was followed by the traditional lamp-lighting ceremony, officially opening a day filled with dialogue, learning, and Goan tradition.

Dean Suresh Kunkalikar honored Festakar Marius Fernandes with a shawl, coconut, and a commemorative frame, recognizing his dedication to organizing 100 community festivals. Professor Carmelito Andrade and entrepreneur Dominic D’souza also presented mementos, applauding his grassroots cultural work.

A key highlight was Balcãoacheo Gozalli, an engaging conversation between Professor Carmelito Andrade—widely known as “The Drone Man of Goa”—and Assistant Professor Rajan Shelke. The dialogue explored the significance of bee research and sustainable practices.

Professor Andrade later led a hands-on workshop alongside Lessely Pereira on beekeeping with Cerena Indica species, blending science with heritage.

The program also featured a student skit on the ecological value of bees, and cultural performances including Kottieacho Nach and Ghumtacho Avaz, choreographed and led by Dr. Gwendolyn de Ornelas. These performances celebrated Goa’s rich folklore through music and dance.

The festival brought together beekeepers from both North and South Goa, laying the groundwork for future collaboration with the Goa College of Agriculture. Conversations between Rajan Shelke and Paresh Shetgaonkar focused on packaging and branding Goan honey for wider markets.

As the event drew to a close, well-wishers celebrated Marius Fernandes’ milestone with cake and tokens of appreciation.

Reflecting on the moment, Festakar Marius Fernandes said, “The 100th fest was more than just a number—it was a celebration of tradition, learning, and community spirit. It sets the tone for what lies ahead.”

Goan Festivals

Celebrating a Century of Fests: Honey Fest at Goa College of Agriculture

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Get ready to join the buzz at the Goa College of Agriculture’s Honey Fest, celebrating a century of fests curated by the inimitable Festakar Marius Fernandes. This special event blends agriculture, culture, sustainability, and community spirit, taking place on April 12, 2025, from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM.

Fest Highlights:

  • Festakarachi Pasoi: A heritage walk led by Festakar Marius Fernandes, exploring bee-friendly flora and witnessing the hiving of stingless bees.
  • Lighting of the Lamp: A symbolic opening ceremony featuring respected names from agriculture and academia.
  • Opening Performance: A vibrant “Kottieacho Nach” dance piece choreographed by Dr. Gwendolyn de Ornelas.
  • Special Milestone: A surprise tribute to mark the 100th Fest milestone curated by Festakar Marius.
  • Interactive Talks: Engaging conversations on bee management, honey packaging, and branding.
  • Workshops: Hands-on sessions on beehive installation and care, and Goan honey Batica cooking demo.
  • Cultural Showcases: Fashion show, Konkani skit, traditional performances, and a surprise quiz on bees and honey.

Join the Celebration!
Dean Dr. Suresh Kunkalikar shared, “This event is a unique blend of education and celebration — highlighting the vital role of bees in agriculture while honoring local culture and knowledge.”

Festakar Marius Fernandes added, “A hundred fests later, we’re still rooted in the same idea: inclusion, sustainability, and community joy.”

Event Details:

  • Date: April 12, 2025
  • Time: 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
  • Venue: Goa College of Agriculture, Old Goa

Mark Your Calendars!
Don’t miss this opportunity to join the Honey Fest celebration, learn about the importance of bees, and experience the rich cultural heritage of Goa.