Babreshwar Jatra at Calangute is one of those celebrations where faith is not just practiced but lived collectively. Each year, the jatra draws devotees from across the region, transforming the temple surroundings into a space filled with prayer, reverence, and vibrant cultural energy.
From the early hours, devotees gather to participate in live rituals and traditional prayers, creating an atmosphere charged with devotion. The sounds of chants, the sight of offerings, and the steady flow of people reflect the deep-rooted belief associated with Babreshwar, a deity revered for protection, blessings, and guidance. Families, elders, and youth alike come together, reinforcing the strong sense of community that defines the jatra.
A distinctive highlight of the Babreshwar Jatra is the Banana Festival, a ritual that sets this celebration apart. Devotees offer bananas with great respect, expressing gratitude for blessings received and seeking divine grace for the future. The simplicity of the offering carries profound meaning, symbolising humility, abundance, and unwavering faith. Rows of bananas offered at the temple become a powerful visual representation of collective devotion.
Beyond the rituals, the jatra is also a celebration of tradition and cultural continuity. Local customs, shared meals, and the gathering of neighbours and families strengthen social bonds, turning the event into a living expression of Goa’s spiritual heritage. It is a time when faith transcends individual belief and becomes a shared experience.
Babreshwar Jatra at Calangute stands as a beautiful blend of devotion, tradition, and cultural unity—where every prayer, every offering, and every gathering reinforces the enduring connection between faith and community.
BAGA: In a rare moment of calm amidst the political unrest in Goa, MLA Michael Lobo and MLA Delilah Lobo joined the community for the Litany service held at Baga Deck on August 20, 2025.
The couple described the evening as “a peaceful time spent in prayer and unity”, offering a message of hope at a time when the state continues to witness political upheaval.
The Litany, a traditional prayer gathering, brought together locals in large numbers. It became not just a religious occasion but also a powerful statement of solidarity and resilience within the community.
The event highlighted how Goa’s social fabric remains deeply intertwined with faith, culture, and unity – values that continue to guide its people even during uncertain times.
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The serene village of St. Mathias on Divar Island transformed into a lively hub of culture, nostalgia, and sustainability as it hosted the vibrant Potekar Fest 2025. This unique festival, curated by Festaçar Marius Fernandes, brought together people from across Goa to celebrate tradition, inclusivity, and environmental consciousness in an atmosphere of harmony and togetherness.
The festival commenced with the much-anticipated Festaçar passoi, a symbolic procession from the Ghumot Museum to the balcão, where the 93-year-old Anna Regina, the oldest Potekarn, warmly inaugurated the celebration. This was followed by the ceremonial lighting of the lamp by distinguished guests, including Prakash Kamat, Rena Menezes, Maria Gorretti Fernandes, Dominic D’Souza, Jacqueline Alvares, and Mariano Ferrao. Their presence set the stage for a day filled with cultural exchange, nostalgia, and shared learning.
Potekar Fest drew enthusiastic participation from various Goan regions, including Corlim, Panjim, Mapusa, Divar, Sarzora, and Nuvem, reinforcing its spirit of inclusivity. The festival ensured that individuals of all backgrounds and abilities could actively participate, making it a true community event.
A defining feature of Potekar Fest 2025 was its unwavering commitment to zero-waste practices. By incorporating eco-friendly traditions and sustainable living principles, the festival exemplified how cultural celebrations can be both meaningful and environmentally responsible.
The festival featured several engaging cultural elements, one of the most cherished being the Balçaoacheo Gozalli—a platform where Miguel Braganza, Prakash Kamat, and Mariano Ferrao shared their insights and experiences with Festaçar Marius Fernandes. Their discussions provided a rich tapestry of Divar’s past, offering attendees an immersive experience of the region’s heritage. They spoke how those innocent days has changed and we all have to be more aware of our surroundings due to the advent of social media and vloggers and how they can distort our traditions due to lack of knowledge.
Adding to the nostalgic atmosphere, Festaçar reminisced about his childhood days of crafting paper masks, evoking memories of Goa’s age-old traditions and artistic expressions.
A major crowd-puller was the mesmerizing Kottieacho Nach (Coconut Shell Dance), conceptualized by Dr. Gwendolyn de Ornelas. The rhythmic performance captivated onlookers, highlighting Goa’s dynamic folk traditions. Live musical performances further enhanced the festivities, with renowned singers Jacqueline Alvares and Leena Fernandes leading the audience through timeless Konkani melodies.
The festival was a sensory delight, offering a blend of Goan culinary and artisanal traditions. A special workshop on Doce de Grão, conducted by Dr. Gwendolyn de Ornelas and Dorothy De Souza, provided attendees with a hands-on experience of this beloved Goan delicacy, fostering a sense of community and cultural pride.
Reflecting on the success of Potekar Fest 2025, Festaçar Marius Fernandes expressed his gratitude, stating:
We are deeply grateful to our visitors, performers, and everyone who made this event possible. This marks our 98th community festival, and we look forward to continuing this journey of celebrating unity.”
More than just a festival, Potekar Fest 2025 stood as a testament to Goa’s cultural richness, inclusivity, and commitment to sustainability. It left a profound impact on all who attended, reinforcing the importance of community spirit and preserving heritage.
As the sun set on Divar Island, it was clear that this celebration was not just an event, but a heartfelt tribute to Goa’s identity—one that would be remembered for years to come.
The 3rd edition of the Rotary Republic Cyclothon, organized by the Rotary Club of Mhapsa Millennials, was flagged off by Mapusa MLA Joshua De Souza on a crisp morning. The event, which aimed to promote fitness and community spirit, saw over 300 participants riding across 5 constituencies, showcasing their endurance and enthusiasm.
A True Celebration of Cycling The Rotary Republic Cyclothon featured two exciting categories: the Half Century Ride (50km) and the Fun Ride (17km). The Half Century Ride was designed for serious cyclists, while the Fun Ride was open to participants of all ages and skill levels, making it a perfect opportunity for families and friends to ride together.
Honoring the Spirit of Community Mapusa MLA Joshua De Souza, who flagged off the event, expressed his gratitude to the Rotary Club of Mhapsa Millennials for organizing the Cyclothon. He emphasized the importance of promoting fitness and community spirit, especially among the younger generation.
Recognizing the Unsung Heroes The event also recognized the efforts of Colonel Rajeev, who was the Guest of Honor, and President Kanak Nachinolkar, Event Head Pratik Pilankar, and the entire team behind the Rotary Republic Cyclothon. Their dedication and hard work made the event a resounding success.
A Testament to Community Spirit The Rotary Republic Cyclothon was more than just a cycling event; it was a testament to the power of community spirit. The event brought together people from all walks of life, united by their passion for cycling and their commitment to promoting fitness and well-being.
The sun-kissed village of Corlim was abuzz with excitement on Republic Day as the Ekvottachem Fest brought together people from all walks of life to celebrate unity, inclusivity, and Goa’s rich cultural heritage. This spectacular event, curated by festival director Festaçar Marius Fernandes and hosted by Mariano and Perpetua Ferrao, was a testament to the power of community and the importance of preserving our cultural traditions.
The Ekvottachem Fest was a shining example of inclusivity, with individuals with disabilities actively participating in the celebrations. The festival’s zero-waste philosophy was also a highlight, showcasing eco-friendly practices and traditional ways of living. As the guests arrived, they were greeted with a warm welcome and a sense of belonging, setting the tone for a day filled with joy, laughter, and community spirit.
The festival was a vibrant celebration of Goa’s rich cultural heritage, with a range of activities and performances that showcased the state’s unique traditions and customs. The Balçaoacheo Gozalli platform brought together notable personalities who shared their knowledge and experiences, while the traditional lifestyle demonstrations took the guests on a journey back in time. The unique dance performances, including the Kottieacho Nach, conceptualized by Dr. Gwendolyn de Ornelas, were a highlight of the festival, showcasing the beauty and elegance of Goan dance forms.
The Festacarachi Pasoi, a heritage walk led by Dean Suresh Kunkalikar, was a unique and immersive experience that connected the participants with Corlim’s indigenous trees, medicinal plants, and historic landmarks. This initiative highlighted the importance of preserving local biodiversity and the need to protect our natural heritage for future generations.
As Festaçar Marius Fernandes approached his 100th community festival, he was honored with a commemorative 2025 Festaçar Calendar. The calendar featured vibrant photos and documentation of his 12 festivals, capturing the essence of Goa’s cultural vibrancy and the spirit of community that defines our state.
A Lasting Impression
The Ekvottachem Fest was a resounding success, leaving a lasting impression on all who attended. As the guests departed, they carried with them memories of a day filled with joy, laughter, and community spirit. The festival was a testament to the power of unity and inclusivity, showcasing the beauty and diversity of Goan culture. As we look to the future, the Ekvottachem Fest will remain a beacon of hope and inspiration, reminding us of the importance of preserving our cultural heritage and promoting community spirit.
