Tag: Cultural Festival

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.

Events in Goa

Grand Curtain Raiser in Porvorim Sets the Stage for Goa Carnaval 2026

Tanisha Cardozo

The much-awaited Goa Carnaval 2026 commenced on a vibrant note this evening with a spectacular curtain raiser held at Porvorim, setting the tone for five days of colour, music and celebration across the State. The enthusiastic gathering of residents, artists and visitors transformed the town into a lively canvas of Goan culture and festive cheer.

The parade was flagged off by Hon’ble Minister for Tourism Rohan A. Khaunte in the presence of Hon’ble Chairman GTDC Kedar J Naik, Director of Tourism Kedar Naik, Managing Director GTDC Kuldeep Arolkar and other senior officials. The evening underscored a collaborative effort between the Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, and the Porvorim Carnaval Committee to deliver a celebration rooted in heritage and responsibility.

A defining highlight of the evening was the ceremonial proclamation by King Momo, Shri Cedric Da Costa, who led the procession in a traditional bullock cart, invoking the spirit of unity, joy and responsible celebration. The revival of this earlier custom paid homage to the legacy of musician Timoteo Fernandes, who played a pivotal role in reintroducing Carnaval in 1965 and popularising the arrival of King Momo in this distinctive manner.

Addressing the gathering, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte emphasised the importance of reconnecting with cultural roots while ensuring that the younger generation experiences the festival in its authentic form. He also highlighted that this year’s curtain raiser was consciously organised with certain route restrictions in place due to traffic regulations, ensuring respect for commuters and residents. Notably, the celebration avoided large mechanised floats and fuel-driven vehicles, reflecting a sustainable and environmentally conscious approach.

Chairman GTDC Shri Kedar J Naik described Carnaval as a reflection of Goa’s unique cultural journey shaped by centuries of rich traditions and global influences. He noted that the festival brings together communities across faiths and regions, showcasing Goa’s vibrant artistic expression through music, dance and creative performances.

Director of Tourism Shri Kedar Naik remarked that the curtain raiser in Porvorim set the rhythm for the grand festivities that will unfold across the State. The evening featured enthusiastic participation from local cultural groups, with performances that filled the air with rhythm, colour and excitement.

The celebration now moves to Panaji on February 14 for the grand float parade, followed by festivities in Margao on February 15, Vasco da Gama on February 16 and Mapusa and Morjim on February 17. As celebrations unfold across these towns, Goa stands poised to experience one of its most cherished cultural festivals in full splendour, blending nostalgia, sustainability and collective joy.

#faith

Shatakautsav Mahotsav of Vitthal Rakhumai Temple Inaugurated in Vithalwadi as Temple Marks 100 Years

rencygomes02

Written by Intern Rency Gomes || Team Allycaral 

Mapusa/Vithalwadi: The Shatakautsav Mahotsav commemorating 100 years of the Vitthal Rakhumai Temple at Vithalwadi was inaugurated with religious fervour and community participation, marking the temple’s entry into its centenary year.


The inauguration was attended by Dy. Speaker and MLA of Mapusa Joshua De Souza, along with Tourism Minister and MLA of Porvorim Rohan Khaunte. The centenary celebrations highlight the temple’s enduring spiritual legacy and its deep-rooted connection with the local community.

The Shatakautsav Mahotsav will feature nearly 100 programmes, including 1,000 pujas, the traditional Palki procession, and a series of devotional and cultural activities aimed at celebrating the region’s rich spiritual heritage.

The celebrations will continue until February 1, 2026, reflecting a strong foundation of faith, tradition, and collective participation. The organising committee, comprising members from multiple generations, has played a key role in ensuring that the centenary celebrations represent both continuity and inclusiveness.

The event stands as a tribute to a century of devotion, community bonding, and the preservation of cultural and spiritual traditions associated with the Vitthal Rakhumai Temple.

Events in Goa

IPRS Sets the Stage for Artistic Excellence and Creator Empowerment at Serendipity Arts Festival 2025

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

The Indian Performing Right Society (IPRS) is set to play a defining role in shaping conversations around artistic excellence and creator empowerment at the 10th edition of the Serendipity Arts Festival 2025 in Goa. From December 15 to 20 at Azad Maidan, Panaji, the IPRS Stage will once again become a vibrant platform celebrating India’s musical diversity, evolving soundscape, and the creators who drive it.

The IPRS Stage offers a rare space where regional, folk, traditional, and emerging artists from across the country come together to connect with wider audiences beyond their local geographies. The platform not only celebrates performance but also reinforces the importance of access, recognition, and opportunity for music creators in an ever-changing industry.

The stage opened on December 15 with the Vayali Bamboo Band, whose handcrafted bamboo instruments and ecologically rooted soundscapes set the tone for a programme rooted in creativity and cultural consciousness. On December 17, audiences will witness Gulabi Vinyl, a collaboration between vocalist Vidhya Gopal and poet Alok Ranjan Srivastava, blending thumri, dadra, ghazal and classic Hindi melodies with contemporary expression. The musical journey continues on December 18 with Beintehaan: A Musical Harvest, curated by songwriter and filmmaker Mayur Puri, weaving together Kajri, dohas, Sufi kalaams, indie-folk sensibilities and original compositions.

On December 19, Shahbaaz Hussain Khan of the centuries-old Gwalior Gharana will lead Rooh-e-Qawwali, bringing the spiritual energy of Sufi devotion and collective expression to the stage. The showcase culminates on December 20 with Dashugs, a dynamic Ladakhi band whose powerful, community-driven sound reflects the emerging creative voices from the Himalayan region.

Sharing IPRS’ broader vision, CEO Rakesh Nigam highlighted that the IPRS Stage at Serendipity Arts Festival marks an important milestone in celebrating India’s creative spirit while building an inclusive music ecosystem. As IPRS deepens its engagement with the artistic community in Goa this December, the initiative underscores a future where creators are not only celebrated on stage but also empowered beyond it, ensuring that India’s cultural legacy continues to evolve with purpose and pride.

Events in Goa

Serendipity Arts Festival 2025 Day 2 Unfolds with Jazz Grooves, Motown Memories and Immersive Visual Worlds

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

The second day of Serendipity Arts Festival 2025 unfolded as a vibrant celebration of sound, memory and visual storytelling, reaffirming the festival’s commitment to diverse artistic expressions spread across multiple venues in Panjim. Audiences moved seamlessly between music, film, exhibitions and culinary experiences, encountering art that invited both participation and reflection.

At The Arena at Nagalli Hills, the evening’s musical journey began with The Revisit Project, curated by Zubin Balaporia and Ehsaan Noorani. Known for demystifying the complexities of jazz, the band delivered a powerful blend of groove-driven rhythms, old-school funk and contemporary jazz, weaving pointed observations about life, love and politics in India into their performance. The set offered a refreshing balance of technical precision and emotional accessibility, drawing in both seasoned listeners and new audiences.

The night reached a celebratory high with Motown Madness, also curated by Zubin Balaporia. The high-energy concert paid tribute to the iconic Motown sound that shaped generations, transporting audiences through timeless hits associated with legends like Michael Jackson, The Supremes and Stevie Wonder. The performance blended nostalgia with exuberance, turning the venue into a space of collective joy and shared musical memory.

Reflecting on the evening, Balaporia noted that the curation was about embracing the vast emotional range of music — from the sharp, contemporary language of jazz to the enduring warmth of Motown. Despite their differences, he observed, both performances met on common ground through rhythm, storytelling and shared energy.

Meanwhile, the Captain of Ports Jetty in Old Goa continued to host unique experiences aboard the Barge installation. The Silent Film Screening by Aldona Video Club transformed the floating venue into an intimate cinema, where audiences engaged with cinema that both honoured and questioned traditional narrative forms. The collective’s approach examined representation and media boundaries, offering a contemplative counterpoint to the city’s musical pulse.

From December 14 onwards, exhibitions across festival venues opened to the public, further expanding the festival’s immersive landscape. At the Directorate of Accounts, Multiplay 02: Soft Systems, curated by Jiten Thukral and Sumir Tagra, invited visitors into a participatory environment designed as a sandbox for collective experience. Featuring works by artists including Chunky Move, Jayasimha Chandrashekar, Alke Reeh, Bwanga Kapumpa and Teja Gavankar, the exhibition encouraged acts of care, rest and attention — from modelling clay portraits in the dark to listening to the sounds of trees and birds. The curators described the project as a tender constellation of practices that hold space, invite participation and foster connection through touch, rhythm and generosity.

At Art Park, The Culinary Odyssey of Goa, curated by Odette Mascarenhas, explored Goan cuisine as a living archive of memory and migration. The project showcased five traditional kitchens representing Hindu artisans, Muslim descendants of the Bijapur dynasty, Gaud Saraswat Brahmins, Indo-Luso influences and Christian descendants. Through tastings centred on ingredients such as turmeric, kokum, black peppercorn, tamarind and star anise, visitors engaged with stories of spice, history and everyday ritual narrated by the curator herself.

The Promenade hosted Urban Reimagined, curated by Ravi Agarwal, which examined the city through the lens of waste, extraction and inequality. Featuring photographs by the late Vivan Sundaram, the exhibition positioned waste as a marker of caste and class, prompting audiences to confront what urban spaces reveal — and conceal — about aspiration, excess and social structure.

At The Access Village in the Old GMC Complex, Therefore I Am brought together seven artists whose lived experiences of disability shape their creative practices. Working across painting, sculpture, photography, video, performance and digital media, the artists challenged conventional perceptions of the body, presenting disability as a powerful site of creativity, resistance and truth. Curator Salil Chaturvedi highlighted the exhibition as an essential reminder that disability is not marginal, but an integral part of the collective human story.

Together, the experiences of Day 2 wove a rich tapestry of jazz, nostalgia, visual inquiry and participatory art, underscoring Serendipity Arts Festival 2025’s role as a platform where artistic expression meets social reflection and shared experience.