Tag: cultural festivals

Events in Goa

Statewide Shigmo Festival 2026 to Be Celebrated Across Goa from March 5 to 18

rencygomes02

Written by Intern Rency Gomes ||Team Allycaral 

Panaji, February 2, 2026: Goa is all set to celebrate Shigmo 2026, one of the State’s most vibrant cultural festivals, showcasing its rich folk heritage through music, dance, and artistic expressions. A high-level meeting to review and plan the organisation of Shigmo float parades across various centres was chaired by Minister for Tourism, Rohan A. Khaunte, in the presence of Director of Tourism Kedar Naik and Managing Director, Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) Kuldeep Arolkar.


The meeting focused on ensuring the smooth and successful execution of the festival, with discussions covering logistics, adherence to timelines, inter-departmental coordination, and promotional strategies aimed at enhancing the reach and appeal of Shigmo 2026.

Following the meeting, a press conference was held where Director of Tourism, Kedar Naik, along with MD GTDC Kuldeep Arolkar and Deputy General Manager (Marketing/Hotels), GTDC Deepak Narvekar, officially announced the festival dates, centres, and key arrangements.

Addressing the media, Naik informed that Shigmo 2026 will be celebrated from March 5 to March 18, with colourful float parades organised across 19 centres in the State. The celebrations will commence in Ponda on March 5, followed by Calangute (March 6), Panaji (March 7), Mapusa (March 8), Mandrem (March 9), Bicholim (March 10), Sanquelim (March 11), Shiroda and Sanguem (March 12), Dharbandora and Cuncolim (March 13), Margao (March 14), Porvorim and Vasco (March 15), Valpoi and Curchorem (March 16), Quepem and Canacona (March 17), and will conclude at Pernem on March 18, 2026.

The Director further stated that the Department of Tourism provides two types of grants annually for Shigmo celebrations—infrastructure support and prize money. This year, infrastructure assistance has been enhanced by an additional ₹1 lakh per centre to further strengthen festival arrangements.

It was emphasised that parade routes must be finalised by the respective Shigmotsav Committees in consultation with the Traffic Cell and with prior permissions to ensure smooth traffic flow and public convenience. Committees were instructed to strictly adhere to all prescribed rules and regulations. A new set of guidelines for Romtamel groups has also been introduced, including a cap of 150 participants per group. Shigmo processions are to begin at 4:00 pm and conclude within the stipulated government time limits.

Representatives from various Municipal Councils, officials from the Police Department, Traffic Cell, Fire and Emergency Services, Assistant Director (Tourism) Jayesh Kankonkar, and other concerned departments were present, reflecting coordinated planning for the successful conduct of the festival.

Shigmo Festival 2026 is expected to once again bring together communities and visitors, offering an immersive experience of Goa’s living cultural traditions through vibrant floats, folk performances, and festive celebrations across the State.

Human Interest

Government Provides Grant; Carnaval Committees Decide Float Prize Allocation: Rohan A. Khaunte

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Intern Rency Gomes, Team Allycaral

Tourism Minister Rohan A. Khaunte informed the Goa Legislative Assembly that the government provides a consolidated grant to Carnaval committees, following which the committees independently decide how prize money for floats is allocated. He made the statement during the ongoing Winter Session of the Assembly in Porvorim on January 15, 2026.

Clarifying the government’s role, Khaunte stated that Carnaval floats are divided into various categories and that the distribution of prize money within these categories is determined solely by the respective Carnaval committees. He emphasised that there is no direct government intervention in deciding the prize amounts awarded to individual floats.

The issue was raised during a Calling Attention motion by Curchorem MLA Nilesh Cabral and Quepem MLA Altone D’Costa, who urged the government to consider increasing the prize money awarded to Carnaval floats in view of rising costs and efforts involved in float preparation.

Responding to the concerns, the Tourism Minister said that the matter has financial implications and will be discussed with Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant. He added that a decision on whether to increase the grants will be taken after these discussions. Khaunte also noted that the grant amount provided to Carnaval committees has seen an increase over the years, reflecting the government’s continued support for the state’s cultural celebrations.

Events in Goa

Goa State Film Festival 2025 Kicks Off with Film Legends, Music & Awards

Tanisha Cardozo

Panaji, Goa – August 14, 2025: The Goa State Film Festival 2025 has officially begun, bringing together the 10th, 11th, and 12th editions in a grand celebration of cinema, culture, and creativity. The festival was inaugurated with great enthusiasm by Hon’ble Chief Minister of Goa, Dr. Pramod Sawant, at INOX, Panaji.

Joining him at the opening ceremony were prominent dignitaries including Smt. Delilah M. Lobo (MLA & Vice Chairperson, ESG), Shri Damu Naik (film personality & Ex Vice Chairman, ESG), Shri Rohit Monserrate (Mayor, CCP Panaji), Shri Sarpreet Singh Gill (IAS, Secretary, Dept. of Information & Publicity), Shri Ashwin Chandru (IAS, CEO, ESG), and Shri Dipak Bandekar (Director, Dept. of Information & Publicity).

The festival’s opening night was further illuminated by the presence of legendary actor and television presenter Mohammad Ali, whose remarkable career spans over 1,200 films across Telugu and other languages. A cultural feast followed, featuring musical performances by acclaimed singer Jolly Mukherjee, Goa’s own Mukesh Ghatwal, and comedic acts from Sagar Karande and Ankur Wadhave of Chala Hawa Yeu Dya fame.

Celebrating Young Talent – 48 Hours Short Film Competition Winners

Highlighting the emerging talent in filmmaking, the winners of the 48 Hours Short Film Competition were announced:

  • Best Film (First Prize): Ful ani Savli (Flower and Shade)
  • Best Film (Second Prize): Before Sunrise
  • Best Director: Glen Cardozo (Ful ani Savli)
  • Best Cinematographer: Tejas V. Naik (Ful ani Savli)
  • Best Editor: Yuri B. Carvalho (Ful ani Savli)
  • Best Actor (Male): Niraj Arrie (Lift)
  • Best Actor (Female): Rati Bhatikar (Ful ani Savli)

Ful ani Savli emerged as the standout winner, capturing both artistic and technical accolades.

Four Days of Cinema, Culture & Community

Running from August 14 to 17, the Goa State Film Festival 2025 will showcase 19 feature films and 4 non-feature films, reflecting a diverse range of narratives and cinematic styles. In addition to film screenings, visitors can enjoy a Food Court and explore Handicraft Stalls set up at the INOX courtyard, offering a vibrant festival experience that extends beyond cinema.

Whether you’re a film enthusiast, a culture lover, or simply looking for a weekend escape, the Goa State Film Festival promises four days of inspiration, storytelling, and celebration of Goa’s creative spirit.

📍 Venue: INOX Courtyard, Panaji, Goa
📅 Dates: August 14–17, 2025
🎟️ Entry: Open to all cinema lovers

International

Goans Come Alive at First-Ever Swindon Carnival

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Swindon July 5, 2025 – By Allycaral

A vibrant explosion of colour, culture, and rhythm took over Swindon’s Polo Ground as the town hosted the inaugural Swindon Carnival 2025, an event now marked as a new milestone in the cultural calendar of the UK Goan diaspora.

Organised by UK Visionary Events, the day celebrated unity in diversity — blending Goan traditions with global influences. The event kicked off with a carnival parade led by children in festive costumes and the grand Carnival King & Queen, with the Deputy Mayor of Swindon, Councillor Neil Hopkins, lending his support.

Goan Soul, Global Beat
The stage came alive with iconic Konkani performances, with Mark Revlon’s soulful “Efernant Suate Na” and Princeston Colaco’s hit “Destiny” drawing roaring applause. Audiences also swayed to the stylings of Rainbow’s End, powered by Gladrin’s vocals.

As dusk set in, DJ Frankey, Kessh, Xavier, and Kim kept the crowd energised into the night, while rappers Lil Ferns & Eric Goan added an urban flair with fiery verses.

Flavours & Festivities
Food was a highlight — with stalls offering traditional Goan fare and global delights, while fairground rides, interactive booths, T-shirt design, face painting, and NHS stalls added depth and accessibility to the event.

Seamless & Safe
Organised by a 16-member team led by Lewin and Melroy, the event was a model of meticulous planning and execution. With Beast Security ensuring safety and NHS booths promoting health awareness, the event balanced fun and responsibility perfectly.

A Movement, Not Just a Moment
According to the organisers, this was more than just a one-off celebration. “Swindon Carnival 2025 is the start of a movement,” they said. “It shows what’s possible when communities come together in unity and celebration.”

The Swindon Carnival promises to return even bigger and brighter — growing into a cherished annual tradition that celebrates Goan identity while embracing the world.