To commemorate the 64th Goa Liberation Day, the Aguad Port and Jail Complex at Sinquerim is opening its doors to Goan residents with no entry charge, allowing them to celebrate the historic occasion by reconnecting with the state’s liberation legacy. Goans can avail free entry by furnishing any government-certified identification or proof of residence.
As a prominent cultural and historical landmark, the Aguad Port and Jail Complex offers a poignant glimpse into Goa’s past and its long struggle for freedom. Once a place where freedom fighters were incarcerated, the complex today stands as a powerful reminder of their sacrifices and resilience. Visitors can explore former jail cells that have been transformed into a digital interactive museum, dedicated to narrating the stories of Goa’s freedom movement and the lives of those who fought for liberation.
The museum presents immersive narratives, archival material, and visual storytelling that help visitors understand the journey towards Goa’s liberation. A dedicated memorial wall honours the countless freedom fighters whose names are etched as a lasting tribute to their courage and contribution. The initiative encourages Goans to rediscover their heritage, reflect on the sacrifices made, and celebrate the spirit of freedom on this significant day.
The free-entry initiative will be available on Thursday, December 19, 2025, from 10 am onwards at the Aguad Port and Jail Complex, Sinquerim.
Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral National Desk
The Hon’ble Vice-President of India, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan, today released a commemorative postage stamp in honour of Emperor Perumbidugu Mutharaiyar II, also known as Suvaran Maran, at the Vice-President’s Enclave in New Delhi. The release marked an important step in recognising the contributions of historically significant Tamil rulers who have shaped India’s cultural and political heritage.
Addressing the gathering, the Vice-President appreciated the Government of India under the visionary leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji for its sustained efforts in promoting Tamil culture and language. He highlighted initiatives such as the Kashi Tamil Sangamam and the broader focus on acknowledging Tamil kings, leaders and freedom fighters who had not received due recognition in the past.
Shri Radhakrishnan noted that the commemorative postage stamp honouring Emperor Perumbidugu Mutharaiyar II forms part of this ongoing process of cultural recognition. He emphasised that acknowledging unsung heroes is vital to restoring national pride and strengthening India’s civilisational consciousness as the country moves forward on its journey towards Viksit Bharat.
The occasion was attended by several distinguished dignitaries, including Hon’ble Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, Hon’ble Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha Shri Harivansh, and Hon’ble Union Minister of State for Information & Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs Dr. L. Murugan. Their presence underscored the significance of the event and the collective commitment to celebrating India’s diverse historical legacy.
The release of the commemorative postage stamp stands as a tribute to Emperor Perumbidugu Mutharaiyar II and serves as a reminder of the enduring importance of preserving and honouring India’s rich cultural and historical narratives.
The landmark 10th edition of Serendipity Arts Festival opened in Panjim on December 12 with a powerful celebration of India’s cultural heritage and contemporary artistic expression. Returning to Goa for ten days of immersive experiences, the opening day reflected the festival’s enduring vision of bridging tradition and innovation through art.
The evening commenced with the inauguration of Barge at the Captain of Ports Jetty in Old Goa, where Founder-Patron Mr. Sunil Kant Munjal welcomed audiences to the milestone edition. Reflecting on the journey of the festival, he described Serendipity Arts as a movement that has grown into a shared cultural space connecting artists, communities, and audiences across disciplines. The 10th edition, he noted, is dedicated to Mukta Munjal, whose early initiatives in the arts continue to inspire the festival’s spirit.
Curated by Veerangana Solanki, Barge transformed a floating structure into an experiential space exploring absence and presence through spatial, architectural, and sonic responses. Drawing from earlier exhibitions, the installation invited visitors to activate the space through movement, sound, and perception, leaving behind fleeting yet personal imprints.
The opening continued at Nagalli Hills with Palette(s), a striking performance by Cédric Gagneur and Marc Oosterhoff that reimagined wooden pallets as both object and collaborator. Blurring the lines between dance and circus, the performance explored gravity, vulnerability, and repetition in a raw and physical expression.
The night concluded with Clay Play, curated by Shubha Mudgal and Aneesh Pradhan, a mesmerizing performance that foregrounded percussion instruments crafted from clay. Rooted deeply in Goan traditions, the sounds of the ghumat and other instruments resonated through the space, reaffirming their place as living cultural practices rather than relics of the past.
Across the city, Beasts of Reincarnations: Mythical Beings in the City began appearing along Panjim’s streets and waterfronts. Curated by Diptej Vernekar, the large-scale installations reimagined Goa’s effigy-making traditions, inviting the public to encounter ritual memory through forms suspended between destruction, renewal, and contemporary urban life.
As the festival unfolds, exhibitions opening from December 14 will further expand this dialogue. These include Not a shore, neither a ship, but the sea itself at the Old GMC Complex, OTHERLAND at the Old GMC Building, and several immersive installations exploring systems, food memory, loss, movement, and sensory experience across multiple venues.
Day 1 of Serendipity Arts Festival 2025 set a compelling tone for the days ahead, weaving together local and global voices, traditional and contemporary practices, and transforming Panjim into a living, breathing canvas of artistic discovery.
Mumbai, November 25, 2025: Every Indian bride carries a universe of emotions — the rituals she grew up witnessing, the culture she represents, the memories she cherishes and the jewellery that becomes an intrinsic part of her identity. Malabar Gold & Diamonds, one of the world’s largest gold and diamond retail chains, has deeply understood this emotional and cultural connection for decades.
Today, the brand celebrated a significant milestone with the unveiling of the 15th edition of its flagship Brides of India campaign — one of India’s most iconic and anticipated bridal showcases. This year’s edition brings together 22 brides and 10 distinguished celebrities including Alia Bhatt, Kareena Kapoor Khan, NTR, Karthi, Anil Kapoor, Srinidhi Shetty, Rukmini Maitra, Sabyasachi Mishra, Prarthana Behere and Manasi Parekh, each representing the extraordinary diversity of Indian bridal narratives.
The campaign film — directed by Abhishek Varman with music by Shubhajit Mukherjee — captures the emotional depth, rituals and heritage that shape the Indian bride’s journey. Brand film URL:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CvW1EkLfGH4
A Tribute to India’s Bridal Traditions
Reflecting on the milestone, Mr. M. P. Ahammed, Chairman, Malabar Gold & Diamonds, said: “Each year, the Brides of India campaign is our tribute to the brides of this country. The 15th edition celebrates the depth of traditions — the memories, rituals and relationships that define her. With our commitment to transparency and quality assurance, we want families to feel confident in choosing jewellery that is meaningful and trustworthy.”
A Celebration of India’s Cultural Diversity
The 2025 edition spans the full spectrum of Indian bridal identities — from the regal polki craftsmanship of Rajasthan to Tamil Nadu’s temple-inspired gold artistry, Kerala’s kasavu-linked golden tradition and Bengal’s intricately designed cultural motifs.
The campaign highlights how brides today blend tradition with personal expression, honoring heritage while embracing their individuality.
Traditions That Travel Across Regions
A standout feature is the collection’s pan-India accessibility. Brides from any region can choose styles from any tradition — a Chennai bride can select a Rajasthani polki set and a Delhi bride can embrace temple jewellery from the South — showcasing Malabar’s expansive design archive and customisation capabilities.
Showcasing Malabar’s Signature Bridal Lines
The 2025 edition brings together celebrated bridal lines including:
Divine Collection – inspired by temple art and Indian heritage
Precia Collection – gemstone-rich designs with rubies, emeralds and sapphires
Each piece is crafted by Malabar’s master artisans, honouring a bride’s culture, rituals and the auspicious moments surrounding her wedding.
Celebrities Share Their Thoughts
Alia Bhatt said, “Every bride brings her own personality into her wedding. Malabar captures this beautifully through jewellery that feels meaningful, contemporary and connected to her story.”
Kareena Kapoor Khan added, “This campaign brings together India’s cultural narrative with sincerity while keeping the bride at the centre.”
Anil Kapoor shared, “What I admire is how the campaign balances grandeur with the deep emotional journey of the bride. The jewellery reflects both beautifully.”
Continuing a Legacy of Excellence
With the landmark 15th edition, Malabar reinforces its position as India’s leading bridal destination — offering diverse designs across gold, diamond, platinum and gemstone jewellery that are both auspicious and authentic.
Malabar Gold & Diamonds invites brides across the nation to explore jewellery that reflects their heritage, their identity and the memories they carry into their lifelong journey.
Goa’s living heritage once again takes centre stage as the Heritage First Festival returns for its second edition, promising to spotlight the cultural, ecological and historical wealth of the state. Organised by the not-for-profit Heritage First Goa (HFG) — founded by heritage advocates Heta Pandit, Jack Ajit Sukhija, and Snigdha Manchanda — the festival will be held from November 14 to December 7, 2025 and will feature 41 walks and workshops spread across three weeks.
From the tranquil villages and khazan lands to the city streets and coastal landscapes, this edition of the festival explores Goa’s multifaceted heritage through immersive experiences. Participants will have the chance to embark on a village walk in Saligao with Subodh Kerkar, dive into the biodiversity of Chorao’s mangroves and otter habitats with Kilian Hughes and Katrina Fernandez, explore prehistoric caves in Chicalim with Cyril Fernandes, or discover Panaji’s nocturnal charm through a night walk guided by Pritha Sardessai.
Beyond the walks, the festival’s workshops will offer deeper engagement with Goa’s art and craft traditions. Attendees can learn the intricacies of Kaavi art with Darpana Athale, explore the textures and heritage of the Kunbi saree weave with Mahalaxmi Bhobe, join a poetry walk with Meera Ganpathi across the scenic fields of Parra, build a sand dune on Miramar’s beach alongside Dr Antonio Mascarenhas and Gabriella D’Cruz, or enjoy community kitchen experiences in Chorao led by Amreen Sheikh.
“Goa has so much to offer in terms of heritage and culture, which people are still not aware of beyond their own local boundaries. In this second edition of the festival, we aim to throw a spotlight on these gems and educate the general public as there is yet so much of our heritage which is yet unknown to us, especially the younger generation. We hope that through the walks and workshops people are able to understand, connect and in turn preserve the heritage of the state,” says Heta Pandit of Heritage First Goa.
The festival also opens the door for individuals and businesses to play a role in heritage preservation by adopting a walk through modest contributions, helping sustain the operational costs and supporting the cause in a tangible way.
Registration for each event is mandatory, with limited slots available to ensure meaningful engagement. Tickets are priced at ₹750 per event, and attendees are encouraged to pre-book their slots to be part of this journey that celebrates Goa’s living legacy.
