Tag: Cultural Heritage

Events in Goa

Curtain Raiser Unveils GOAPEX 2025 – Philatelic Exhibition to Celebrate Goa’s Cultural Heritage

Tanisha Cardozo

The Department of Posts, Goa Postal Division, held a vibrant curtain raiser ceremony at Tapal Bhavan, Panaji, setting the stage for GOAPEX 2025, the upcoming district-level philatelic exhibition. Scheduled to be held on 28th and 29th November 2025 at the Institute of Menezes Braganza, Panaji, the event promises to celebrate Goa’s rich cultural heritage through the lens of philately.

The event’s highlight was the official unveiling of the GOAPEX 2025 logo by Ramesh P. Patil, Director, Postal Services, Goa Region, who was the Chief Guest for the occasion. The logo, themed around “Goa – Gateway of Culture”, reflects the state’s vibrant traditions and its historical role as a cultural crossroads.

In his address, Mr. Patil emphasized the enduring educational value of philately, particularly in shaping young minds through knowledge, creativity, and cultural pride. He encouraged philatelists of all ages to actively participate in the exhibition, highlighting the platform as a celebration of both history and imagination.

Adding to the moment of pride, Stuti Laxmikant Naik, a Class 7 student from Shree Mahalasa Narayani High School in Verna, was felicitated for designing the winning logo. Her creative work was selected through a competition organized by the Department.

The department also released the Prospectus of GOAPEX 2025, outlining participation guidelines, exhibit categories, and event highlights. Additionally, the first GOAPEX Bulletin was unveiled—an exclusive collector’s edition that includes a Logo Postcard (Mint) and a World Tourism Day Picture Postcard (Cancelled). Priced at Rs. 350, the Bulletin will be available at the Panaji Head Post Office.

The ceremony was attended by philatelists, students, and postal staff, including Anurag Nikhare, Senior Superintendent of Post Offices, Goa Division, and Aslesh Kamat, President of the Goa Philately and Numismatics Society.

GOAPEX 2025 is set to be more than an exhibition—it will be a cultural homage through stamps, narratives, and youth creativity. Stay tuned as Panaji becomes the hub of philatelic passion this November.

EduConnect

Karamat College Hosts Cultural Fashion Show and Empowerment Programme Under Mission Shakti

Tanisha Cardozo

Karamat Husain Muslim Girls’ PG College in Lucknow witnessed a celebration of culture and consciousness as it hosted a cultural fashion show and women’s empowerment programme under the Uttar Pradesh government’s Mission Shakti 5.0 initiative. The event, aimed at raising awareness about women’s rights, safety, and self-reliance, also spotlighted the rich cultural legacy of Awadh.

The fashion show, titled Libas-e-Lucknow, was presented in collaboration with Aadab Arz Lucknow and the Kabeer Manjari Cultural Club. Students walked the ramp wearing traditional ghararas and shararas embellished with intricate chikankari and zardozi embroidery, reviving classic Awadhi artistry. The vibrant display of craftsmanship reflected Lucknow’s heritage and gave the audience a visual feast rooted in culture and grace.

Chief guest Prof. Mandvi Singh, Vice-Chancellor of Bhatkhande University, applauded the merging of art and social messaging. She encouraged the youth to uphold the city’s timeless traditions, saying, “It is the responsibility of youngsters to preserve heritage, especially when the fast-paced world often sidelines culture.”

Special guest Ayesha Safwi, co-founder of the cultural collective Numaya, highlighted the enduring significance of Lucknow’s art forms and how they symbolize both beauty and resilience. College principal Prof. Huma Khwaja called the fashion show “a celebration of the soul of Lucknow,” emphasizing that cultural pride and women’s empowerment can go hand in hand.

The second part of the event was an informative and inspiring empowerment programme under Mission Shakti 5.0, focusing on women’s safety in both physical and digital spaces. It was attended by senior police officials including ADCP (Central Zone) Jitendra Kumar Dubey and ACP (Mahanagar) Ankit Kumar. ACP Apoorva Pandey gave students a brief history of feminist movements and shared practical advice on safe social media practices. Inspector Rashmi Parihar provided students with emergency helpline numbers—1090, 181, 1930, 112—and directed them to cybercrime.gov.in for reporting online threats. She emphasized the fundamental importance of understanding and respecting consent.

Syed Naved Ahmad, manager of the college, commended the dual-theme programme for educating and inspiring the youth. “Such initiatives do not just entertain or inform; they equip young minds with tools to stay safe and be proud of their identity in a digital world,” he said.

The event concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks from Principal Prof. Huma Khwaja, who recited a poignant couplet to leave the audience inspired and united in purpose. The day marked a powerful synergy of tradition and empowerment, bringing together beauty, bravery, and awareness under one roof.

Special Occasion

Mahalaya Amavasya 2025: Honouring Ancestors, Embracing Blessings

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo, Team Allycaral

Mahalaya Amavasya, also known as Shrad, is a deeply spiritual Hindu observance falling this year on Sunday, 21st September 2025. It marks the conclusion of Pitru Paksha, a sixteen-day period dedicated to offering prayers, rituals, and gratitude to ancestors. This sacred window is rooted in the belief that honouring our departed forefathers helps repay ancestral debts, cleanse karmic burdens, and invite blessings into our lives.

Rituals performed on this day — Shradh, Tarpan, and Pind Daan — are considered spiritually potent and deeply symbolic. Tarpan involves offering water and prayers to ancestors, while Pind Daan uses symbolic food offerings like rice balls, barley flour, and sesame seeds to nourish their souls. Shradh is a ceremonial rite filled with mantras and devotion. Traditionally, the eldest male family member performs these rites while wearing a ring made of kush grass, a sacred plant that symbolises compassion and purity.

After these offerings, food is given to a crow — believed to be the messenger of Lord Yama, the god of death — followed by feeding Brahmin priests, continuing a cycle of charity and reverence. It is also considered auspicious to read scriptures such as the Garuda Purana or Agni Purana during this time.

A poignant legend from the Mahabharata gives context to Mahalaya Amavasya’s origin. When Karna, the heroic warrior, died and reached heaven, he was offered gold instead of food. Puzzled, he asked Lord Indra why. The deity revealed that Karna had donated gold throughout his life but never food. Realising the importance of feeding the needy, Karna was allowed to return to earth for sixteen days to offer food to the poor. These sixteen days became known as Pitru Paksha, culminating in Mahalaya Amavasya.

On this solemn day, traditional attire is worn as a mark of respect — white kurta-pyjamas for men and white sarees for women — symbolising peace, purity, and spiritual focus. While the festival doesn’t involve specific celebratory dishes, the food offered during rituals is rich with symbolic meaning.

The primary deities revered during Mahalaya Amavasya are Lord Vishnu, the protector, and Lord Yama, the guide of souls in the afterlife. Their blessings are sought to ensure peace for the departed and spiritual protection for the living.

Mahalaya Amavasya is more than a ritual — it is a sacred bridge between generations. It reminds us that just as we inherit our ancestors’ blessings and assets, we also inherit their karmic residues. Performing these ancestral rites helps liberate both souls and families from spiritual bondage, paving the way for peace in this life and beyond.

May your ancestors bless you with wisdom, strength, and peace this Mahalaya Amavasya.
—from Allycaral family

National

Maharashtra Govt Grants ₹25,000 Each to 1,800 Bhajani Mandals for Ganesh Festival

allycaralgoa

In a significant cultural initiative, the Maharashtra government has announced financial assistance of ₹25,000 each to 1,800 bhajani mandals ahead of the Ganesh festival.

Bhajani mandals, groups that perform devotional songs and music, are an inseparable part of Ganesh Chaturthi festivities across Maharashtra. Their performances create a spiritual and festive atmosphere, drawing communities together in devotion and celebration.

The financial aid aims to support these traditional groups, many of which operate with limited resources. With this grant, the government seeks to encourage cultural preservation, empower local artists, and ensure that the tradition of bhajans continues to enrich Ganesh Utsav celebrations.

The Ganesh festival, which brings millions of devotees together every year, is not only a religious occasion but also a display of Maharashtra’s cultural heritage. The assistance to bhajani mandals underlines the government’s effort to strengthen grassroots cultural participation while uplifting community-led traditions.

With this support, the upcoming Ganesh Chaturthi promises to be both spiritually enriching and culturally vibrant.

Events in Goa

Governor Ashok Gajapathi Raju Releases Commemorative Stamp Honouring Laxmidas Borkar in Margao

Tanisha Cardozo

Margao, Goa – In a heartfelt tribute to one of Goa’s most influential freedom fighters and social reformers, Governor of Goa Shri Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju released a commemorative postage stamp and first day cover honouring Laxmidas Borkar. The event was held as part of the concluding ceremony of the Laxmidas Borkar Janmashatabdi Samaroh at Ravindra Bhavan, Margao.

Organised by the Laxmidas Borkar Janmashatabdi Samaroh Samiti in association with India Post and Ravindra Bhavan Margao, the event brought together dignitaries, scholars, cultural leaders, and members of the public to celebrate the centenary year of a man who played a pivotal role in Goa’s socio-political awakening.

Governor Raju’s presence underscored the significance of the occasion, as he acknowledged Borkar’s life of courage, public service, and relentless commitment to justice. The release of the commemorative stamp not only immortalises his contributions in the annals of Indian philately but also ensures that future generations remember his impact on Goa’s cultural and political history.

The beautifully designed first day cover and stamp feature imagery symbolic of Borkar’s life and values. This philatelic honour reflects how deeply rooted he is in Goa’s narrative of independence, progress, and community empowerment.

The event in Margao was attended by notable personalities from across Goa’s cultural and administrative landscape, with performances, readings, and reflections on Borkar’s life forming an important part of the evening. As the centenary year celebrations draw to a close, the release of this commemorative issue stands as a lasting tribute to a leader who inspired many.

The Government of Goa, through this symbolic gesture, reaffirms its commitment to honouring the legacy of figures who shaped the state’s journey — reminding us that remembering history is key to shaping a stronger future.

📍 Location: Ravindra Bhavan, Margao
📮 Event: Release of Commemorative Stamp and First Day Cover
🗓️ Occasion: Concluding Ceremony of Laxmidas Borkar Janmashatabdi Samaroh
🗣️ Chief Guest: Governor of Goa, Shri Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju